Skip to main content

Vitamin

Folate

Also known as: Folic acid, Vitamin B9, 5-MTHF, Methylfolate

A
Evidence

Essential B vitamin for DNA synthesis, cell division, and methylation. Critical during pregnancy.

Primary uses

  • Neural tube defect prevention
  • DNA synthesis
  • Fertility
  • Preconception
  • Cell division
  • Methylation
  • Neural tube development

How it works

  • One-carbon metabolism
  • DNA/RNA synthesis
  • Homocysteine metabolism
  • Methylation support

Dosage

Typical range
400-800mcg daily
Timing
Any time
With food
Optional
Duration
Long-term safe
Special populations
Pregnancy critical, MTHFR variants

Forms

  • Methylfolate (5-MTHF)
  • Folic acid
  • Folinic acid

Safety

Common side effects

  • Very safe

Contraindications

  • None at normal doses

Known interactions

Evidence notes

Essential vitamin critical for development

Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.

Related in Vitamin

Check a full stack

Formulate's free interaction checker lets you paste in any combination of supplements and medications at once — every pairing flags severity, timing, and cited evidence.

Open the checker

Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider.