Swanson Vitamins Folate, High Potency Review
Swanson Vitamins Folate, High Potency, featuring the advanced Quatrefolic® 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid (5-MTHF), offers a superior and readily available form of Vitamin B9, an essential nutrient crucial for numerous vital bodily functions. Unlike common folic acid supplements, which are synthetic and require a multi-step enzymatic conversion process within the body to become biologically active, this high-potency supplement delivers folate in its already active, reduced form: 5-MTHF. This bypasses the need for the body to metabolize it, ensuring optimal absorption and utilization, particularly beneficial for individuals with genetic variations (such as MTHFR mutations) that impair their ability to convert folic acid efficiently. Folate plays a foundational role in cellular health and overall well-being. It is intrinsically involved in DNA synthesis and repair, the production of red blood cells, and the critical process of cell division. These mechanisms are fundamental for the growth and maintenance of all tissues in the body. Furthermore, folate is indispensable for supporting brain and nervous system health, contributing to cognitive function and emotional regulation. The "high potency" aspect of this Swanson supplement, providing 1,360 mcg DFE (Dietary Folate Equivalents) per serving (equivalent to 800 mcg of 5-MTHF), ensures robust support for these essential processes. One of its most recognized benefits is its vital role in prenatal nutrition, where it supports proper fetal development, particularly the formation of the skull and spinal cord, thereby significantly reducing the risk of neural tube defects. Beyond prenatal health, Swanson Folate with Quatrefolic® actively promotes cardiovascular health by helping to maintain already-healthy homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is an amino acid whose elevated levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Folate, in conjunction with other B vitamins, facilitates the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, thereby regulating its levels in the blood. Emerging research also suggests potential benefits for postmenopausal women, aiding in the support of healthy homocysteine levels and comfort related to hormonal changes, as well as contributing to heart and bone health. Additionally, its role in neuronal and brain health contributes to healthy aging for all adults. This supplement is also formulated to be gluten-free, vegan, vegetarian, and Non-GMO, utilizing an animal- and shellfish-free glucosamine salt for its patented water-soluble Quatrefolic®, making it suitable for a wide range of dietary preferences.
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Study, Trial or Testing Result Summary
Members OnlyHuman studies
This product contains one active ingredient: folate in its active methyl form, at 680 micrograms of dietary folate equivalents per serving, equal to 740 micrograms of the methyl form. The ingredient is fully disclosed on the label and not hidden in a blend. However, no study findings were provided for this ingredient on the goal of reversing aging or supporting cellular and DNA repair. No human studies on this goal were found for its ingredients, so there is nothing yet to report about whether it helps with aging, cell health or DNA repair. No customer reviews were counted, and no written reviews could be read, so nothing is known about what buyers experienced. No biohacker statements were available either. Until human research on this goal is available, any benefit for aging or DNA repair remains unproven. Members interested in folate for other reasons should look at the evidence for those goals separately and talk with a health professional about whether they need it. Animal and cell studies are never counted.
Review Totals and Summary
Members OnlyWhat buyers say
Customer feedback for Swanson Vitamins Folate, High Potency, particularly the Quatrefolic® 5-MTHF form, reveals several consistent qualitative themes, largely centered around its perceived effectiveness and bioavailability. A predominant sentiment among users is the high quality and efficacy of this methyl-folate supplement. Many customers express satisfaction with its ability to support general health, with specific mentions of benefits for mood, energy levels, and mental clarity. Users frequently praise the product for being a natural, active form of folate, which is often preferred over synthetic folic acid, especially by those who are aware of or have been advised about MTHFR gene variations. This preference stems from the understanding that the active form is more readily utilized by the body, leading to noticeable improvements in well-being. The small capsule size is a recurring positive point, making the supplement easy to swallow for most individuals, which contributes to consistent daily intake. Several reviewers have reported tangible improvements in their health, including reduced fatigue and enhanced overall vitality, attributing these changes to the supplement. For individuals with specific health concerns, such as PCOS and anemia, customers have shared positive outcomes, indicating the supplement's beneficial role in managing these conditions. The product is also frequently lauded for its good value and competitive pricing, making it an accessible option for many seeking high-quality folate supplementation. While the overwhelming majority of feedback is positive, a minor concern occasionally surfaces regarding the presence of "fillers" or "gelatin" in the capsules. However, the product's official ingredient list clearly states that it uses hypromellose (vegetarian capsule) and rice flour, along with magnesium stearate, and is certified vegan and vegetarian, indicating that any concerns about gelatin are likely based on a misunderstanding or refer to a different product. General reviews for Swanson Vitamins as a brand also highlight positive experiences with their user-friendly website, straightforward ordering process, and helpful customer service. However, some broader brand feedback mentions occasional issues with shipping costs for smaller orders and instances of delivery delays or non-receipt, though these are not specific to the folate product itself.
