Vitamin
Folate (as Folic Acid)
Also known as: Folic acid, Vitamin B9, Pteroylmonoglutamate
Folate is an essential B vitamin critical for DNA synthesis, cell division, and homocysteine metabolism. Folic acid is the synthetic form used in supplements and fortified foods.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Folate (as Folic Acid) product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Thorne 5-MTHF 5 mg | 96 A | $1.13 |
| 2 | Thorne Craving and Stress Support | 93 A | $1.33 |
| 3 | Thorne Methyl-Guard® | 93 A | $0.93 |
| 4 | Thorne Methyl-Guard Plus | 91 A | $2.07 |
| 5 | Thorne 5-MTHF 1 mg | 90 A | $0.40 |
| 6 | Complement ForHer Hormone Balance and Longevity Multivitamin for Women | 89 A | $0.67 |
| 7 | Nutricost Pre-Workout For Women Powder | 89 A | $0.73 |
| 8 | Nutricost Pre-Workout Complex | 89 A | $0.83 |
| 9 | Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw B-Complex | 89 A | $0.50 |
| 10 | Thorne Advanced Nutrients | 88 A | $2.40 |
| 11 | Thorne Basic Nutrients 2/Day | 88 A | $0.60 |
| 12 | Thorne Basic Prenatal | 88 A | $1.23 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Folate (as Folic Acid) should I take?
The typical range is 200-400 mcg daily (non-pregnant); 400-800 mcg daily (pregnant or planning pregnancy). Safe for long-term use; particularly important during pregnancy and lactation
When should I take Folate (as Folic Acid)?
Any time of day. With or without food.
Which form of Folate (as Folic Acid) is best?
Folic acid (synthetic). Other forms in the catalog: Methylfolate (5-MTHF), Food folate.
Is Folate (as Folic Acid) safe?
Commonly reported: Well-tolerated at recommended doses, High doses (>5000 mcg) may cause bitter taste, nausea.
Which Folate (as Folic Acid) supplement scores highest?
Thorne 5-MTHF 5 mg, at 96/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Daily target & upper limit
400 mcg / day · UL 1000 mcgFolate (as Folic Acid) has an established daily reference intake. See best forms, label synonyms, upper-limit warnings, and top-scoring supplements:
Folate (as Folic Acid) dosage reference →Primary uses
- Pregnancy and fetal development support
- Homocysteine management
- Red blood cell formation
- DNA synthesis and cell division
- Neurological function
How it works
- Serves as a one-carbon donor in methylation and nucleotide synthesis pathways
- Required for DNA replication and repair
- Supports conversion of homocysteine to methionine
Dosage
- Typical range
- 200-400 mcg daily (non-pregnant); 400-800 mcg daily (pregnant or planning pregnancy)
- Timing
- Any time of day
- With food
- With or without food
- Duration
- Safe for long-term use; particularly important during pregnancy and lactation
- Special populations
- Pregnant/lactating women should use 400-800 mcg daily. Individuals with MTHFR mutations or absorption issues may benefit from methylfolate form.
Forms
- Folic acid (synthetic)· 70/100
- Methylfolate (5-MTHF)· 70/100
- Food folate· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Well-tolerated at recommended doses
- High doses (>5000 mcg) may cause bitter taste, nausea
Contraindications
- Undiagnosed pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency) — high folate may mask symptoms
- Certain seizure medications (phenytoin, phenobarbital) — monitor carefully
Products containing Folate (as Folic Acid)
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Folate (as Folic Acid) on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Strong RCT evidence supports folate supplementation in pregnancy for neural tube defect prevention. Good evidence for general DNA synthesis and cell division. Homocysteine-lowering effects are well-established.
Grade A: Multiple well-designed human trials support the main claims.
Related in Vitamin
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.