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The 7 Best Folate Supplements of 2024, According to a Dietitian

This supplement helps your body make new blood cells and can help prevent some birth defects

Best Folate Supplements

Verywell Health / Brian Kopinski

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin found naturally in foods such as dark leafy greens, beans, nuts, and peas. Most people get enough folate from food, but some people, including women of childbearing age and pregnant people, those with alcohol use disorder, people with digestive conditions that impair absorption (e.g., celiac disease), and people with genetic conditions that prevent folic acid from being converted to its active form are at risk for folate deficiency and may benefit from supplementation.

Folate is needed to make DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid) and helps produce healthy red blood cells. Folate may also play a role in heart health, protein metabolism, and even your risk for depression.

To compile our best folate supplements list, our dietitians analyzed the latest research on the forms of folate and the ideal dosage, spoke with trusted experts in the field, examined supplements on the market, and prioritized third-party tested products.

The Forms of Folate and Folate Safety

There are different chemical forms of folate that can impact how absorbable the vitamin is. Folate is the general term used to describe the various forms of vitamin B9, and it's found naturally in foods like spinach, beans, nuts, and peas, but not in supplements. You'll find two types of folate supplements on the market—this information will help you choose the right one for you.

  • Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate used in supplements and fortified foods, like bread, because it is more heat-stable than folate. Folic acid—from supplements and fortified foods—has been proven to reduce Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) in babies, making it an important nutrient for pregnancy.
  • Methylfolate (also called L-5-MTHF, 5-methyl-folate, L-methylfolate, or 5-MTHF) and folinic acid are in some folate supplements. These are the active forms of folate found naturally in foods. Folic acid is converted to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) in the liver.

The CDC recommends people who are or may become pregnant take folic acid. However, emerging research shows that people may benefit more from the active form of folate, 5-MTHF. Because of the CDC recommendation and because folic acid supplements are easy to find and often more affordable, we've included both folic acid and methylfolate in this list. That said, a healthcare provider can give further guidance on which form is best for you.

An important note on safety: Folate supplements may interfere with certain medications such as methotrexate, diuretics, NSAIDs, immunosuppressants, and some anti-seizure medications, so check with a healthcare provider before you start this or any supplement.

Editor's Note

Our team of registered dietitians reviews and evaluates every single supplement we recommend according to our dietary supplement methodology. From there, a registered dietitian on our Expert Review Board reviews each article for scientific accuracy.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and to find out what dosage to take.

Pros
  • 400 mcg of active form of folate

  • Third-party tested

  • Vegan

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Dose not high enough for pregnancy and lactation

Key Specs:

Form: capsule | Type: (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF) | Dose: 400 mcg DFE of 5-MTHF | Third-Party Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 90

Who's It For

Best for general use, especially if you are vegan.

Why We Recommend It

Doctor’s Best Fully Active Folate is our top pick as it's an affordable, third-party tested supplement—meaning it's been tested for ingredient amounts and contaminants. Doctor's Best delivers 400 mcg DFE of the metabolically active form of folate, (6S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, which is a form of folate that can be immediately used by the body. This is because it does not have to be altered in the small intestine in order to be absorbed and utilized. This supplement also has 40 mg of vitamin C, which is added to stabilize the folate molecule.

Doctor’s Best Fully Active Folate is also gluten-free, non-GMO, and suitable for vegans. They suggest that you take this pill once daily between meals.

Things To Consider

  • Keep in mind that folate and vitamin B12 work together to make new blood cells. However, taking too much folate can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency, leading to anemia. Folate can correct anemia from lack of B12, but not the underlying nerve damage from being deficient in B12 long term. Therefore, if you are vegan and taking folate, make sure you get adequate vitamin B12 from foods or take a B12 supplement.
  • This supplement does not contain enough folate or all of the nutrients required in pregnancy.
Pros
  • Provides folate in the active forms

  • Provides other nutrients needed for pregnancy

  • Capsules can be opened and mixed into smoothies

Cons
  • Large serving size of 8 capsules per day

  • Expensive

Key Specs:

Form: Capsule | Type: L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate calcium, calcium folinate (5-MTHF and folinic acid) | Dose: 1,360 mcg DFE (800 mcg) | Third-Party Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 30

Who's It For

Best for women who are looking to conceive, pregnant, or lactating.

