Folic acid (vitamin B9), is a crucial nutrient for a healthy body. It plays a vital role in the production of red blood cells and DNA, and is essential for fetal development during pregnancy.
While folic acid can be obtained through a balanced diet, sometimes our bodies need an extra boost. But with so many supplements available, it can sometimes be overwhelming to choose the right one. So we did the research for you.
In this buyer's guide, we'll explore everything you ever wanted to know about folic acid, plus the top 5 supplements worth considering. Whether you're pregnant or simply looking to maintain optimal health, this guide will help you make an informed decision.
What Is Folic Acid?
Folic acid (also know as folate) is a B-vitamin that is essential for our health. It plays an important role in many bodily processes, including the production of red blood cells and DNA.
Folic acid is particularly important for pregnant women, as it can help prevent birth defects in the baby's brain and spine.
It also helps support the immune system and may reduce the risk of certain types of cancer, such as colon and breast cancer according to some research. In addition, some studies show that it may help improve mental health and reduce the risk of depression.
Taking a good quality supplement can be a great way to ensure you are getting enough of this important nutrient if you aren't meeting your needs from diet alone.
Folic Acid or Folate?
Folic acid and folate are both forms of vitamin B9, which are essential for a healthy body. Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 that is commonly found in fortified foods and supplements.
On the other hand, folate is the natural form of vitamin B9 that is present in whole foods like leafy green vegetables, legumes, and fruits.
While folic acid is typically more stable than folate, it is not suitable for everyone. Some people have genetic variations that make it difficult for them to convert folic acid into the active form of folate that the body needs.
This is why folate is considered the better choice, especially for pregnant women, as it helps prevent birth defects and supports healthy fetal development.
Therefore, when looking for a folic acid supplement, it is recommended to choose one that contains methylfolate, the active form of folate, for better absorption and utilisation by the body.
2025 Supplement Buyers Guide
With so many options available, it can be difficult to know which supplement to choose.
In this guide, we will outline the top things you should look for in a high-quality supplement, so you can make an informed decision and ensure you are getting the most out of your supplement.
Let's take a closer look at some of the important things to consider when it comes to shopping for a quality product...
3 Things To Look For:
1
5-MTHF
When looking for a folate supplement, choosing a form of folate that is well-absorbed is important to ensure effectiveness.
5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) and Quatrefolic (glucosamine salt of 5-MTHF) are two forms of folate that have several advantages.
5-MTHF and Quatrefolic have been shown to have higher bioavailability compared to other forms of folate - meaning that more is used by the body.
2
Dosage
The recommended daily intake of folate is 400-800 mcg for most adults, although certain individuals may require higher doses due to specific health conditions.
Make sure the supplement you choose provides the appropriate dosage for your needs.
Good quality folate supplements should provide at least 400 mcg of folate per serving in order to be effective.
3
Price
Compare prices of different brands and types of folate supplements.
However, keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best quality.
Consider the value and effectiveness of the supplement when making your decision.
A supplement that contains high quality ingredients and is free from additives will typically cost more, but is often worth the investment in your health.
What To Avoid:
Fillers & Additives
When purchasing supplements, it is important to avoid additives, fillers, and bulking agents such as cornstarch, talc & iron oxide, in order to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that is both safe and effective.
These substances are often added to supplements to reduce the cost of manufacturing, but they can also dilute the potency of the active ingredients and cause adverse reactions in some individuals.
By choosing supplements that are free from these additives, you can be confident that you are getting a pure, high-quality product that will help you achieve your health and wellness goals without any unnecessary risks or side effects
Your Supplement Checklist:
GMP Standards
Buy from a reputable brand that submits their products for multiple rounds of quality testing, from raw ingredients to finished product. Look for products manufactured to the GMP code of conduct. This is a strict set of manufacturing and quality processes that help to ensure you're getting a premium quality, safe and effective product. Look for a manufacturer which adheres to GMP practices and displays this on their website or packaging.
Money Back Guarantee
It's important that any manufacturer stands behind their product and is willing to give your money back if you aren't happy with the results. Many manufacturers now offer an extended returns policy or 100% satisfaction guarantee for as long as 30 or 60 days. This gives you plenty of time to try the supplement "risk free" to make sure it's what you're looking for.