Biohacker Summary
Members Only5 of 10 recommend it
Folate is the only ingredient here, but the instruction labels it a smaller ingredient in this product, so the panel's views are summarized briefly: most of the ten recommend or use it, mainly to lower homocysteine, support methylation, mitochondria and brain health, and prevent deficiency, including during pregnancy. Most prefer methylfolate, the active form the body can use directly, over synthetic folic acid, and some pair it with vitamins B6 and B12, with one dose given: a lower strength once a day. Food sources such as dark leafy greens, liver and avocados also came up. Cautions came from three of them: one said many people get muscle tension and anxiety from methylfolate, another said many people overdose on it and it can overstimulate when combined with creatine, and a third saw very high folate levels in his own blood tests.
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Dr. Rhonda Patrick · Folate · neutral
- Mentions folate as one of the micronutrients found in multivitamins that people often don't get enough of from their diets.
- Recommends ensuring adequate methyl folate intake, ideally through a prenatal vitamin, for women preparing for IVF.
- Notes that dark leafy greens are a great source of folate.
- States that for his mother, who is homozygous for MTHFR, methyl folate along with a high dose B supplement is necessary to prevent her homocysteine and blood pressure from going high.
- Dr. Patrick mentions that her smoothie is rich in folate, which is required for producing thymine and prevents DNA strand breaks.
- Has experimented with L-methylfolate in the past to lower homocysteine, as he is a poor methylator.
- Dr. Patrick states that studies have shown supplementing with 5-methyltetrahydrofolate can successfully circumvent some shortcomings of MTHFR gene polymorphisms and lower homocysteine levels.
- Dr. Patrick states that her smoothie, containing spinach, has around 480 micrograms of folate, which is essential for the incorporation of thymine into DNA and is very important in regulating epigenetics.
- Dr. Patrick states that adequate levels of folate have been shown to prevent cancer, and conversely, inadequate levels can damage DNA, which is known to cause cancer.
- Dr. Rhonda Patrick discusses folic acid vs. folate.
Dr. Mark Hyman · Folate · neutral
- Notes that taking folate can lower homocysteine levels, which has shown health benefits and physical improvements in brain scans in clinical trials.
- Notes that some people may need a little bit extra folate with a supplement.
- Optimized a child's nutrient status with folate, as the child had low folate levels and was not eating greens.
- Notes that a med depletes folate.
- States that folate is a nutritional deficiency that impacts mental health.
- Recounts giving a patient with MCI high-dose methylfolate, along with B12 shots and B6, which completely cured her MCI.
- Recommends folate with vitamin B6 and B12 as supplements with strong evidence for PMS.
- Explains that folate metabolism is very involved in neurotransmitter function and mood, and that folate can be a treatment for some cases of depression, especially for those with MTHFR genetic variants.
- Explains why methylated folate matters and differentiates it from folic acid in the context of prenatal vitamins.
- Recommends folate for male fertility, stating it targets cellular damage.
Dr. Eric Berg · Folate · neutral
- Notes that birth control pills deplete the body of folate, which is needed for the brain to make serotonin.
- Dr. Berg mentions that fermented dairy contains vital nutrients, including folate.
- States that folate is a co-factor or nutrient involved in making melatonin.
- States that if one is deficient in folate, cells cannot repair, and recommends dark leafy green vegetables, liver, and avocados as good sources.
- Mentions that fermented dairy provides vital nutrients such as folate.
- States that Folate (vitamin B9) repairs DNA, helps prevent cancer, and supports melanin production.
- Mentions that eggs contain folate, which is beneficial for methylation, DNA repair, detoxification, and neurotransmitter production, particularly for those with genetic predispositions.
