Folic acid and methylfolate are two forms of folate commonly found in prenatal supplements. While both are related to vitamin B9, they differ in structure and how they are provided in supplement formulations.
Understanding the distinction can help individuals feel more confident when reading prenatal supplement labels and choosing products that align with their preferences.
What Is Folate?
Folate is a B vitamin naturally present in many foods. It plays a role in general cellular processes and is commonly discussed in prenatal nutrition.
In supplements, folate may appear in different forms — most commonly as folic acid or methylfolate.
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate commonly used in fortified foods and many supplements. It has been widely included in prenatal formulations for many years and is stable and easy to incorporate into multivitamin blends.
Many prenatal supplements in Canada contain folic acid as their primary folate source.
Methylfolate is a naturally occurring form of folate that is already in an active state. Some prenatal supplements use methylfolate instead of folic acid, depending on formulation preferences.
Product labels will specify whether the folate source is folic acid or methylfolate.
Why Prenatal Supplements Include Folate
Folate — in either form — is commonly included in prenatal supplements as part of standard pregnancy-focused nutritional formulations.
When choosing a prenatal supplement, individuals often consider:
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The form of folate included
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Total amount listed on the label
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Overall formulation balance
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Personal preferences
Reviewing the ingredient panel can help clarify which form is used.
Folic Acid vs Methylfolate: How to Choose
There is no single “best” option for everyone. Some individuals prefer traditional folic acid formulations, while others look specifically for methylfolate.
When selecting between the two, consider:
If unsure, speaking with a qualified healthcare professional can provide additional clarity.