Why We Recommend It

FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin was made with the most recent research on the best forms of folate for fertility and pregnancy in mind. As a result, this prenatal vitamin has evidence-based forms and doses of folate, along with other nutrients needed during pregnancy. 

It’s crucial to get enough folate before becoming pregnant to reduce the risk of NTDs (Neural Tube Defects), and the CDC strongly recommends taking folic acid if you are pregnant. However, emerging research suggests that taking methylfolate is better than taking folic acid. Folic acid is found in many prenatal supplements, but folic acid has to be converted to folate in the body, and some people lack the enzyme to do this. Others may have digestive conditions that prevent folate from being fully absorbed or take medication that interferes with folate absorption. FullWell contains the active forms of folate, L-5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate calcium, and calcium folinate (folinic acid), the same types found in food. In addition to delivering 1,360 mcg DFE (800 mcg) of folate, FullWell also has the active form of vitamin B12, magnesium, choline, and calcium to support a healthy pregnancy.

FullWell is third-party-tested and uses non-GMO ingredients. This supplement can be purchased one time or as an auto-renewing subscription service.

Things To Consider

  • FullWell Prenatal Multivitamin purposefully does not have iron or omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients are important for pregnancy, so check with a healthcare provider for what is best for your prenatal needs.
  • The main downside to FullWell is that the serving size is eight capsules per day. However, they can be opened up and mixed into smoothies or other cold beverages to make it easier to take.
Pros
  • USP verified

  • Gluten-free, no artificial colors or preservatives

  • Easy to swallow

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • Not suitable for those who can’t metabolize folic acid

  • Dose not high enough for pregnancy and lactation

Key Specs:

Form: Tablet | Type: Folic acid | Dose: 665 mcg DFE (400 mcg folic acid) | Third-Party Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 250 

Who's It For

Best option if you don't have any digestive concerns that impact absorption (celiac disease, for instance). Also great for people who like the convenience of a subscription service.

Why We Recommend It

We love that Nature Made Folic Acid is USP verified, which means it’s third-party tested for ingredients and doesn’t have harmful levels of contaminants. The small, easy-to-swallow tablets deliver 400 mcg of folic acid—the daily recommended amount for adults.

There are 250 tablets in this budget-friendly bottle of Nature Made Folic Acid, which will last you eight months. Nature Made Folic Acid is also gluten-free and doesn’t contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.

Things To Consider

Note that this dose is not high enough for pregnancy and lactation. 

Pros
  • USP verified

  • Provides all B vitamins

  • Budget-friendly

Cons
  • May not be suitable for people who can’t metabolize folic acid 

  • Dose not high enough for pregnancy and lactation

Key Specs:

Form: Tablet | Type: Folic acid | Dose: 666 mcg DFE (400 mcg folic acid) | Third-Party Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 500

Who's It For

Best if you have a limited diet, are an older adult, recovering from bariatric surgery or have certain gastrointestinal disorders.

Why We Recommend It

All the B vitamins play a role in energy metabolism, memory, and mood, and a B-complex supplement provides folate plus all the other B vitamins. Kirkland Signature Super B-Complex with Electrolytes delivers not only 400 mcg of folic acid—the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for adults—but has the other B vitamins, including thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, biotin, and pantothenic acid. This is especially important if you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet and may not be getting enough B vitamins through food. Older adults, people recovering from bariatric surgery (who are limited in how much they can eat), and people who are suffering from gastrointestinal disorders that limit the absorption of nutrients may benefit from a B complex rather than just a folate supplement.

This option provides 222% Daily Value of vitamin C and low amounts of electrolytes, including sodium and potassium. Vitamin C plays an important role in wound healing and our immune function. Plus, it helps convert the folic acid to its active form to be used in our body. Each bottle has 500 tablets, and we like that it is USP verified—one of our recommended third-party testing organizations.

Things To Consider

Note this folate supplement is not a good fit for those who can’t metabolize folic acid, and it isn't high enough of a dose for pregnancy and lactation needs.

