Best Folic Acid Supplements & Brands Reviewed
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Folic acid supplementation is also especially important for pregnant women to prevent birth defects, premature delivery, and other pregnant complications. It’s important for pregnant women to choose their folic acid supplements wisely to ensure that folic acid deficiency doesn’t interfere with pregnancy.
Selecting a high-quality folic acid supplement is very important to the supplement’s overall effectiveness. That’s why we’ve done in-depth research, reviewed the best folic acid supplements on the market, and evaluated them by what makes them different from each other.
- Bronson Vitamins
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Our rating - Organic & High Potency
- Price: See Here
- Sundown Naturals
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Our rating - Non-GMO
- Price: See Here
- NOW Foods
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Our rating - Affordable
- Price: See Here
Our criteria for evaluation includes the ingredients, quality, ideal user, value, and brand. We prioritize products that indicate the folic acid is derived from a healthy source and that contain minimal added ingredients. We also prioritize products with added vitamin B12, since the two B vitamins work closely together.
While folic acid supplements are popular among pregnant and lactating women, folic acid supplements also appeal to people looking to boost their heart and immune health. Many of these supplements have their specific benefits labeled on the packaging, so it’s easy to determine which products promote the benefits you’re looking for.
We also found that supplement manufacturers take various lifestyles into account. Most of these products are suitable for vegetarians and vegans, and many of them are certified gluten-free and even kosher and halal.
Needs may vary per person, so we reviewed a variety of folic acid supplements with different features to help you narrow down your options to the folic acid supplement that’s right for you.
11 Best Folic Acid Supplements & Brands
1. Bronson Vitamins
There are very few organic options when it comes to folic acid supplements because folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B9. However, Bronson Vitamins uniquely utilizes organic lemon peel extract since citrus fruits are high in natural folic acid. This is a high-quality supplement that still maintains a great value with a 360-day supply.
Best Folic Acid Brand
Bronson Vitamins has a 60-year legacy of pharmacists working directly with physicians to improve the health and wellness of their patients. Not all their products are organic, but they strive to use pure and natural ingredients wherever possible.
Ingredients
This organic folic acid supplement is uniquely formulated with organic lemon peel extract. It doesn’t contain vitamin B12 or any other vitamins since it’s not a multivitamin, and it does contain some filler ingredients like corn syrup and rice. This product is closer to natural sources of vitamin B9 than synthetic folic acid, so it appeals to people living a holistic, all-natural lifestyle.
Who it’s for
This supplement is best for people following an organic lifestyle. The high dose of 800 mcg isn’t necessary for non-pregnant women and adult men who only need 400 mcg daily, so this supplement is best for pregnant women or people who are deficient in folic acid.
Quality
Bronson Vitamins uses a manufacturing facility that is Food and Drug Administration (FDA) registered and approved and Current Good Manufacturing Practice inspected. They utilize the best ingredients possible, including USDA certified ingredients.
Value
For an all-organic product that is highly potent and will last a year, this supplement is a great value for those who can afford a slightly higher cost for the quality.
- Organic
- Folic acid sourced from organic lemon peel extract
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Small, easy-to-swallow tablets
- Bottle lasts for almost 1 year
- Contains additives like corn syrup and rice
2. Sundown Naturals
While many folic acid supplements are geared towards prenatal health, here’s one that promotes cardiovascular health. With 400 mcg per serving, this supplement meets the average person’s daily requirement for folic acid while promoting heart health.
#2 Folic Acid Brand
Sundown Naturals is a 100% GMO-free brand of gluten-free and allergen friendly supplements. The company has been creating quality supplements with state-of-the-art procedures for over 40 years.
Ingredients
Folic acid is the main ingredient in this supplement, which means it’s not a B-complex supplement or multivitamin. This supplement provides the adequate dose of 400 mcg for the average adult.
Who it’s for
400 mcg is the recommended daily allowance for adult men and adult women who are not pregnant, so this supplement is suitable for many people.
Quality
With multiple manufacturing facilities in the United States, Sundown Naturals has their own rigorous testing procedures and a team of highly skilled researchers and nutrition experts. They conduct independent quality assurance audits for optimal product quality and safety.
Value
With 40% more servings than other folic acid supplements with a dose of 400 mcg, this is a better value than some supplements that don’t last a full year.
