Which Tablet Contains Folic Acid? A Comprehensive Guide to Supplements

October 13, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the CDC, all women of childbearing age should get 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily to help prevent certain birth defects. To achieve this, many turn to supplements, leading to the question: which tablet contains folic acid? The answer is not a single product, but a variety of options ranging from simple, dedicated supplements to complex vitamin blends.

Quick Summary

Many types of tablets contain folic acid, including standalone supplements, prenatal vitamins, and general multivitamins. Some formulations combine folic acid with other nutrients, like iron, while alternative forms like L-methylfolate are also available.

Key Points

Dedicated Supplements: Folic acid is available in single-ingredient tablets, with common brand names like Folvite and Folacin-800.
Multivitamins: Most daily multivitamins and B-complex supplements contain a standard dose of folic acid for general health.
Prenatal Vitamins: These tablets contain a higher dose of folic acid, crucial for preventing neural tube defects in early pregnancy.
Combination Products: Some tablets combine folic acid with other nutrients like iron to treat specific conditions like anemia.
Folic Acid vs. L-Methylfolate: Folic acid is the synthetic form, while L-methylfolate is the active form. Some individuals, particularly those with an MTHFR gene variant, may benefit from L-methylfolate.
Check the Label: Always examine the supplement facts label to confirm the amount and type of folate or folic acid in a product.

Dedicated Folic Acid Supplements

For those who need a focused dosage of folic acid, dedicated supplements are a straightforward option. These tablets contain folic acid as their primary, and often sole, active ingredient. They are available in various strengths and can be purchased over-the-counter or, for higher doses, with a prescription from a healthcare provider.

Common Over-the-Counter Brands

Nature Made Folic Acid: Available in several strengths, including 400 mcg and 800 mcg.
Walgreens Folic Acid: Store-brand options with various dosages.
CVS Health Folic Acid: Another retail store brand, often featuring 800 mcg tablets.

Prescription Brands

Folvite: A well-known brand name for prescription-strength folic acid.
Folacin-800: A higher-dose product prescribed for deficiencies.
Generics: Generic folic acid tablets are widely available and typically less expensive than brand-name versions.

Folic Acid in Multivitamins

Most daily multivitamins formulated for adults and children include folic acid as part of their nutritional profile. This is a convenient way for many to get their daily recommended intake without needing a separate tablet. It is important to read the nutrition label on any multivitamin to confirm the folic acid content, which is often listed as 'Folate' with the specific amount of folic acid noted in parentheses.

Examples of Multivitamins with Folic Acid

Nature's Bounty Super B-Complex with Folic Acid: A B-complex supplement that provides a group of B vitamins, including folic acid.
Centrum Multivitamin for Women: A comprehensive multivitamin that contains folic acid to support overall health.
One A Day: Many of their formulas, including those for different age groups, contain folic acid.

Folic Acid in Prenatal Vitamins

For women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, prenatal vitamins are a key source of folic acid. These formulas contain higher concentrations of folic acid, often between 400 mcg and 1,000 mcg, to support fetal brain and spinal cord development and prevent neural tube defects.

Prenatal Vitamin Examples

Nature Made Prenatal with Folic Acid + DHA: A popular prenatal vitamin that includes both folic acid and omega-3 DHA.
One A Day Prenatal Advanced: Contains choline, DHA, and folic acid to support a healthy pregnancy.
Vitafol-One: A prescription prenatal supplement that provides high levels of folic acid and other essential nutrients.

Folic Acid in Combination with Other Nutrients

Folic acid is also available in specialized combination tablets, designed to address specific nutritional needs or deficiencies. These products combine folic acid with other vitamins and minerals to provide a more targeted effect.

Examples of Combination Tablets

Hematinic with Folic Acid: Combines folic acid with iron, often used to treat and prevent anemia.
Foltrate: A prescription combination supplement containing folic acid and cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12).
Slow Fe with Folic Acid: An iron supplement that also includes folic acid for improved absorption and comprehensive support.

Understanding Different Forms of Folate

It is important to recognize that not all B9 supplements are identical. The synthetic form is called folic acid, while the naturally occurring form found in food is folate. The body must convert folic acid into the active form, 5-MTHF (L-methylfolate), to be used effectively.

Some people have a genetic variation called MTHFR C677T that makes this conversion process less efficient. For these individuals, supplements containing L-methylfolate might be more beneficial. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention still recommends folic acid for neural tube defect prevention, even for those with an MTHFR variant, but discussing options with a healthcare provider is prudent.

Tablet Comparison: Standalone vs. Multivitamin


Feature	Dedicated Folic Acid Tablet	Multivitamin with Folic Acid
Primary Purpose	Provides a single, concentrated dose of folic acid, often for treating a diagnosed deficiency or for specific pre-conception needs.	Offers a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals, with folic acid as one of many ingredients.
Common Dosages	Available in strengths like 400 mcg, 800 mcg, and 1mg, with higher doses often requiring a prescription.	Typically provides 400 mcg to 800 mcg of folic acid, but amounts vary by brand and product type (e.g., adult vs. prenatal).
Availability	Available both over-the-counter and by prescription.	Widely available over-the-counter in most pharmacies and retail stores.
Labeling	Lists only folic acid or 'folate' derived from folic acid.	Lists a panel of nutrients, with folate or folic acid included.

Conclusion

Identifying which tablet contains folic acid is a matter of understanding the different types of supplements available. Whether it is a dedicated tablet for a specific deficiency, a prenatal vitamin for pregnancy health, or a daily multivitamin for general wellness, folic acid is readily accessible in many oral formulations. Always check the product label for the specific dosage and type of folate included. For personalized medical advice, including dosage recommendations or choosing the right form of folate, consulting a healthcare provider or pharmacist is the best course of action.

Frequently Asked Questions

Folate is the general term for a group of B vitamins, naturally found in foods like leafy greens. Folic acid is the synthetic, man-made form of this vitamin, used in supplements and fortified foods.

Yes, many over-the-counter supplements contain folic acid, including standalone tablets, multivitamins, and prenatal vitamins. Common retail brands include Nature Made and Walgreens.

Yes, prenatal vitamins are specifically formulated to contain folic acid, typically at a higher dose than standard multivitamins, to support fetal development during early pregnancy.

Yes, a healthcare provider can prescribe a higher-dose folic acid tablet for specific conditions, such as addressing a deficiency or for women at higher risk of neural tube defects in future pregnancies.

Some iron supplements are combined with folic acid. Brand names like Hematinic with Folic Acid and Slow Fe with Folic Acid contain both nutrients.

You can find the amount of folic acid by checking the 'Supplement Facts' label on the product. It is often listed in micrograms (mcg) or as a Dietary Folate Equivalent (DFE).

Supplements most commonly use synthetic folic acid. However, some newer formulas contain L-methylfolate (5-MTHF), which is the active form of folate.