Pros
  • Tablet size less than one centimeter

  • Vegan, kosher, free from common food allergens

  • Budget-friendly

  • Also contains vitamin B12

Cons
  • Not suitable for people who can’t metabolize folic acid

Key Specs:

Form: Tablet | Type: Folic acid | Dose: 1,360 mcg DFE (800 mcg folic acid) | Third-Party Certified: No | Servings Per Container: 250

Who's It For

Best for those who are following a vegan diet and need a higher dose of folate (twice the RDA).

Why We Recommend It

If you don’t like swallowing big pills, NOW’s folic acid supplement is for you. Each tablet is less than 1 centimeter in size, making it easy to take, and it is an inexpensive folate option. One tablet has 800 mcg of folic acid, which is twice the RDA but less than the upper limit of 1,000 mcg/day. 

NOW Folic Acid also has 25 mcg (1,042% daily value) of vitamin B12 as cyanocobalamin. It can especially be important for those following a vegan diet to take B12 along with folate, as folate supplements could hide a vitamin B12 deficiency.

We appreciate that NOW conducts comprehensive in-house testing on the safety, purity, and quality of their supplements, and that this supplement fits a variety of dietary needs. It is vegan, free of common food allergens, kosher, halal, and non-GMO.

Things To Consider

  • This supplement is not a good fit for those who can’t metabolize folic acid because of an MTHFR gene variant; speak to a healthcare professional if this is a concern.
  • If you are already taking a B12 supplement or eat a good amount of animal protein, the B12 in this supplement may be excessive for you.
Pros
  • Contains active forms of folate & B12

  • Free of common food allergens

  • Vegan

Cons
  • Not third-party certified

Key Specs:

Form: Capsule | Type: L-5-MTHF | Dose: 1,333 mcg DFE (800 mcg L-5-MTHF) | Third-Party Certified: No | Servings Per Container: 60

Who's It For

Best for anyone who is at higher risk of a B12 deficiency, such as those who are following a vegan diet, have had a part of the stomach or intestines removed, or suffer from conditions like Crohn's disease or HIV.

Why We Recommend It

Pure Encapsulations B12 and Folate supplement contains the active forms of folate and vitamin B12. It has 1,333 mcg DFE (800 mcg L-5-MTHF) of methylfolate and 800 mcg of vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin. Folate and B12 together support healthy blood cells and energy metabolism. Also, a deficiency in folate or vitamin B12 can cause megaloblastic anemia. This is a condition when the body produces abnormally large blood cells that don’t function properly. Plus, taking too much folate can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. This is why it's important to have an adequate intake of both vitamin B12 and folate, and this supplement combo helps ensure you get enough of each.

Pure Encapsulation B12 and Folate is vegan, making it a good option for those who consume a plant-based diet and who are also at a higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. (Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products.) It's also gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and non-GMO.

Things To Consider

While they aren’t certified by one of our preferred third-party organizations, Pure Encapsulation’s ingredients are tested for identity, potency, contaminants, metals, and allergens.

Pros
  • Contains the active form of folate

  • Contains the active form of vitamin B12

  • NSF Certified for Sport

Cons
  • Expensive 

Key Specs:

Form: Capsule | Type: 5-MTHF | Dose: 400 mcg as 5-MTHF | Third-Party Certified: Yes | Servings Per Container: 30

Who's It For

Best for athletes and also anyone who prefers an all-in-one supplement.

Why We Recommend It

While most multivitamins have folic acid, we like that Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day is a multivitamin with the active form of folate, 5-MTHF. Along with methylfolate, Thorne also provides 600 mcg of vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin—the active form of vitamin B12 naturally found in food.

Thorne is a reputable supplement brand and is NSF Certified for Sport, meaning it is third-party tested for label ingredients, amounts, contaminants, and prohibited substances in athletics. Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day is free of gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors.

This multivitamin also includes 100% of your daily value needs for essential vitamins and minerals—like vitamins A, C, D, E, K, and zinc—making this a well-rounded option if you don't get much variety in your diet.

Things To Consider

This multivitamin is a good source of most vitamins and minerals, but note it does not have iron and is low in calcium. A healthcare professional can help determine if this option is best for your individual needs.

Where We Stand

Our top pick for a folate supplement is Doctor’s Best Fully Active Folate, because it is third-party tested, contains the active form of folate, and is fairly affordable. If you're thinking about getting pregnant or are pregnant, folate is crucial, and we recommend FullWell's Women's Prenatal Multivitamin. This option is also third-party tested, contains the active form, and includes other important vitamins for a mom-to-be.

Who Should Consider Taking a Folate Supplement?

Most people get enough folate from food, so it is rare to have a folate deficiency. However, some people might benefit from a folate supplement—and it might even be necessary for certain people.

The following types of people would benefit from taking a folate supplement:

  • People of childbearing age. Half of pregnancies in the United States are unplanned, and most people don’t find out they are pregnant until the neural tube has already been formed. Therefore, having adequate folate before becoming pregnant is crucial. The CDC recommends that women of reproductive age take 400 micrograms (mcg) per day of folic acid, in addition to any folate from food, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects. Some healthcare providers recommend taking methylfolate instead of folic acid since it doesn’t have to be converted in the body. Check with a healthcare professional to determine which is best for you.
  • Pregnant people. Your folate needs increase in pregnancy from 400 mcg of folic acid per day to 600 mcg a day. If you are planning to become pregnant or are already pregnant, it is recommended to take a prenatal vitamin with 600 mcg of folic acid starting at least one month before becoming pregnant.
  • People with certain genetic conditions. If you have taken a genetic test and learned that you have a methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variant (the most common one is MTHFR 677 CT) that prevents folic acid from being converted to the active form of folate, your provider might recommend you take a supplement with methylfolate, even though the CDC recommends folic acid. Even if you don’t have a genetic condition that interferes with folate, some providers still recommend methylfolate over folic acid. This is because recent research shows that more people than originally thought may have difficulty converting folic acid to methylfolate, and unmetabolized folic acid in the body may carry some risks. "Roughly half of the population has an impaired ability to use folic acid, so this is a much bigger issue than a lot of people realize," says Ayla Barmmer, MS, RD, LDN, registered dietitian and founder of FullWell.
  • People with alcohol use disorder. Alcohol interferes with folate absorption, and people with alcohol use disorder might consume a diet low in folate.
  • People with malabsorptive disorders. Digestive conditions like celiac disease and inflammatory bowel disease can reduce the absorption of folate.A healthcare provider can give further guidance if a folate supplement would be helpful if you have one of these conditions.
  • People with MTHFR gene variants. Some people have a genetic variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene and cannot fully convert folic acid into the active form of folate, 5-MTHF. “We don't know how many people have the MTHFR gene variation, not everyone gets this (sometimes very expensive) test. It's likely more people than what may have initially been estimated,” says Willow Jarosh, MS, RD, registered dietitian. Taking a folate supplement with methylfolate may be better than taking folic acid for this population. Note that research is ongoing for the best folate supplement form for this population. The CDC still recommends taking 400 mcg of folic acid, not 5-MTHF. However, some healthcare providers disagree, and emerging research shows that 5-MTHF may be superior. Jarosh, for instance, recommends the methylated version for this reason.
  • People with depression. Studies show that supplements with methylfolate can help improve symptoms in people with depression, in both those who take antidepressants and those who don’t take antidepressants.

What To Look For

Our team works hard to be transparent about why we recommend certain supplements; you can read more about our dietary supplement methodology here.

  • Ingredients: Based on your specific needs, you may want to consider a folate supplement that includes other ingredients such as B12, vitamin C, or even a mix of vitamins and minerals, as in a multivitamin.
  • Allergens: If you have any food allergies or sensitivities, always check the ingredient list to ensure that the supplement that you are selecting is safe for you.
  • Third-party testing: Vitamins that are third-party tested are sent to a lab where they are tested to ensure they contain what they say they contain and are not contaminated with specific high-risk, common contaminants. 

