What is the difference between folic acid and folate?

Folic acid and folate are both forms of vitamin B9, but there are important differences between the two. Folic Acid : This is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, commonly found in supplements and fortified foods. While it is effective in raising folate levels in the blood, it needs to be converted into the active form of folate by the body in multiple steps. Some people have a genetic variation that makes this conversion less efficient. Folate : This is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, found in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and fruits. Folate is more readily absorbed and utilised by the body, especially in the form of Quatrefolic®, which is an active and natural form that ensures greater absorption. Because folate is more easily used by the body and doesn't require the same conversion process as folic acid, it is often recommended as the preferred option, particularly for those who have difficulty converting folic acid into its active form.

Are folate and folic acid the same thing?

Not exactly. Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 found in most standard supplements and fortified foods. Folate is the natural, active form used by the body. While folic acid must be converted in the liver into folate, some individuals struggle with this process due to genetic variations (such as MTHFR). That’s why we use Quatrefolic®: a form of folate that’s already active and easily absorbed.

Are folate and B12 the same thing?

No. Folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 are two different but closely related nutrients. Both support red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and neurological function. They often work together, especially in fertility and pregnancy, which is why deficiencies in one can sometimes affect the other.

Is folate better than folic acid?

Yes, in many cases. Folate is the natural, active form of vitamin B9 and doesn’t require conversion in the body, unlike folic acid. This makes it more bioavailable, especially for those with reduced ability to convert folic acid due to genetic factors.

Can men take folate for fertility?

Yes. Folate plays a role in sperm development and DNA integrity. Low folate levels have been linked to poor sperm quality and increased DNA fragmentation, which can affect fertilisation and embryo development.

What is the role of folate in fertility for women?

Folate can support ovarian function and in improving the quality of the embryo, making it an important nutrient for women who are trying to conceive.

Can men benefit from taking folate for fertility?

Yes, folate supports sperm quality and count, making it beneficial for men who are looking to improve their fertility.

Is there a specific amount of folate recommended for those trying to conceive?

The NHS recommends 400μg of Folic Acid per day.

How long before trying to conceive should one start taking folate?

We recommend taking any fertility supplement for at least 3 months when trying to conceive.

Are there foods that are good natural sources of folate?

Yes, folate is naturally found in leafy green vegetables, fruits like bananas and oranges, legumes, and fortified cereals.

Why is folate important during pregnancy?

Folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida in the developing foetus and also supports overall growth and development.

Can I get enough folate from my diet during pregnancy?

While folate is present in various foods, it may be challenging to get the required 400μg per day through diet alone. The NHS recommends supplements to ensure adequate intake.

Can taking folate reduce the risk of miscarriage?

Some studies suggest that adequate folate levels may lower the risk of miscarriage. More research is required here.

Folate – Highly Absorbable Quatrefolic® for Fertility and Pregnancy

£11.95 Save £0.00

An easy-to-absorb folate supplement providing 400μg to support men and women during fertility, pregnancy, and healthy foetal development.

The NHS recommends 400μg folic acid per day during preconception and pregnancy, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects in the developing foetus. ¹

While sometimes used interchangeably, folic acid and active folate are not the same. Folate is the more bioavailable form of folic acid. We use Quatrefolic® for our folate supplements, which is more readily absorbed by the body and we therefore recommend this over folic acid.

What Is Folate?

Folate is the naturally occurring, biologically active form of vitamin B9. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the formation of red blood cells.

Unlike synthetic folic acid, folate is immediately usable by the body and does not require complex conversion. It is especially important during periods of rapid growth, such as preconception, pregnancy, and early development. Learn more about the differences between folic acid and folate here.

How Does It Work?

For Women (Fertility & Pregnancy):

Folate supports healthy cell division, DNA production, and the formation of the neural tube in early pregnancy. Adequate levels are linked to improved egg quality, proper embryo development, and a reduced risk of neural tube defects such as spina bifida. It is also essential for preventing anaemia and supporting maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.

For Men (Fertility):

Folate contributes to healthy sperm production by supporting DNA synthesis and cell division. It may also help reduce sperm DNA fragmentation, which is important for successful conception and embryo development.

1. NHS, 2023. How and when to take folic acid. [online] NHS.

Reduces the risk of neural tube defects throughout preconception & pregnancy
Contributes to the normal production and maintenance of sperm
Contains Quatrefolic® for greater absorption
Recommended by the NHS
400μg folate per serving
30 capsules: one-capsule daily serving
One-month supply

Capsules
Vegan
Vegetarian
Yeast Free

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Who is it for?

Why Take a Folate Supplement?

The NHS recommends taking a folic acid supplement throughout fertility and pregnancy. We recommend folate over folic acid because it’s already in its active form. That’s why we use Quatrefolic®, a clinically researched, highly absorbable folate.

Research suggests that folate can positively affect ovarian function and may even improve the efficacy of fertility treatments like in vitro fertilization (IVF). Adequate folate levels have also been linked to improved embryo quality, which is a key factor for successful implantation and a healthy pregnancy.

During pregnancy, it helps prevent neural tube defects in the developing baby.

