Folic acid may come in a tiny tablet, but it has an important role, especially before and during pregnancy. It is the manufactured form of folate, or vitamin B9, and helps the body make healthy new cells and red blood cells.
Taking it before conception and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy helps support a baby’s early development and reduce the risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. NHS guidance recommends 400mcg daily, ideally starting three months before conception. Some people need a prescribed 5mg dose because of their medical history or medication.
Choosing the best folic acid supplement is not always straightforward though. Alongside standard folic acid, there are methylfolate, also known as 5-MTHF, formulas and products combined with vitamin D, iron or other pregnancy nutrients. Methylfolate is often marketed as easier for the body to use, but it is not automatically better for pregnancy. UK guidance recommends folic acid, while the CDC confirms that folic acid is the only form shown to help prevent neural tube defects.
We tried products from Nature’s Best, Purolabs, Myvitamins, MyOva, Boots, Active Folic, Cytoplan, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett. The tested products are widely available from retailers such as Boots, Superdrug and Holland & Barrett, or directly from the brand.
In order to find the best folic acid supplement, we assessed dose, ingredient form, serving size, dietary suitability, added extras and cost per dose. For more background, see Good Food’s guide to B vitamins and advice on supplements.
Visit our review section to find more health-related reviews, including the best protein bars, best vegan protein powders and best meal prep containers. Next, read which supplements should I take?
- Best long-supply folic acid supplement: Nutravita Folic Acid 400 mcg, £9.99
- Best folic acid supplement with vitamin B12: Vitabiotics Ultra Folic Acid, £3.95
- Best high-strength folic acid: Nature’s Best Folic Acid 400µg, £6.50
- Best folic acid with vitamin D: Boots Folic Acid + Vitamin D, £4
- Best methylfolate capsules: Active Folic Capsules, £12.99
- Best clean methylfolate: Cytoplan Methylfolate, £15.49
- Best affordable folic acid: Superdrug Folic Acid, £2.99
- Best everyday folic acid: Holland & Barrett Folic Acid, £4.25
- Best methylfolate supplement: Purolabs Puro Folate, £29.99
- Best folic acid with iron: Myvitamins Iron & Folic Acid, £4.99
- Best folic acid for pregnancy support: MyOva Pregnancy, £36
How we tested folic acid supplements
To put together our edit of the best folic acid supplements, we combined expert nutrition guidance from registered nutritionist Kerry Torrens, with a detailed assessment of each product from our health and fitness expert Laura Forsyth.
We reviewed conventional folic acid tablets, methylfolate capsules and formulas containing additional nutrients. Each supplement was assessed using the same criteria, including the dose, form of folate, daily serving and ingredient list.
Folic acid is not a supplement where responsible testing should promise an immediate or noticeable effect. Instead, we focused on whether each product provided a sensible and clearly labelled dose, how easy it was to take consistently and whether it represented good value.
The key areas we assessed were:
- Dosage: how much folic acid or folate was provided by the recommended daily serving
- Formulation: whether the supplement contained standard folic acid, methylfolate or a combination of ingredients
- Additional nutrients: whether ingredients such as vitamin D or iron added genuine value
- Ease of use: tablet or capsule size, number of daily doses and whether it needed to be taken with food
- Dietary suitability: including vegan and vegetarian options
- Pregnancy suitability: whether the formula contained ingredients that may be unsuitable during pregnancy, such as vitamin A
- Value for money: price per daily serving and the length of time each pack would last
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Nutravita Folic Acid 400µg
Available from Nutravita (£9.99)
Best long-supply folic acid supplement
Star rating: 5/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg folic acid per tablet
- Cost per dose: Around 2.5p
- Type of folate: Conventional folic acid as pteroylmonoglutamic acid
- Additional nutrients: No vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron or other active nutrients listed
- Servings per pack: 400 (approximately 13-month supply)
A 400-tablet pouch makes Nutravita a practical pick if you prefer to buy your supplements in bulk. Each tablet supplies 400µg of standard folic acid, with one tablet a day and a full glass of water. I found the routine easy to follow, and the resealable pouch is a sensible way to store such a large supply.
It is suitable for vegans and at £9.99 for 400 tablets, each dose costs around 2.5p, making this one of the cheapest options I tested. The trade-off is that supplement contains no vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron or other added nutrients. It uses standard folic acid rather than methylfolate, but supplies the full stated 400µg per tablet.
Available from:
Vitabiotics Ultra Folic Acid
Available from Vitabiotics (£3.95)
Best folic acid supplement with vitamin B12
Star rating: 5/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg folic acid per tablet
- Cost per dose: Around 7p
- Type of folate: Conventional folic acid as pteroylmonoglutamic acid
- Additional nutrients: 5µg vitamin B12 as cyanocobalamin
- Servings per pack: 60 (60-day supply)
If you want a simple folic acid supplement with one useful extra, Vitabiotics Ultra Folic Acid combines 400µg folic acid with 5µg vitamin B12 in one tablet. I found the one-a-day format easy to fit around a main meal, with clear directions to swallow it whole with water or a cold drink. The vegan formulation provides a two-month supply, and Vitabiotics states that it uses high-grade ingredients with GMP quality control.
At £3.95, each dose costs around 7p, which is strong value for a formula that includes vitamin B12. It doesn’t contain vitamin D or iron, and uses standard folic acid rather than 5-MTHF.
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Nature’s Best Folic Acid 400µg
Available from Nature’s Best (£6.50)
Best high-strength folic acid
Star rating: 5/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg folic acid per tablet
- Cost per dose: Around 4p
- Type of folate: Standard folic acid
- Additional nutrients: No additional vitamins or minerals listed
- Servings per pack: 180 (six-month supply)
Keeping things simple, one small tablet provides 400µg of standard folic acid. I found the once-daily format easy to follow, and the six-month supply makes it practical for regular use. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans and is manufactured in the UK to Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
At £6.50 for 180 tablets, it costs around 4p per dose, making it excellent value. There are no added vitamins or minerals, and the folate is standard folic acid rather than 5-MTHF, the bioavailable form of folate. That isn’t a drawback if you want a basic, low-cost supplement, but anyone looking for methylfolate or a broader formula will need another option.
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Boots Folic Acid 400µg + Vitamin D
Available from Boots (£4)
Best folic acid with vitamin D
Star rating: 4.5/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg folic acid per tablet
- Cost per dose: Around 7p
- Type of folate: Standard folic acid
- Additional nutrients: 10µg vitamin D3
- Servings per pack: 60 (two-month supply)
Boots Folic Acid 400µg + Vitamin D combines 400µg of standard folic acid with 10µg vitamin D3 in one tablet. I found the format straightforward: the instructions are clear, the pack is compact and the dose is easy to fit into a daily routine.
At £4 for 60 tablets, each dose costs around 7p, making it one of the best-value options in this guide. It keeps the formula simple, without iron, vitamin B12 or other added prenatal nutrients, but the inclusion of vitamin D makes it more useful than a folic acid-only product. The tablets contain standard folic acid rather than methylfolate.
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Active Folic Capsules
Available from Active Folic (£12.99)
Best methylfolate capsules
Star rating: 4.5/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg per capsule
- Cost per dose: Around 22p
- Type of folate: Quatrefolic 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate glucosamine salt)
- Additional nutrients: No vitamin B12 or additional vitamins and minerals listed
- Servings per pack: 60 (60-day supply)
For anyone looking for methylfolate without a long list of extras, Active Folic keeps the formula focused. One capsule provides 400µg of Quatrefolic 5-MTHF, a bioavailable form of folate. I found the once-daily format easy to fit into a routine, while the vegetarian- and vegan-suitable capsules provide a two-month supply.
At £12.99, the daily cost is around 22p, which is reasonable for a branded methylfolate. It contains no vitamin B12 or other added vitamins and minerals, so this isn’t a broader prenatal formula. The ingredient is methylfolate rather than conventional folic acid, so that distinction should be kept clear when comparing it with guidance that specifically recommends folic acid.
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Cytoplan Methylfolate
Available from Cytoplan (£15.49)
Best clean methylfolate
Star rating: 4.5/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg per capsule
- Cost per dose: Around 26p
- Type of folate: 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate)
- Additional nutrients: No vitamin B12 or other added vitamins and minerals
- Servings per pack: 60 (60-day supply)
Cytoplan Methylfolate provides 400µg of 5-MTHF, a bioavailable form of folate, in one capsule. I liked the clear dose and short ingredient list, with little beyond the folate, capsule shell and microcrystalline cellulose. It is suitable for vegetarians and vegans, made in the UK and independently tested. The directions are simple: take one capsule daily with food, or as directed by a practitioner.