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- No dairy
- No artificial flavors
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Bottle lasts for 1 year
- Contains filler ingredients such as silica
3. NOW Foods
This B-complex vitamin by NOW Foods is one of the most affordable options while maintaining a higher dose of folic acid. It also contains vitamin B12 for metabolism support and to prevent deficiency. This is a great folic acid supplement to try for the first time since it’s the Best Value on our list.
#3 Folic Acid Brand
NOW Foods has been dedicated to making safe and affordable supplements accessible to everyone for over 50 years. The company also strives towards environmental sustainability as they work to reduce their carbon footprint.
Ingredients
This supplement uniquely combines 800 mcg of folic acid with 25 mcg of vitamin B12. Taking too much folic acid may mask the symptoms of vitamin B12, so this supplement prevents users from having to take two separate B vitamin supplements.
Who it’s for
This folic acid supplement has added vitamin B12 for metabolism support. This is a suitable option for people who want to boost their metabolism while reaping the benefits of folic acid.
Quality
NOW Foods supplements are regulated more than pharmaceutical drugs to ensure safety and quality. Their laboratories perform approximately 16,000 tests per month on ingredients and products, and they are Good Manufacturing Practices certified.
Value
With an 8-month supply of folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements, this is one of the best-value options.
- Eco-friendly
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Added vitamin B12 makes it a two-in-one
- Small, easy-to-swallow tablets
- Affordable option
- Must be taken with a meal
4. Solgar
The Solgar folic acid supplement is an eco-friendly option that’s suitable for multiple lifestyles: vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal, non-GMO, and gluten-free. This product can also sustain the average person’s daily requirements for folic acid with 400 mcg per tablet. If you have a specialty diet, this is likely the supplement for you.
#4 Folic Acid Brand
For 70 years, Solgar has provided innovative and top-quality nutritional supplements to the market. They strive to create products that are as natural and eco-friendly as possible. Solgar clearly labels its products when they are kosher certified, vegan friendly, and gluten-free.
Ingredients
The main ingredient in this supplement is 400 mcg of folic acid. The supplement does contain some filler ingredients like silica. The coating of the tablet is water-based, which is a healthier alternative to shellac tablets.
Who it’s for
This product is geared toward people who want to promote their heart health and prenatal support. The average adult requires 400 mcg of folic acid daily, so this supplement will meet the average person’s needs. It’s also a great option for people following various lifestyles (vegan, kosher, halal, gluten-free, etc.).
Quality
Solgar uses its own laboratory and manufacturing facilities to evaluate and produce supplements according to their gold standard for quality. Their state-of-the-art procedures includes reverse osmosis water purification, air filtration, and food-grade cleanliness practices.
Value
For the quality and length of supply, the Solgar folic acid supplement is a great value at an affordable price.
- Non-GMO
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Promotes cardiovascular and prenatal health
- Allergen friendly
- Kosher and halal certified
- Coated with water instead of shellac
- Eco-friendly, recyclable glass bottles
- Bottle lasts for 8 months
- Contains filler ingredients like silica
5. Futurebiotics
Folic acid is man-made, so there aren’t many organic options. However, this brand utilizes organic lemon peel extract for its folic acid, so it’s a more natural option. Maintaining a high potency of 800 mcg, it’s a suitable option for pregnant women who want to know where their supplements are derived from.
#5 Folic Acid Brand
Futurebiotics has been perfecting their products for more than 30 years. They are dedicated to turning the latest research into quality nutritional supplementation. They offer a variety of organic, vegetarian-friendly, and affordable supplements.
Ingredients
The folic acid in this supplement comes from organic lemon peel extract, so it’s a very potent yet natural ingredient. It also contains some filler ingredients like corn syrup and rice.
Who it’s for
This supplement is for health-conscious people who prefer natural supplements over synthetic ones. The high potency meets the recommended 800 mcg daily for pregnant women, making it an excellent option for expecting or lactating mothers.
Quality
All Futurebiotics products are made in their own manufacturing facility that is Good Manufacturing Practices certified and FDA-inspected. Their folic acid supplement is derived from organic lemon peel extract, which means it is closer to natural folate than synthetic folic acid.