In men, folate contributes to the normal production and maintenance of sperm. Folate also plays a role in the creation and repair of DNA. Therefore, it contributes to the genetic quality of the sperm, which is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and baby.

Supplementing with folate ensures your body receives a form it can readily absorb, especially important if you have difficulty converting synthetic folic acid. Folate is vital for supporting healthy egg and sperm development, DNA production, and embryo growth. Many diets fall short of providing the recommended daily intake, making supplementation a reliable way to meet your needs at key reproductive stages.

How Long Should I Take Folate Before Seeing Results?

For preconception, it’s recommended to take folate for at least three months before trying to conceive, as egg and sperm maturation cycles take around 90 days.

During pregnancy, continue daily supplementation, especially through the first trimester, to support neural tube development. Consistency is key, and benefits may not be “felt” immediately, but folate is working at a cellular level to support fertility and early foetal health.

"Folate may improve egg quality, maturation and implantation. There is evidence of association between paternal folate status and sperm quality, fertility, congenital malformations and placental weight.”

- Isabelle Obert (Fertility Nutritionist)

Ingredients

Folate (active form of Folic Acid)

Female Fertility: Important to build stores prior to pregnancy. Needed for the development of red blood cells and DNA production

Male Fertility: Vitally important for the normal functioning of the immune system and for normal cell division

Pregnancy: Known to help prevent spina bifida. Works together with Vitamin B12 to ensure healthy cell-division and normal tissue growth during pregnancy

Postnatal: Promotes the production of new and healthy cells for your body. Supplementation can be valuable as good supplies are hard to get from food alone, especially when breastfeeding

Brown Rice Flour, Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (Vegetable Capsule Shell), Quatrefolic® (6S)-5 Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid, Glucosamine Salt.

Allergens: None.

Take 1 capsule per day with a cold drink, or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION

	Per Daily Dose (1 Capsule)	% NRV*
Folate (as 5-MTHF - Vitamin B9)	400µg	200
*Nutrient Reference Value

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between folic acid and folate?

Folic acid and folate are both forms of vitamin B9, but there are important differences between the two.

Folic Acid: This is the synthetic form of vitamin B9, commonly found in supplements and fortified foods. While it is effective in raising folate levels in the blood, it needs to be converted into the active form of folate by the body in multiple steps. Some people have a genetic variation that makes this conversion less efficient.

Folate: This is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9, found in foods like leafy greens, legumes, and fruits. Folate is more readily absorbed and utilised by the body, especially in the form of Quatrefolic®, which is an active and natural form that ensures greater absorption.

Because folate is more easily used by the body and doesn't require the same conversion process as folic acid, it is often recommended as the preferred option, particularly for those who have difficulty converting folic acid into its active form.
Are folate and folic acid the same thing?

Not exactly. Folic acid is the synthetic form of vitamin B9 found in most standard supplements and fortified foods. Folate is the natural, active form used by the body. While folic acid must be converted in the liver into folate, some individuals struggle with this process due to genetic variations (such as MTHFR). That’s why we use Quatrefolic®: a form of folate that’s already active and easily absorbed.
Are folate and B12 the same thing?

No. Folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 are two different but closely related nutrients. Both support red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and neurological function. They often work together, especially in fertility and pregnancy, which is why deficiencies in one can sometimes affect the other.
Is folate better than folic acid?

Yes, in many cases. Folate is the natural, active form of vitamin B9 and doesn’t require conversion in the body, unlike folic acid. This makes it more bioavailable, especially for those with reduced ability to convert folic acid due to genetic factors.
Can men take folate for fertility?

Yes. Folate plays a role in sperm development and DNA integrity. Low folate levels have been linked to poor sperm quality and increased DNA fragmentation, which can affect fertilisation and embryo development.
What is the role of folate in fertility for women?

Folate can support ovarian function and in improving the quality of the embryo, making it an important nutrient for women who are trying to conceive.
Can men benefit from taking folate for fertility?

Yes, folate supports sperm quality and count, making it beneficial for men who are looking to improve their fertility.
Is there a specific amount of folate recommended for those trying to conceive?

The NHS recommends 400μg of Folic Acid per day.
How long before trying to conceive should one start taking folate?

We recommend taking any fertility supplement for at least 3 months when trying to conceive.
Are there foods that are good natural sources of folate?

Yes, folate is naturally found in leafy green vegetables, fruits like bananas and oranges, legumes, and fortified cereals.
Why is folate important during pregnancy?

Folate is crucial for preventing neural tube defects like spina bifida in the developing foetus and also supports overall growth and development.
Can I get enough folate from my diet during pregnancy?

While folate is present in various foods, it may be challenging to get the required 400μg per day through diet alone. The NHS recommends supplements to ensure adequate intake.
Can taking folate reduce the risk of miscarriage?

Some studies suggest that adequate folate levels may lower the risk of miscarriage. More research is required here.

Still have questions? Book your free 1:1 consultation with our inhouse fertility nutrition for personalised support.

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Folate – Highly Absorbable Quatrefolic® for Fertility and Pregnancy

What Is Folate?

How Does It Work?

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Capsules

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