At £15.49 for 60 capsules, each dose costs around 26p. That is more than standard folic acid, but reasonable for a focused methylfolate product. It contains no vitamin B12 or other added vitamins and minerals, so it isn’t a complete pregnancy multivitamin.
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Superdrug Folic Acid
Available from Superdrug (£2.99)
Best affordable folic acid
Star rating: 4.5/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg folic acid per tablet
- Cost per dose: Around 3p
- Type of folate: Standard folic acid
- Additional nutrients: No vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron or other added nutrients
- Servings per pack: 90 (approximately three-month supply)
A no-frills option, Superdrug Folic Acid provides 400µg of standard folic acid in one tablet. There is no complicated serving routine to remember: the directions call for one tablet a day, and the 90-tablet pack provides approximately three months’ supply. I found it a practical choice for anyone who wants a standalone folic acid supplement without additional ingredients.
At £2.99, each dose works out at around 3p, giving it the lowest cost per dose in this selection. It contains no vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12 or other added nutrients, and uses standard folic acid rather than methylfolate. That simple approach is its strength, although it won’t suit those in search of a broader pregnancy formula or a 5-MTHF product.
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Holland & Barrett Folic Acid 400µg
Available from Holland & Barrett (£4.25)
Best everyday folic acid
Star rating: 4/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg folic acid per tablet
- Cost per dose: Around 5p
- Type of folate: Folic acid as pteroylmonoglutamic acid
- Additional nutrients: No vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron or other active nutrients
- Servings per pack: 90 (approximately three-month supply)
Holland & Barrett Folic Acid is an uncomplicated supplement that can slot into a daily routine without much thought. Each tablet supplies 400µg of folic acid, listed as pteroylmonoglutamic acid, and the instructions recommend taking one a day, preferably with a meal. The 90-tablet pack gives approximately three months of servings.
At £4.25, each dose costs around 5p. There are no added nutrients such as iron, vitamin D or vitamin B12, so this is a standalone folic acid supplement rather than a broader pregnancy formula.
Available from:
Purolabs Puro Folate
Available from Purolabs (£29.99)
Best methylfolate supplement
Star rating: 4/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg per capsule
- Cost per dose: Around 50p
- Type of folate: Quatrefolic 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate)
- Additional nutrients: No vitamin B12 or additional vitamins and minerals listed
- Servings per pack: 60 (60-day supply)
This is aimed at people who specifically want methylfolate rather than standard folic acid. Each capsule provides 400µg of Quatrefolic 5-MTHF, a methylated, bioavailable form of folate. I found the one-a-day format simple to manage, and it can be taken with water or food. The vegan, gluten-free supplement is manufactured in the UK to Good Manufacturing Practice standards.
At £29.99 for 60 capsules, it works out at around 50p per dose, so it is considerably more expensive than basic folic acid. It does not contain vitamin B12 or other added vitamins and minerals.
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Myvitamins Iron and Folic Acid
Available from Myvitamins (£4.99)
Best folic acid with iron
Star rating: 4/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 800µg folic acid per tablet
- Cost per dose: Around 6p
- Type of folate: Standard folic acid
- Additional nutrients: 14mg iron, 80mg vitamin C, 1mg copper, 400µg vitamin A and 0.7mg vitamin B2
- Servings per pack: 90 (90-day supply)
Myvitamins Iron and Folic Acid combines 800µg of standard folic acid with 14mg iron, 80mg vitamin C, 1mg copper, 400µg vitamin A and 0.7mg vitamin B2. The vegan formula provides 90 servings, making it a practical option for anyone on a plant-based diet who wants to supplement iron and folic acid in one tablet.
At £4.99, each dose costs around 6p, making this a good-value choice. The 14mg of iron provides 100% of the nutrient reference value, while the added vitamin C helps support iron absorption. However, 800µg of folic acid is double the 400µg recommended when trying to conceive and during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. The product also contains vitamin A, and Myvitamins advises against using it during pregnancy. It is therefore best suited to those looking for a vegan iron and folic acid supplement for general nutritional support, rather than a pregnancy-specific formula.