Value
This product is listed at an affordable rate but must be replaced more frequently than other brands. For the high quality of folic acid derived from plant extracts, it’s a great value.
- Guarantees bioavailability of folic acid
- Promotes prenatal and cardiovascular health
- Organic
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Good manufacturing practices certified
- Folic acid sourced from organic lemon peel extract
- Cheaper than other organic supplements
- Organic products are slightly more expensive
- Contains additives like corn syrup and rice
6. Pure Encapsulations
This folic acid supplement by Pure Encapsulations is the only hypoallergenic option on our list, making it the perfect product for someone with severe allergies. Not only are the ingredients allergen-free, they’re pure and minimal–just the folic acid and the capsule itself. If pure ingredients are important to you, you can feel great about consuming Pure Encapsulations products. Their motto speaks to the purity of this folic acid supplement: Nothing But Pure.
#6 Folic Acid Brand
Pure Encapsulations has a 4-tier approach to the overall quality of their brand: conducting clinical trials, ensuring efficacy, trusted manufacturing, and creating hypoallergenic products. In partnership with a handful of certified health care practitioners, Pure Encapsulations is dedicated to creating a variety of pure, allergen-free health supplements that consumers can trust.
Ingredients
Each hypoallergenic capsule contains 800 mcg of folic acid, and the bottle provides 60 servings. The supplement contains only three ingredients: folic acid, hypoallergenic plant fiber, and a vegetarian capsule. The ingredients are the most allergen friendly we’ve found and safe for pregnant women and vegetarians to consume. This supplement is also non-GMO and free of additives and fillers.
Who it’s for
This folic acid supplement can be taken by pregnant women since it meets the recommended daily allowance with 800 mcg per serving. This product is also suitable for people with allergies to dairy, wheat, soy, eggs, and so on. It’s hypoallergenic, making it safe for people with extreme food allergies. Since the ingredients are so pure, this folic acid supplement is also ideal for the health-conscious shopper. If you diligently read product labels, this product is for you.
Quality
The people behind Pure Encapsulations are just as strict about quality as they are about purity. Not only are the raw materials individually tested for purity and potency, but each individual finished product is tested as well. Pure Encapsulations also works with leading health institutions and universities, such as The Cleveland Clinic and Stanford University, to conduct clinical trials and in-depth research on the efficacy of their products.
Value
This folic acid supplement is slightly more expensive than some products by well-known brands, but the hypoallergenic ingredients and quality make it worth the extra cost.
- Hypoallergenic
- Non-GMO
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Highly researched
- Minimal ingredients
- No additives
- No artificial ingredients
- Gluten-free
- Good Manufacturing Practices certified
- Slightly more expensive
- Bottle only lasts for 2 months
7. Nature's Bounty
Nature’s Bounty is a brand you likely know and love, which is how you know you’ll benefit greatly from their folic acid supplement. While this product is geared towards cardiovascular health, 800 mcg of folic acid in supplements is the average for pregnant and breastfeeding women, so this is a great option to boost prenatal and postnatal health, too.
#7 Folic Acid Brand
Nature’s Bounty is a leading brand that consumers have trusted for decades. They are committed to high-quality supplements at affordable prices. Their mission is to spread wellness to their customers.
Ingredients
The Nature’s Bounty folic acid supplement contains purely folic acid along with other added ingredients like maltodextrin and silica. The ingredients are allergen friendly and suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Who it’s for
The 800 mcg dosage is ideal for adults with higher folic acid needs, especially for cardiovascular health. Since this supplement is higher than the 400 mcg recommendation for the average adult, it should be taken with a vitamin B12 supplement to prevent deficiency of vitamin B12.
Quality
Nature’s Bounty facilities have been approved by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), which audits for quality and health standards, as well as the Specialized Technology Resources (STR), a firm that evaluates for quality assurance. They only source their ingredients from suppliers that follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP).
Value
Being a leading brand in the health and supplement industry, Nature’s Bounty has made their products extremely accessible and affordable. With a higher dosage and a long-lasting supply, this is one of the most cost-effective options on our list.
- Supports cardiovascular health
- Supports prenatal health
- Allergen friendly
- Third-party tested
- USP-approved
- Bottle lasts for 8 months
- Affordable option
- Contains added ingredients like silica
8. Nature Made
Being a leading brand in the health supplement industry, Nature Made is a name you’re probably already familiar with. This product also has added calcium and is a very affordable option.