Ingredients & Potential Interactions

It is essential to carefully read the ingredient list and nutrition facts panel of a supplement to know which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included, relative to the recommended daily value of that ingredient. Please bring the supplement label to a healthcare provider to review the different ingredients contained in the supplement and any potential interactions between these ingredients and other supplements and medications you are taking.

Folate supplements can interact with several medications including methotrexate, sulfasalazine, anti-seizure medications, immunosuppressants, NSAIDs, barbiturates, diuretics, and pyrimethamine (an anti-malarial drug). Check with your healthcare provider before taking folate supplements, especially if you’re taking other medications. 

Folate Dosage

The Recommended Dietary Allowances (RDAs) for folate are measured in micrograms (mcg) of dietary folate equivalents (DFEs), which account for the different absorption rates of folate from food versus folic acid.

Taking too much folate from supplements or fortified foods can hide a vitamin B12 deficiency. Being deficient in vitamin B12 can lead to permanent brain and nerve damage. Taking too much folic acid may also increase the risk of some cancers, although more research is needed.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the RDAs for folate are as follows, as well as the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), which you should not go above: 

  • Birth-6 months: 65 mcg DFE for boys and girls (UL not established)
  • 7-12 months: 80 mcg DFE for boys and girls (UL not established)
  • 1-3 years: 150 mcg DFE for boys and girls (UL 300 mcg)
  • 4-8 years: 200 mcg DFE for boys and girls (UL 400 mcg)
  • 9-13 years: 300 mcg DFE for boys and girls (UL 600 mcg)
  • 14-18 years: 400 mcg DFE for boys and girls (UL 800 mcg)
  • 19+ years: 400 mcg DFE for men and women (UL 1,000 mcg)
  • Pregnancy: 600 mcg DFE for teens and adults (UL 14-18 years is 800 mcg; 19+ is 1,000 mcg)
  • Lactation: 500 mcg DFE for teens and adults (UL 14-18 years is 800 mcg; 19+ is 1,000 mcg)

If taking methylfolate, Barmmer says, “800-1000 mcg daily of methylfolate and/or folinic acid is adequate for most. Some people may need more if they are very deficient or have poor absorption—for example, those with IBD [inflammatory bowel disease] or celiac disease.” It’s okay to take a folate supplement every day, but you should not take more than 1,000 mcg of folic acid per day unless directed by a healthcare provider.

Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs and to understand which dosage to take.

Our Experts

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the best form of folate to take?

    Getting folate from food is best unless you have higher needs, such as during pre-conception and pregnancy. If you're taking a supplement, Barmmer says, “Methylfolate is the best choice as it is more bioavailable and well tolerated, regardless of your genetics (re: MTHFR) and stage of life." 

    Barmmer adds that the active form of folate is also best for people who take medications that interfere with folate metabolism, like NSAIDs, diuretics, or immunosuppressants.

    It’s worth noting that the CDC recommends taking folic acid, not methylfolate. Check with your healthcare provider for what form of folate would be best for you.

  • Is it better to take folate or folic acid?

    “Choosing between folate and folic acid depends on a person's unique needs,” says Manaker. The CDC recommends that those who are pregnant or plan to become pregnant take folic acid. However, many experts recommend taking folate in the active form, 5-MTHF. 

    Prenatal dietitian, Kristin Brown, RD, agrees, “There is some concern as to whether or not everyone can adequately convert folic acid into folate due to a variation in the MTHFR gene. And for that reason, I often recommend taking folate in the methylated form.”

Why Trust Verywell Health

Lainey Younkin, MS, RD is a Registered Dietitian who works with women, many who are in perimenopause, to help them lose weight sustainably. She analyzed the latest nutrition research and spoke to trusted dietitians who specialize in hormones and menopause to compile the list of menopause supplements in this article.

18 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
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Lainey Younkin Verywell Fit

By Lainey Younkin, MS, RD
Lainey Younkin is a Weight Loss Dietitian with a virtual private practice. She has a Bachelor's in Food Science - Nutrition and Dietetics from Clemson University and a Master's in Nutrition Communication from the Tufts Friedman School. Her work has appeared in EatingWell Magazine, EatingWell.com, and Tufts Nutrition Magazine and she has been featured in Healthline, Everyday Health, The Today Show, and more.