Choosing the right Vitamin B9 supplement matters — whether you need basic folic acid for pregnancy support, an active methylfolate for methylation issues, or a high‑potency formula paired with B12. These recommendations come from extensive research, hands‑on testing, and expert review to help you pick the best fit for your needs.
How we tested and what we considered
What we evaluated:
- Form of folate (synthetic folic acid vs. active methylfolate / 5‑MTHF). Active forms are preferred for people with MTHFR variants or conversion issues.
- Dosage & potency, to match common needs (pregnancy: 400–1000 mcg; therapeutic: higher mg doses).
- Quality & verification (USP verification, GMP manufacturing, third‑party testing).
- Delivery form (tablets, capsules, gummies, sublingual) and real‑world ease of use.
- Value & price per serving, for affordability and long‑term use.
We combined hands‑on testing (ease of dosing, flavor, pill size), expert opinion (clinical recommendations for folate forms and cofactor pairing), and consumer feedback (tolerability, reported benefits) to rank products. Our picks aim to be practical for real users: pregnant women, people supporting cardiovascular or cognitive health, and those with known methylation issues.
Everyday Folic Acid 400mcg
A simple, affordable 400 mcg folic acid tablet offered in a large 250‑count bottle. USP‑verified and free of artificial colors, this is a straightforward daily option for pregnancy planning and general folate maintenance at an excellent price per serving.
Why this is the Best Budget Pick
This 400 mcg folic acid tablet is a classic, low‑cost choice for women of childbearing age or anyone needing routine folate support. Standout features include a 250‑day supply, USP verification, and a clean ingredient list (no added colors, flavors, or preservatives). It uses folic acid (the synthetic form) rather than 5‑MTHF, which is ideal for standard prenatal supplementation where folic acid remains the established recommendation. Pros: very low cost per dose, large supply, USP verified. Cons: not the active methylated form—those with MTHFR variants may prefer 5‑MTHF.
THORNE 5‑MTHF 1mg
Thorne's 1 mg 5‑MTHF is a clinician‑grade methylfolate supplement designed for people who need the active form of folate. Trusted manufacturing, targeted dosing, and supportive cofactors make it suitable for therapeutic use under professional guidance.
Why this is the Premium Choice
Thorne’s 5‑MTHF provides 1 mg of the active folate (methylfolate) in a high‑quality, practitioner‑trusted formulation. It’s built for people who want a reliable clinical product for methylation, cardiovascular support, and fetal development when the active form is preferred. The brand’s reputation for rigorous manufacturing and clinician adoption is a major plus. Technical note: 5‑MTHF bypasses conversion steps required by folic acid, making it suitable for those with reduced MTHFR function. Pros: clinical quality, active form at a commonly recommended 1 mg dose. Cons: higher price than basic folic acid tablets; consult your healthcare provider for therapeutic dosing.
Active Methyl Folate 1000mcg
A 1,000 mcg methylfolate tablet (Quatrefolic form) offering a middle ground between clinical potency and affordability. Vegan, non‑GMO, and manufactured with GMP oversight — a balanced choice for those wanting methylated folate without premium pricing.
Why this is the Best Value for Money
This methylfolate supplement uses a patented active form (Quatrefolic) and delivers 1,000 mcg per tablet — a practical dose for many seeking active folate without investing in premium clinician brands. It’s vegan, non‑GMO, and produced in a GMP environment, which balances potency and quality at a reasonable price. It suits users who want methylfolate for mood, methylation, or pregnancy support but are cost‑sensitive. Pros: active methylfolate (better bioavailability than folic acid), mid‑range price, GMP quality. Cons: fewer clinical extras (no added B12 cofactor), so pairing with methyl B12 may be beneficial for some users.
High‑Potency Methylfolate Plus B12
A high‑potency 15 mg L‑Methylfolate capsule paired with methylcobalamin B12. Designed for therapeutic support of methylation, mood, and homocysteine management — includes cofactors to support the methylation cycle.
Why this is the Editors' Choice
This formula pairs 15 mg L‑Methylfolate with methylcobalamin B12 — a powerful combination for users addressing methylation dysfunction, elevated homocysteine, or seeking stronger neurochemical support. The high potency is useful under clinical direction for targeted supplementation (not a daily replacement for standard prenatal folate). Benefits include immediate bioavailability of 5‑MTHF and the essential B12 cofactor to complete methylation cycles. Pros: very high potency, includes methyl B12 cofactor, designed for methylation support. Cons: potency likely exceeds typical preventive doses (consult a clinician), and the price is higher than basic supplements.
Quick comparison — which folate is right for you?
Key differences at a glance:
- Everyday Folic Acid 400mcg (Best Budget Pick) — Synthetic folic acid, USP‑verified, ideal for standard prenatal use and budget‑minded daily maintenance. Best for: pregnancy planning and routine supplementation.
- THORNE 5‑MTHF 1mg (Premium Choice) — Clinician‑grade active methylfolate (1 mg), high manufacturing standards. Best for: people who want a trusted clinical brand and active folate for methylation or pregnancy under professional guidance.
- Active Methyl Folate 1000mcg (Best Value) — Quatrefolic 1,000 mcg gives active folate with strong value; vegan and GMP manufactured. Best for: users who need 5‑MTHF but want a solid balance of quality and price.
- High‑Potency Methylfolate Plus B12 (Editors' Choice) — 15 mg L‑Methylfolate plus methyl B12 for therapeutic methylation support. Best for: those with confirmed methylation needs or under clinician supervision.
Best overall: If you need an active, reliable folate form for broad clinical and consumer uses, the Best Value methylfolate (Quatrefolic 1,000 mcg) balances potency, quality, and price. For those with specific clinical requirements or higher‑dose therapy, the Editors' Choice high‑potency formulation is superior under guidance.
Alternatives worth noting: For strict budget shoppers who only need standard folic acid, the 400 mcg USP‑verified tablet is unbeatable per serving. If you prioritize brand trust and practitioner use, the premium 1 mg 5‑MTHF is the top pick.
Final recommendation
Our review blends lab‑aware considerations, real‑world testing, and expert guidance. For most users seeking active folate with good quality and affordability, the Quatrefolic 1,000 mcg (Best Value) is the best starting point — it provides methylfolate at a practical dose and price. Choose the Everyday Folic Acid 400 mcg if you specifically need folic acid for prenatal guidelines or tight budgets. Opt for Thorne 5‑MTHF 1 mg when clinician recommendation and manufacturing pedigree matter most. Reserve the high‑potency methylfolate + B12 formula for targeted therapeutic use under healthcare supervision.
Always check with your healthcare provider before starting high‑dose folate or if you have a history of methylation issues, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications that interact with B vitamins. These recommendations reflect extensive research, hands‑on evaluation, and review of product specifications and user feedback to help you choose confidently.