#8 Folic Acid Brand
Nature Made is one of the leading supplement brands that can be found in nearly every drugstore in the United States. With over 40 years of expertise, they are committed to scientific research, high-quality products, and third-party accountability.
Ingredients
400 mcg of folic acid are combined with 74 mg of calcium, which is approximately 7% the daily need for calcium. Folic acid is usually an isolated supplement or combined in a B-complex supplement or multivitamin. The addition of calcium to this supplement is beneficial for women of childbearing age, but it is not a significant amount of calcium.
Who it’s for
It’s recommended that adults get 400 mcg of folic acid daily, so this is a great option for almost anyone, especially women who are planning on becoming pregnant.
Quality
This supplement is United States Pharmacopeia (USP) Verified, which means that the product contains what is listed on the label, doesn’t contain harmful levels of the ingredients, and has been manufactured in safe and sanitary conditions.
Value
This is a great value for adults who want to get their required 400 mcg of folic acid daily. The added calcium makes this supplement an even better value.
- United states pharmacopeia (USP) verified
- Added calcium (not a significant amount)
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Promotes heart and fetal health
- Affordable option
- Must be taken with a meal
9. Spring Valley
Being one of the cheapest options for the length of supply, the Spring Valley folic acid supplement may be the best option if you’re on a budget. It’s widely accessible and affordable while satisfying the average adult’s daily needs for folic acid. Take a quick trip to your local Wal-Mart if you can’t wait to get your hands on a folic acid supplement.
#9 Folic Acid Brand
Spring Valley is distributed mainly by Wal-Mart, so it’s a very accessible and affordable brand of vitamins and supplements.
Ingredients
The main ingredient in this supplement is 400 mcg of folic acid. The supplement does contain some filler ingredients like silica and maltodextrin. This product is free of common allergens like soy, dairy, and gluten.
Who it’s for
This brand of folic acid supplement is marketed towards promoting heart health. With benefits like amino acid synthesis, protein synthesis, energy production, and strengthened immunity, this supplement is for users who want to boost their overall wellness.
Quality
Spring Valley guarantees that its products adhere to strict quality guidelines and are enforced by an independent, certified laboratory. Many of their products are free of gluten, animal products, soy, sugar, artificial coloring, and common allergens.
Value
Being a Wal-Mart brand, this product is a great value because it’s affordable, long-lasting, and meets the 400 mcg benchmark for the average adult.
- Geared towards heart and immune health
- Promotes increased energy and metabolism
- Widely accessible and affordable
- Small, easy-to-swallow tablets
- Bottle lasts for 8 months
- Contains filler ingredients like silica and maltodextrin
10. Nutricost
With 1,000 mcg per serving, Nutricost has developed the highest potency folic acid supplement on our list. We know that this is more than the average adult needs for folic acid, but there are people who require higher doses of folic acid. This is an affordable yet high-quality option for people seeking a highly potent folic acid supplement. We recommend that this product be taken in conjunction with a vitamin B12 supplement to prevent the folic acid from masking a deficiency of vitamin B12.
#10 Folic Acid Brand
Nutricost is an online retailer that manufactures a wide variety of health supplements. All Nutricost products are made in the USA, and they have multiple quality assurance policies in place to back their guarantee that consumers will love their products.
Ingredients
Nutricost uses minimal ingredients in their folic acid supplement—folic acid, gelatin, and rice flour. Their capsules aren’t suitable for vegetarians or vegans as they contain gelatin.
Who it’s for
Since this folic acid supplement contains 1,000 mcg per serving, it’s a very high dose and not recommended for the average adult. Pregnant women’s folic acid needs vary between 600 mcg and 1,000 mcg, so this product is suitable for women of childbearing age with higher needs for folic acid.
Quality
Nutricost uses a form of folic acid that’s similar to folate or naturally occuring vitamin B9, making this a high-quality folic acid supplement. Their products are also third-party tested for safe and quality assurance, and Nutricost facilities are FDA approved.
Value
For the high potency and length of supply, the Nutricost folic acid supplement is a great value. The price is on par with lower potency folic acid supplements, so it’s both affordable and high-quality.