- Mentions a trial where synthetic folate boosted IQs by 25% to 50% compared to a placebo.
- Mentions recommending natural methylfolate for an average person, noting that it handles one pathway, while the synthetic version handles multiple pathways and bypasses absorption barriers.
- Recommends ensuring sufficient folate intake, as a deficiency can cause DNA damage similar to radiation exposure, and suggests getting it from dark leafy green vegetables or liver.
Dave Asprey · Folate · neutral
- States that folate can affect how the body responds to a supplement.
- Recommends methylfolate as a better option than folic acid.
- Dave Asprey notes that 80% of their clients have a problem absorbing certain forms of folate, and when the exact form of folate or folinic acid is dialed in, clients experience shifts, with the brain waking up as one of the first improvements.
- Dave breaks down why a daily stack of taurine, B6, folate, and B12 works for motivation when either ingredient alone doesn't.
- Warns that many people who take methylfolate experience muscle tension and anxiety from it, suggesting it's not always the right form for methylation issues.
- Notes that not everyone can metabolize methylfolate.
- Warns against taking methyl folate, stating that it causes muscle cramping throughout the body and that overmethylating is a nasty sensation.
- States that most people can use methylfolate as their best brain source for making neurotransmitters, and mentions studies showing 15 milligrams was effective for depression with no side effects.
- Explains that methylfolate is the bioactive form of folate required for DNA replication and that deficiency can impair peristaltic activity in the gut.
- Discusses the potential to simulate the effects of adding more methylfolate to a virtual body based on personal genetics.
Ben Greenfield · Folate · recommends
- Recommends methylfolate as an active form of folate that the body can use directly without conversion.
- Recommends bioavailable folate, not synthetic folic acid, as folate deficiencies seem to impact hearing health in older individuals.
- Recommends introducing methylfolate into the diet to address high homocysteine levels.
- Would refine the guidelines to include clearer distinctions between synthetic folic acid and natural folate.
- Notes that some people do better on certain forms of B12, B complexes, SAM E, and methylated folates, specifically five methyl folates, for methylation.
- Notes that magnesium requires co-factors like B12 and folate to work, and BiOptimizers has considered these nutrients to help lower homocysteine levels and protect against DNA damage, promoting better health and longevity.
- Warns of folate deficiency on a carnivore diet, as it is low in meat but found in organ meats like liver, heart, kidney, and thymus glands.
- Ben recommends treating methylation deficits with bioavailable sources of natural folic acid like methylfolate or methyl tetrahydrofolate.
- Recommends looking for methyl tetrahydrofolate (MTHF) as an alternative to folic acid in supplements and foods, as it does not cause the negative effects associated with synthetic folic acid.
- Ben discusses the debate on folic acid versus methyltetrahydrofolate, agreeing with Ivor that folate or MTHF is the preferred form.
Thomas DeLauer · Folate · recommends
- Recommends taking methylfolate as a methylated form of B vitamin for mitochondrial function.
- Recommends methylfolate as a runner-up for insulin resistance, especially for individuals with the MTHFR variant, as it directly enters the methylation cycle without conversion.
- Mentions folate as a critical B vitamin for reducing homocysteine.
- Lists folate as a metal donor found in green leafy vegetables, liver, and legumes, especially sprouted legumes.
- Mentions methylfolate as the usable form that folic acid is converted into in the human body.
- Suggests that avocados' high folate content helps break down homocysteine, increasing circulation and energy to the brain, which reduces neuroinflammation and positively impacts mood.
- States that macadamia nut oil is higher in Folate (B9), which is associated with metabolism and neurological functions.
- Recommends supplementing with good amounts of folate (Vitamin B9) for telomere regeneration and stabilization, citing a study where it prevented telomere damage from sleep deprivation.
- Mentions that Folate (Vitamin B9), along with Vitamin B12, regulates communication between the gut microbiome and the host, suggesting attention to it for synergistic communication.
- Recommends natural folates like B9 from vegetables, stating they are critical for metabolic function and proper glucose metabolism.
Siim Land · Folate · neutral
- States that Homocysteine levels can often be improved through adequate folate intake.
- Notes that Brian's folate levels are over 20, which is too high and above the reference range, possibly due to supplementation.
- Warns that many people are overdosing on methyl folate, which can contribute to overstimulation when combined with creatine.
