4 Prenatal Vitamin Brands That Have Both Folate and Folic Acid

When it comes to prenatal vitamins, Folate, specifically in the form of Folic Acid, has long been recognized as a critical nutrient for fetal development. However, new data and clinical studies show that other forms of folate, such as Methylfolate, may provide increased bioavailability. This has led to a widespread and often heated debate among pregnancy experts and the broader prenatal community regarding which form of folate should be included in prenatal supplements.

Folate, also known as vitamin B9, is a water-soluble vitamin that plays a crucial role in various physiological processes in the body. It is essential for normal growth, development, and overall health. It exists in multiple forms, including Folic Acid, 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), Tetrahydrofolate (THF), and more.

It is recommended that women of childbearing age consume adequate Folate, ideally through a balanced diet and usage of prenatal supplements, to prevent neural tube defects (NTDs). The only form of Vitamin B9 or Folate that has been clinically studied to reduce the risk of Neural Tube Defects (NTDs) is Folic Acid. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends that all women of reproductive age (15-45 years) supplement with 400 mcg per day of Folic Acid.

That said, the active forms of Folate, such as Methylfolate or 5-MTHF, have been shown to be highly bioavailable, bypassing the need for enzymatic conversion, so for individuals who are looking to move beyond the binary options of a single form of Folate, there are a few brands to choose from that include multiple forms of folate within their formulations:

1. Ellement Personalized Prenatal Supplements:
   Ellement offers its standard B Vitamins capsule including Folic Acid at 400 mcg and Methylfolate at 600 mcg using the best-in-class Quatrefolic® L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate. This blend provides customers with full bioavailability as well as alignment with MD-backed recommendations to prevent Neural Tube Defects (NTDs). Ellement also allows for customizations of Folate forms to empower customers with unique prenatal needs.

2. Prenate® Enhance:
   Prenate® Enhance offers 1700 mcg DFE of Folate as (6S)-N5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid calcium salt and USP 400 mcg of Folic Acid.

3. Vitafol® Ultra:
   Vitafol Ultra provides 1700 mcg DFE of Folate as well including 680 mcg DFE from Folic Acid and 1020 mcg DFE from L-methylfolate calcium.

4. Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin from New Chapter:
   New Chapter’s Advanced Perfect Prenatal Multivitamin offers 600 mcg DFE of Folate as methylfolate, but notes that 105 mcg folic acid come from ferment media. While this brand offers multiple forms of folate, this dosage is lower than the recommended intake from the CDC and FDA, which is 400 mcg.

As our understanding of prenatal nutrition evolves, so does the approach to folate supplementation. Brands like Ellement have recognized the power of incorporating multiple folate variants, going beyond the traditional reliance on folic acid alone. By embracing a diverse range of folate options, these brands strive to offer personalized support, enhanced absorption, and comprehensive nutrition for expectant mothers.