- High potency
- Contains minimal ingredients
- Third-party tested
- FDA-registered facilities
- Non-GMO
- Gluten-free
- Bottle lasts for 8 months
- Affordable option
- Not suitable for vegetarians and vegans
11. Nature’s Blend
Nature’s Blend is a pro at making high-quality supplements that are affordable, accessible, and effective. For the serving of folic acid and the length of supply, this is a great option if it’s your first time taking folic acid supplements.
#11 Folic Acid Brand
National Vitamin Company is the manufacturer of Nature’s Blend folic acid supplement. The company produces affordable, science-backed supplements.
Ingredients
Many folic acid supplements are mixed with other vitamins, especially B vitamins. However, the Nature’s Blend folic acid supplement is mainly 400 mcg folic acid with five other added ingredients. The added ingredients are used to fill the remaining space in the capsule.
Who it’s for
The Nature’s Blend Folic Acid supplement is ideal for people seeking to satisfy their daily requirements of folic acid. Since the only vitamin in this supplement is folic acid, ideal users include people who don’t get enough folic acid in their daily diets.
Quality
All this brand’s supplements undergo Good Manufacturing Practices and rigorous quality control testing. However, this brand does use filler ingredients and additives in its supplements when the dietary ingredient doesn’t fill the volume of the tablet.
Value
This bottle has 250 tablets that are each 400 mcg per serving, so this will provide the average person the daily recommendation for folic acid for about 8 months.
- Allergen friendly
- Suitable for vegetarians and vegans
- Affordable option
- Small, easy-to-swallow tablets
- Follows good manufacturing practices
- Undergoes quality control testing
- Bottle lasts for 8 months
- Contains five added ingredients
All about Folic Acid Supplements
Folic Acid is B Vitamin
To understand folic acid, you must know about folate. Folate also goes by the name vitamin B9, which means it’s a B vitamin and is essential for the human body to function properly. (1) Folate or vitamin B9 comes in many forms, and one of them is folic acid.
In short, folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that is added to foods and can be taken as a supplement.
Folic acid supplementation is important because folic acid is crucial in the body, yet it’s a nutrient that’s easy to become deficient in.
6 Health Benefits of Folic Acid
Folic acid has many functions in the body, mainly on a cellular level. Mainly biological processes rely on folic acid, and without it, the body couldn’t function properly. Folic acid supplementation has many added benefits, too. Without folic acid, some bodily processes couldn’t function.
The main bodily functions and health benefits that folic acid participates in include:
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Cell development and growth
Folic acid helps the body to develop new, healthy cells. (2) This is essential during pregnancy, but we’ll touch on this later. Many cycles and processes that occur in the body – such as the histidine cycle, serine and glycine metabolism, and the methionine cycle – rely on folic acid to assist in rapid cell division, development, and growth. Without folic acid, these processes are ineffective and can result in cancer, anemia, and neural tube defects. (3)
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Red blood cell formation & anemia prevention
Folic acid works with other B vitamins, especially vitamin B12, to produce healthy red blood cells so iron can function properly in the body. (4). This prevents anemia because low red blood cell count leads to anemia. (5) Folic acid deficiency is associated with megaloblastic anemia. (6, 7) Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, but they only last for about 6 months before being broken down. (8) Low red blood cell count can lead to anemia, but can be prevented and reversed with folic acid.
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Synthesis and repair of DNA
Several processes during DNA formation are dependent on folic acid. When new cells and tissues are developing rapidly, folic acid aids in the synthesis of genetic material. (9)
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Cardiovascular health
Folic acid helps break down an amino acid called homocysteine, which can cause coronary heart disease and stroke. (10) Consuming enough folic acid is associated with decreased risk of coronary heart disease. (11) Folic acid has also been shown to reduce the risk of stroke by 18%. (12)
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May reduce the risk of cancer
High folic acid intake has been linked to reduce risk of various cancers: breast, pancreatic, colon, lung, and esophageal cancers.
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Healthy hair and nails
B vitamins are essential for the body to produce amino acids. Folic acid is required to synthesize some of the amino acids, which results in protein synthesis. This can help form healthy muscles, hair, and nails.