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MyOva Pregnancy
Available from MyOva (£36)
Best folic acid for pregnancy support
Star rating: 4/5
- Amount of folate per serving: 400µg calcium L-methylfolate per four-capsule serving
- Cost per dose: Around £1.20
- Type of folate: Calcium L-methylfolate (5-MTHF)
- Additional nutrients: Myo-inositol, iron, vitamins D3, C and B12, iodine, choline, CoQ10, probiotics and inulin
- Servings per pack: Approximately 30 (four capsules daily)
This is a broad, pregnancy-focused formula rather than a standalone folic acid tablet. Its four-capsule daily serving provides 400µg calcium L-methylfolate alongside 2,000mg myo-inositol, iron, vitamins D3, C and B12, iodine, choline and other nutrients. I liked the breadth of the formula, and it uses beta-carotene rather than preformed vitamin A. However, taking two tablets in the morning and two capsules in the evening is less convenient than a one-a-day product.
At £36 for approximately 30 days, it costs around £1.20 per dose, so it is much more expensive than a basic folic acid supplement.
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What is folic acid used for?
Folic acid is the manufactured form of folate, or vitamin B9. It helps the body produce healthy red blood cells and supports the formation of new cells.
It is best known for its role before and during pregnancy. Taking folic acid before conception and during the first 12 weeks helps support the early development of a baby’s brain, skull and spinal cord and reduces the risk of neural tube defects.
Folic acid may also be prescribed to treat folate deficiency anaemia, to prevent folate levels becoming too low during dialysis or to help manage side effects from medicines such as methotrexate. These uses often involve different doses and schedules, so medical instructions should be followed carefully.
How much folic acid should you take?
For most people who are trying to conceive or are in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, the recommended amount is 400µg each day.
Some people have a higher risk of having a pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect and may be offered a 5mg prescription. Do not try to recreate this dose by taking multiple over-the-counter tablets. Speak to your GP, midwife or pharmacist, who can determine whether a higher dose is appropriate.
Anyone considering folic acid for suspected deficiency should also seek medical advice. Folic acid treatment can improve the blood-related symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency while allowing damage to the nervous system to continue, which is why vitamin B12 levels may need to be checked first.
When is the best time to take folic acid?
There is no particular time of day that makes folic acid more effective. The best time is generally whenever you are most likely to remember it consistently.
Check the product directions, as some manufacturers recommend taking their supplement with a meal while others can be taken with or without food. Swallow the tablet or capsule with water.
If you are trying to conceive, the NHS recommends starting ideally three months before becoming pregnant. If you are already pregnant and have not been taking folic acid, start as soon as you find out.
Is folate the same as folic acid?
Folate is the general name for vitamin B9 and is also used to describe the forms found naturally in foods such as leafy green vegetables, peas, chickpeas and broccoli.
Folic acid is the manufactured form used in many supplements and fortified foods. Methylfolate, or 5-MTHF, is another supplemental form that is already in a biologically active state.
Although these forms are related, they should not be considered interchangeable in every situation. Folic acid is the form named in NHS and UK government pregnancy guidance and is the only form currently shown to help prevent neural tube defects.
Can folic acid interact with medicines or other supplements?
Folic acid can interact with certain medicines, including some epilepsy treatments, antibiotics, sulfasalazine, lithium and aspirin. It is also commonly prescribed alongside methotrexate, but the timing and dose need to be carefully managed.
Check with a pharmacist or doctor before starting a supplement if you regularly take medication. It is also important to add up the folic acid contained in multivitamins, prenatal products and individual supplements so that you do not accidentally take several overlapping products.
Read more health and wellbeing product reviews
Always keep supplements out of the reach of children. Unless otherwise stated, we tested products available in the UK market that are suitable for adults. Check the product label, ingredients and patient information leaflet before purchase to ensure the product is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
A qualified nutritionist (MBANT), Kerry Torrens is a contributing author to a number of nutritional and cookery publications, including Good Food. Kerry is a member of the Royal Society of Medicine, the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council and the British Association for Applied Nutrition and Nutritional Therapy.
All health content is provided for general information only and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other healthcare professional. If you have concerns about your health, contact your GP, pharmacist or another qualified healthcare professional. See our website’s terms and conditions for more information.
