The ready-to-use one
L-5-MTHF (methylfolate)
Already in the form your body uses, so it doesn't rely on the MTHFR gene to convert it.
Good for: Everyday use
What variations of folate exist?
Needed to make DNA and red blood cells and for methylation. Critical before and during early pregnancy. Works hand in hand with B12. It comes in 3 forms, and they aren't all the same. Here's how they differ.
For education only. What's right for you depends on your health and your medications, so check with your provider before you start or switch. Book a consult
Our top pick
- Also consider
- Pregnancy planning: the well-researched one (Folic acid)
- Budget-friendly: the well-researched one (Folic acid)
Every form, in plain words
The ready-to-use one
L-5-MTHF (methylfolate)
Already in the form your body uses, so it doesn't rely on the MTHFR gene to convert it.
Good for: Everyday use
The gentler one
Folinic acid
A gentler option if methylfolate makes you feel off.
The well-researched one
Folic acid
Made in a lab, but it has the most research for preventing birth defects of the spine. Fine for most people.
Good for: Pregnancy planning · Budget-friendly
Spotting a good one on the shelf
Look for
- Look for 'L-5-MTHF' on the label (the ready-to-use one)
Watch out for
- High folate with no B12 alongside, which can hide a B12 shortage
Check with your provider first if…
- You take methotrexate or anti-seizure medicine
- Some people feel anxious or wired on methylfolate. Ask your provider about starting with a low amount.
- You have anemia. Check B12 too before treating with folate alone.
In Dr. Lesher's store
8 products in Dr. Lesher's dispensary have folate. Here's which form, where the label says.
Check with your provider before taking any of these, especially if you're pregnant or take medications.
XYMOGEN
5-MTHF Plus B12 - Cherry
Has L-5-MTHF (the ready-to-use one)
1,700 mcg per serving
Has L-5-MTHF (the ready-to-use one)
667 mcg per serving
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™
Has L-5-MTHF (the ready-to-use one)
510 mcg per serving
MegaFood
Baby & Me 2™ Postnatal Multi
Has L-5-MTHF (the ready-to-use one)
250 mcg per serving
Nutra BioGenesis
Methyl Factors
Has L-5-MTHF (the ready-to-use one)
Has folic acid (the well-researched one), good for pregnancy planning
90.67 mcg per serving
Has L-5-MTHF (the ready-to-use one)
Has folinic acid (the gentler one)
6,800 mcg per serving
Wellex
Papillex
Has L-5-MTHF (the ready-to-use one)
400 mcg per serving
BioPharma Scientific
nanoLEAN®, Natural Berry
140 mcg per serving
Ready to find the root cause?
Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.