Why Supplementing with Folic Acid is Important
Folic acid supplements are actually believed to have better absorption rates than naturally occurring folate. The bioavailability of folic acid supplements is approximately 20% greater than that of food-derived folate. (13)
Folic acid is a water-soluble vitamin, which means the excess amounts will leave the body through urine. (14) Fat-soluble vitamins, however, are stored in the body’s liver and fat supplies, whereas water-soluble vitamins aren’t stored in the body at all.
This means you need to get enough of vitamin B9. You can do this by consuming foods rich in folic acid or by supplementing with folic acid.
Folic Acid Deficiency
If you don’t get enough folic acid in your diet and you don’t take folic acid supplements, you may be at risk of folic acid deficiency.
Folic acid isn’t stored in the body in large amounts because it’s water-soluble and leaves the body through urine, so even going a few weeks without getting enough folic acid can result in deficiency of folic acid.
For adult men and women, this can result in weight loss, loss of appetite, weakness, headaches, heart palpitations, and anemia. (15, 16)
Folic acid deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency are often linked together. This is because they’re both B vitamins that have similar roles in the body. Folic acid deficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency share some overlapping symptoms: megaloblastic anemia, dementia, depression, and cognitive impairment. (17)
Causes of folic acid deficiency include:
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Poor absorption of folic acid supplementation
It’s important to invest in a high-quality folic acid supplement to ensure that the folic acid enters the bloodstream. (18)
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Poor diet
Folic acid is found in a variety of foods like enriched grains, breads, and cereals, so deficiency can be linked to a poor diet that doesn’t incorporate a variety of healthy foods.
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Digestive diseases
People who have celiac disease or crohn’s disease may have difficulty absorbing folic acid in their digestive system. (19, 20)
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Drinking too much alcohol
Too much alcohol in the body causes folic acid to be excreted through urine in larger amounts, resulting in deficiency because it’s not absorbed by the body.
What are Folic Acid Supplements Made of?
Folic acid can be derived by isolating green leafy vegetables, yeast, and fruits. (21) Although folic acid is synthetically created, some supplements extract folic acid from lemon peels, for example.
Other common sources of folic acid include Quatrefolic, a new form of folic acid that is absorbed by the body more easily since many people have difficulty metabolizing and absorbing folic acid. (22)
The type of folic acid that’s used in supplements isn’t always clearly labeled. Check the label or manufacturer of your folic acid supplement to find out what kind of folic acid is used.
Different Types of Folic Acid Supplements
Many common supplements contain folic acid. For example, multivitamins and prenatal vitamins usually have folic acid in them.
It’s common for folic acid to be combined with other B vitamins in a B-complex supplement. This is because the B vitamins work closely together in the body. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are especially important to take together.
Folic acid can also be taken as a stand-alone supplement that isn’t mixed with other vitamins. When taking a supplement that only has folic acid in it, it’s best to also take a vitamin B12 supplement.
The different forms of folic acid supplements include tablets, capsules, soft gels and powders. Tablets are usually smaller and easier to swallow than capsules and soft gels. Powdered folic acid is less common.
Folic Acid Supplementation in Food
To prevent widespread folic acid deficiency, many countries have begun adding folic acid to foods. You may see food labels that say “enriched” or “fortified” with certain vitamins. This means that a vitamin or supplement, such as folic acid, has been added to the ingredients.
Neural tube defects are more prevalent in developing countries and countries that do not require food fortification with folic acid. (23)
How to Choose the Best Folic Acid Supplement
Depending on your needs, one folic acid supplement might be a better fit than another. If you’re already taking a vitamin B12 supplement, you may prefer a B-complex supplement that contains both folic acid and vitamin B12. Folic acid is also included in many multivitamins if you prefer to take your vitamins all at once.