#1 Folate Supplement For 2025: Puro Folate by Purolabs
For its premium quality ingredients list and ultra clean formula that's free from hidden nasties, Puro Folate is going to be the best bet for most people.
Each capsule delivers a potent dose of highly advanced Quatrefolic® methylfolate (one of the highest quality forms available), as well as glucosamine to support absorption.
This product is also 100% free from sketchy additives, fillers & bulking agents that are commonly found in most supplements.
But what really sets it apart is the truly comprehensive 60 day, 100% satisfaction guarantee - allowing you to try the product risk-free for 60 days to ensure you see the benefits.
Why You'll Love Puro Folate
Advanced Quatrefolic® methylfolate that's easier for your body to absorb.
Made in the United Kingdom to GMP standards & rigorously tested for purity & quality.
Tasteless, vegan-friendly capsules in a convenient travel-friendly bottle.
Our #1 Pick
Purolabs
Puro Folate
From £18.33 per bottle
With an ultra clean formula that's 100% free of any fillers or unnecessary ingredients, this product has hundreds of verified 5-star reviews. Feedback from customers is also extremely impressive - with many people impressed with both the product and the customer service offered by this fast growing brand.
Ratings Breakdown
Quality
The commitment to quality is second-to-none. They focus on the highest-quality, most clinically-tested ingredients without the usual additives or fillers commonly found in most supplements.
Quality
The commitment to quality is second-to-none. They focus on the highest-quality, most clinically-tested ingredients without the usual additives & fillers found in most supplements.
Value
You can definitely find folate supplements cheaper - but if you want true value for money, we think it's worth the investment in your health.
Value
You can definitely find folate supplements cheaper - but if you want true value for money, we think it's worth the investment in your health.
Customer Experience
The website is easy to navigate; the delivery is fast and free; and the items come well-packaged. Customer feedback is excellent.
Customer Experience
The website is easy to navigate; the delivery is fast and free; and the items come well-packaged. Customer feedback is excellent.
Brand
While a relative newcomer, the brand has been on the scene for a couple of years now, slowly building their reputation for quality products with premium ingredients.
Brand
While a relative newcomer, the brand has been on the scene for a couple of years now, slowly building their reputation for quality products with premium ingredients
Perks
The product comes with a truly risk-free 60 day 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can try the product first to ensure it's suitable for you.
Perks
The product comes with a truly risk-free 60 day 100% satisfaction guarantee so you can try the product first to ensure it's suitable for you.
Shop Our #1 Pick
Puro Folate by Purolabs
Other Options Worth Considering:
MethylPro is a vegan, non-GMO supplement from a US-based manufacturer that combines high strength methylfolate, calcium salt (Extrafolate S®) & glycine.
This vegan-friendly option is free from unnecessary ingredients and has some great customer feedback.
Each bottle contains 90 capsules and lasts for around 30 days with normal usage, costing around £98.58 at the time of writing.
This vegan-friendly formula from popular manufacturer Pure Encapsulations contains a naturally occurring, universally metabolised form of folate known as Metafolin.
Each capsule is made with the highest quality ingredients and is verified free of synthetic additives.
Each bottle contains 90 capsules at £28.99 and the manufacturer also offer a 30 day money back guarantee across their entire range.
Genestra Brands Active Folate provides 1,000 mcg of folate per day from Metafolin in a natural and biologically active form.
This product is also dairy free, gluten free, and suitable for vegans. Just one capsule daily is all you need to get your daily folate boost.
Each bottle of 90 capsules costs around £27 and is enough to last for approximately one month.
Life Extension Optimised Folate contains 1,700 mcg of folate in the optimal form of 5-MTHF for superior absorption & effectiveness.
Life Extension also offer a 100% money-back guarantee which is great if you’re trying the supplement out for the first time.
While tablets aren't quite as clean as capsules, this is a solid & budget-friendly option. Each bottle of 100 vegetarian tablets costs £25.
Shop Our #1 Pick
Puro Folate by Purolabs
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