Ingredient guide
Folate (L-methylfolate): evidence, dose and safety
Folate is vitamin B9. Folic acid is the synthetic form used in most studies and fortified foods; we use L-methylfolate (5-MTHF), the form folate takes in the blood.
At a glance
- Strongest evidence
- A Strong
- Dose in our plans
- 400 µg a day for adults
- Adult upper limit
- 1000 µg a day from supplements
- Safety checks
- 1 situation and 0 medicine or supplement interactions, checked against your answers in every plan
- Reviewed
- Atrum Labs clinical team (MD, PhD), November 2026
Authorised EU health claim
Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy.
What the research looked at
Each line is one body of research, graded A (strong) to D (weak). How we grade evidence. What each study measured is explained in your personal plan.
| Grade | Who was studied | References |
|---|---|---|
| A | Adults with low folate |
|
| A | People planning or in early pregnancy |
|
| C | MTHFR 677TT carriers |
|
How much
- Our plans usually use 400 µg a day for adults. The exact dose depends on your lab results, age and medicines.
- Adult upper limit: 1000 µg a day from supplements. Source: EFSA 2006 folic acid UL.
- Children's doses are set by age, and some ingredients are for adults only.
Who should not take it, or should check first
- A clinician checks first. Folate can correct the anaemia of B12 deficiency while nerve damage goes on; B12 deficiency must be treated first.
Written and reviewed by the Atrum Labs clinical team (physician-scientists, MD, PhD) from our clinical knowledge base, version 0.2.0-draft. This page is general information, not medical advice. Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
See if it belongs in your plan