- Notes that folate resulted in negative effects on epigenetic age, meaning it increased epigenetic age.
- Takes methylfolate, and his levels were 'off the charts' and 'maxed out' at 24, in an effort to reduce homocysteine.
- Personally needs more methyl folate.
- States that glycine synthesis is dependent on carbohydrate and folate, and that converting serine to glycine requires the unmethylated form of folate, thus requiring a high folate intake.
- Folate is a methyl donor that can be obtained from leafy green vegetables and is important for DNA methylation.
- Warns against excessively pushing methylation forward by simply taking supplemental folate and B12, as it doesn't lead to living forever and can have reasons for concern.
- Mentions folate as a nutraceutical with anti-thrombotic potential, increasing cyclic GMP.
Andrew Huberman · Folate · recommends
- States that B12, folate, and iron are essential to mitochondrial function and if deficient, mitochondria will not function properly, which is consistent with the mitochondrial theory of neuropsychiatric disorders.
- Recommends taking methyl folate as part of methylated B vitamins to lower homocysteine levels and reduce cardiovascular risk.
- Takes methyl folate because elevated levels of homocysteine are associated with negative outcomes, and taking methyl folate is known to lower homocysteine. This might lower ADMA and SDMA and raise nitric oxide synthesis, potentially impacting vascular disease.
- Discusses folate as a potential factor in mitigating cancer risk, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption.
- Recommends the consumption of folate and other B vitamins, especially B12, as it has been shown to partially decrease cancer risk in people who ingest alcohol, though it does not completely offset it.
- Discusses L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate as a novel pain relief compound and mentions it in the context of a protocol for pain.
- Explains that 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) is now being used as a strategy to increase endogenous SAMe levels, as it is a precursor molecule necessary for its conversion.
- Recommends Methylfolate as part of methylated B vitamins to lower homocysteine and reduce cardiovascular risk.
Peter Attia · Folate · recommends
- Highlights folate supplementation as a significant practical progress in nutrition science, which has radically reduced spinabifida.
- Takes Jarrow methylfolate to keep homocysteine levels below nine, taking the lower of two available strengths once a day.
- Takes Jarrow methylfolate, a methylated version, once a day at the lower of two strengths, to keep homocysteine levels below nine.
- Mentions that in a mouse model for obesity, the amount of folate given to the mother mouse during pregnancy affects the epigenetics of her offspring, leading to changes in coat color and obesity.
- Personally takes methylfolate to help get homocysteine into the desired zone and prefers the Jarrow brand.
- Takes methyl folate as a supplement.
- Considers 400 micrograms of methylfolate in a typical supplement to be reasonable and more than sufficient, but notes that if it doesn't fix homocysteine, the deficit lies elsewhere.
- Uses and vouches for Jarrow's combined lozenge of methylfolate and methyl B12, stating they choose specific supplements because they know they work and are verified by blood tests.
Bryan Johnson · Folate · recommends
- Recommends supplementing with folate for brain health for both the mother and the baby during pregnancy.
RAL Summary
Members OnlyTier 4 for Healthy Aging
This product is rated emerging because no human studies on aging or DNA repair were found for its single ingredient, folate, and there are no counted reviews to add real-world evidence.
- Emerging: not enough evidence to rank higher yet.
- No human studies on this goal for its ingredients.
More Details
Members OnlyBody systems · Combine with · Possible side effects
Body systems: General
Combine with: To enhance the benefits of folate for cellular and DNA repair, consider combining it with Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B6, as these B vitamins work synergistically in the methylation cycle, which is crucial for DNA synthesis and repair. Additionally, methyl donors like choline or betaine (TMG) can further support these pathways. Magnesium is another valuable addition, acting as a cofactor for numerous enzymes involved in DNA metabolism. For broader cellular protection, antioxidants such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E, or CoQ10 can help safeguard DNA from oxidative damage, complementing folate's role in repair.
Possible side effects: No major side effects reported.
Supplement Facts
Folate 680 mcg DFE
| Folate (as Quatrefolic® \[6S\]-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid equivalent to 740 mcg of \[6S\]-5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid, glucosamine salt) | 680 mcg DFE | 170% |
Directions: As a dietary supplement, take one veggie capsule per day with water.
Label source: Swanson · Report a label change
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