Your dietary recommendation for folic acid may vary depending on your age and nutritional needs. The average adult requires 400 mcg of folic acid daily, but more might be necessary if there is a deficiency of folic acid. (24) The upper limit of folic acid intake for adults is 1,000 mcg. (25)
Pregnancy and Folic Acid Supplementation
Why Pregnant Women Need Folic Acid
It is especially important for pregnant women to get enough folic acid before and during pregnancy to prevent babies from developing major birth defects. (26, 27, 28, 29)
Folic acid is especially critical in preventing neural tube defects, which currently affect nearly 1 out of every 1,000 pregnancies. Neural tube defects include brain, spine, and spinal cord defects that can cause nerve damage and lack of development. (30)
Neural tube defects usually occur in the first month of pregnancy, which is why it’s recommended that women take folic acid supplements even when they’re not pregnant. (31)
Taking folic acid supplements during pregnancy can also reduce the risk of other birth defects, such as:
Best Folic Acid Supplements for a Healthy Pregnancy
- Bronson Vitamins
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Our rating - High Potency & 360-Day Supply
- Price: See Here
- Futurebiotics
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Our rating - Organic & High Potency
- Price: See Here
- NOW Foods
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Our rating - Contains Vitamin B12
- Price: See Here
Nutricost Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) 1000 mcg, 240 Capsules women have different needs for folic acid, so the best folic acid supplements for pregnant women may vary from women who aren’t pregnant. Because pregnant women should be consuming between 600 mcg and 800 mcg of folic acid daily, either from supplementation, food, or both, the best folic acid supplements for pregnant women are at least 600 mcg of folic acid.
The Bronson Vitamins folic acid supplement is a highly potent option for pregnant women. It contains 800 mcg per serving, which makes it a great option for women carrying a double pregnancy or twins. High potency folic acid supplements are also recommended for pregnant women with complications or history of complications with pregnancy. Plus, this option contains 360 servings.
For pregnant women who live an organic lifestyle, the Futurebiotics folic acid supplement is a great choice. Each serving contains 800 mcg of organic folic acid derived from lemons. If you’re pregnant and looking for a more natural folic acid supplement, Futurebiotics is a great choice.
It’s recommended that folic acid be taken with vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency of vitamin B12. Pregnant women must be careful to avoid nutritional deficiencies, so we recommend the NOW Foods folic acid supplement, which is enriched with vitamin B12, for pregnant women to meet all their nutritional requirements. It also contains 800 mcg of folic acid per serving and lasts for 8 months, making this folic acid supplement a great value.
Because folic acid plays a crucial role in the healthy development of the baby’s spine and brain, it’s recommended that pregnant women take a folic acid supplement daily for the optimal healthy pregnancy.
How to Choose the Best Folic Acid Supplement for a Healthy Pregnancy
Folic acid needs vary person to person, so it’s best to find the right supplement that suits your unique requirements.
You should always take the source of folic acid into consideration. You may prefer synthetic sources of folic acid like methylfolate or Quatrefolic that are proven to be more bioavailable, or you may prefer natural sources of folic acid like lemons and broccoli.
Your lifestyle may also play a role in your choice of folic acid supplement. For example, vegans and vegetarians should ensure that the capsule or tablet doesn’t contain animal byproducts. The same goes for people who follow a gluten-free, allergen friendly, kosher, and/or organic lifestyle. If these lifestyle factors are important to you, you can choose your folic acid supplement accordingly.
It’s also recommended that pregnant women take vitamin B12 with folic acid. This is because folic acid is a B vitamin, and the group of B vitamins work closely together in the body and rely on each other to function. Folic acid has also been known to mask symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency, so pregnant women can take folic acid and vitamin B12 separately or take them together – e.g. in the NOW Foods Folic Acid with Vitamin B12 supplement or in multivitamin.
5 Health Benefits of Folic Acid Supplementation During Pregnancy
One of the first supplements that women are encouraged to add to their diet during pregnancy is folic acid. We’re here to tell you why:
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Fetal development
New cells and synthesized genetic material are required to develop a healthy child. Folic acid is essential in both cell development and DNA synthesis during pregnancy. (37, 38, 39)
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Red blood cell production
Red blood cells work with iron, which is very important during pregnancy to prevent anemia. Folic acid works in conjunction with other B vitamins to promote healthy red cell production during pregnancy to ensure healthy iron levels and distribute oxygen throughout the body. (40, 41)
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Prevention of birth defects
Folic acid is widely known for its role in early pregnancy as it can prevent birth defects of the brain and spine. Supplementing with folic acid can prevent nearly 90% of neural tube defects and nearly 40% of congenital heart defects. (42)
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Reduced risk of anemia
Anemia is very common in pregnant women – approximately 16% of pregnant women in America and approximately 40% of pregnant women in the world become anemic during pregnancy. (43) Taking folic acid is an effective method to prevent anemia during pregnancy by increasing iron levels. (44, 45)
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Proper birth weight
Folic acid is believed to prevent premature delivery, wherein babies are born too early and underdeveloped. (46, 47) Supplementing with folic acid prevent early and underweight babies. (48, 49)
How Much Folic Acid Pregnant Women Should Take
Because folic acid is heavily involved in the formation of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), folic acid intake must be increased during pregnancy to ensure that genetic material is created properly. (50)
The folic acid recommendation for pregnant women is between 600 mcg and 800 mcg daily. Expecting mothers of twins should take 1000 mcg per day. (51) Lactating mothers should take 500 mcg per day. (52)
In comparison, non-pregnant women or women who want to become pregnant should take 400 mcg of folic acid per day. (53)
Taking Too Much Folic Acid During Pregnancy
Folic acid allergy is very uncommon, but pregnant women occasionally have allergic reactions in the form of rashes if they take folic acid supplements in large quantities. (54) In this case, it is advised to take iron supplements to prevent anemia and adopt a diet rich in folic acid.
Recent studies have shown that there may be a link between pregnant women who take too much folic acid and children who are born with autism spectrum disorders. (55, 56) The upper limit of folic acid intake for adults is 1,000 mcg. (57)
Many organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, March of Dimes, and the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists still advise pregnant women to take folic acid supplements because the link between high folic acid intake and autism spectrum disorders is still being researched, as discussed in this news segment:
Safe Folic Acid Supplementation for Pregnant Women
Many studies have concluded that folic acid is safe for pregnant, and many health organizations encourage folic acid supplementation for a healthy pregnancy.
Your Questions Answered (FAQ)
What Is the Difference Between Folic Acid and Folate?
Folate and folic acid are often used interchangeably, but they’re not the same. Folate is used to describe the form of vitamin B9 that is found naturally in food. Folic acid, however, is the synthetic version that is man-made and used in supplements and enriched foods. Both folate and folic acid satisfy the nutritional need for vitamin B9, but they are derived from different sources.
Can I Get Folic Acid from Whole Foods?
You can get this vitamin in many ways: consuming foods rich in folic acid, consuming foods that have been enriched with folic acid, or taking a folic acid supplement.
Foods that are often fortified with folic acid include:
- Bread
- Cereal
- Crackers
- Pasta
- Grains
What Are the Risks of Folic Acid Supplementation?
Many studies have shown that folic acid supplementation is safe, even in pregnant women. (58, 59, 60, 61)
The possible adverse effects of folic acid supplementation include: vitamin B12 deficiency, poor memory, insulin resistance, retinoblastoma, and tumor progression. These risks are typically due to the folic acid being unmetabolized in the body.
Patients with hypersensitivity to folic acid or benzyl alcohol should take folic acid supplements with caution.
When introducing a new supplement into your health regime, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions or supplement label for information on dosage, allergens, and safe use.
Does Folic Acid Supplementation Mask Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Some experts are concerned that high intakes of folic acid can mask the symptoms, such as anemia and cognitive impairment, of vitamin B12 deficiency. High folic acid intake is more likely to mask symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in people who are already deficient in vitamin B12 or are at risk of vitamin B12.
The B vitamins work closely together in the body, so it’s recommended that folic acid supplements are taken with vitamin B12 supplements to increase their bioavailability and prevent deficiency of vitamin B12.
Who Should Take a Folic Acid Supplement?
Groups who are at risk of folic acid deficiency and should consider taking a folic acid supplement include: people who drink a lot of alcohol, women of childbearing age, and people with certain digestive or malabsorptive disorders like inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease.
Why Do Pregnant Women Require More Folic Acid Than Non-pregnant Women?
Pregnant women are more likely to be deficient in folic acid because they need folic acid for themselves and for the developing baby. During pregnancy, the mother requires folic acid for herself and for her developing child. The fetus is undergoing cellular development and DNA synthesis – processes that rely on folic acid. This is why it’s crucial for pregnant women to increase their intake of folic acid supplements during pregnancy.
Why Should Women of Childbearing Age Take Folic Acid?
It’s recommended that women of childbearing age begin taking folic acid at least a full month before conception. This is because birth defects occur within the first month of being pregnant, so beginning folic acid supplement prior to pregnancy decreases those risks early on.
