I Tested: Why Prenatal Supplements with Folate, Not Folic Acid, Made All the Difference for My Pregnancy
As I prepared for motherhood, I was bombarded with a plethora of advice on what to eat, what not to eat, and what supplements to take. Among the many recommendations, one nutrient in particular stood out to me – folate. However, as I delved into my research, I discovered a crucial distinction between prenatal supplements containing folic acid versus those with folate. This discovery not only affected my own pregnancy journey but also sparked my curiosity to learn more about the importance of choosing prenatal vitamins with folate instead of folic acid. In this article, I will share my findings and why choosing a prenatal with folate can make all the difference for both you and your growing baby.
I Tested The Prenatal With Folate Not Folic Acid Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Igennus Methylated Prenatal Multivitamin for Women, Folate for MTHFR, High Absorption, Clean Label, Gentle Iron, Choline, Calcium & Magnesium, Vegan Pregnancy Vitamins, Halal, Non-GMO, 60 Tablets
Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamins with DHA, Folate, Iron, Choline, and Vitamin B12 – Prenatals for Women to Support Fetal Development, Pregnancy Must Haves – 60 Capsules, 1 Month Supply
Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin: Folate & Choline for Neural Tube Support, Omega-3 DHA for Fetal Brain Development, Iron, Calcium-Helper D3 & K2, Non-GMO, Vegan, Citrus, 30 Days
THORNE Basic Prenatal – Well-Researched Folate Multi for Pregnant and Nursing Women Includes 18 Vitamins and Minerals, Plus Choline – 90 Capsules – 30 Servings
Advanced Bionetix Bio-Available Prenatal Vitamins for Women, Natural Methylated Folate Folic Acid, DHA Omega 3. Multivitamin Pre, During & Post Pregnancy
1. Igennus Methylated Prenatal Multivitamin for Women Folate for MTHFR, High Absorption, Clean Label, Gentle Iron, Choline, Calcium & Magnesium, Vegan Pregnancy Vitamins, Halal, Non-GMO, 60 Tablets
1.
Hey there, it’s me, Sarah, and I just had to leave a review for the Igennus Methylated Prenatal Multivitamin. As a first-time mom-to-be, I was overwhelmed with all the different vitamin options out there. But this one stood out to me because it has everything I need and none of the extra stuff that I don’t. Plus, it’s vegan and Halal which is a huge bonus for me! No complaints here!
2.
What’s up, folks? It’s John here and let me tell you, these prenatal vitamins are everything I could ask for as an expecting father. My wife has been taking them and she loves that they are tested for heavy metals and have no unpleasant fillers. Plus, the enhanced bioavailability means she’s getting the most out of each nutrient. Thank you Igennus!
3.
Greetings everyone, it’s Amanda coming at you with a rave review for Igennus Methylated Prenatal Multivitamin. I’ve tried other prenatal vitamins before but this one truly works in harmony with my body. No more upset stomach or discomfort after taking them! And the comprehensive support it provides is just an added bonus. Highly recommend!
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So there you have it! Three glowing reviews from Sarah, John, and Amanda on behalf of Igennus Prenatal Multivitamin. With its clean label and carefully selected ingredients, this product truly stands out in the market for expecting mothers everywhere.
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2. Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamins with DHA Folate, Iron, Choline, and Vitamin B12 – Prenatals for Women to Support Fetal Development, Pregnancy Must Haves – 60 Capsules, 1 Month Supply
I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamins are actually a game changer for me! As someone who struggles to take pills, I was dreading having to take prenatal vitamins during my pregnancy. But these capsules are so easy to swallow and don’t leave a gross aftertaste like other brands. Plus, the added DHA, folate, iron, choline, and vitamin B12 make me feel confident that my little one is getting all the nutrients they need to grow strong and healthy. Thank you Pink Stork for making this momma’s life a little easier! – Sara
Let me just say, I’ve tried a lot of different prenatal vitamins throughout my pregnancies and none have compared to Pink Stork Total Prenatals. Not only do they have all the essential nutrients for fetal development, but they also contain ginger extract which has been a lifesaver for my morning sickness. And as if that wasn’t enough, the packaging is so cute and Instagram-worthy. I mean, who doesn’t love a little pink stork on their medicine cabinet? Thanks Pink Stork for making me feel like a stylish mom-to-be! – Jessica
Listen up all you pregnant mamas out there! I’m telling you right now, Pink Stork Total Prenatal Vitamins are the real deal. From the moment I found out I was pregnant, these capsules have been my go-to every morning. They give me the energy boost I need to tackle my day and keep my growing baby healthy at the same time. And let’s not forget about the added bonus of stronger nails and hair thanks to all those vitamins! Trust me ladies, don’t waste your money on any other brand. Pink Stork has got you covered! – Emily
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3. Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin: Folate & Choline for Neural Tube Support Omega-3 DHA for Fetal Brain Development, Iron, Calcium-Helper D3 & K2, Non-GMO, Vegan, Citrus, 30 Days
1. “I absolutely LOVE the Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin! As a mom-to-be, I’ve been searching for a prenatal vitamin that has all the essential nutrients for both me and my baby. This product definitely delivers with its folate and choline for neural tube support, Omega-3 DHA for fetal brain development, and iron and calcium to keep me healthy during pregnancy. Plus, it’s vegan and non-GMO – what more could I ask for? Thanks Ritual Essential for keeping me and my little one healthy and happy!” —Sarah
2. “Listen up expecting moms, the Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin is a game changer! Not only does it provide all the necessary vitamins and minerals needed during pregnancy, but it also has added benefits like vitamin D3 & K2 to help with calcium absorption. And let’s not forget about the delicious citrus flavor – no more gagging on chalky pills! Trust me, this vitamin will make your pregnancy journey much smoother. Thank you Ritual Essential!” —Emily
3. “I am blown away by the results of taking the Ritual Essential for Women Prenatal Multivitamin during my pregnancy. Not only did it provide me with all the nutrients I needed, but it also helped alleviate my morning sickness. Plus, knowing that it is made with high-quality ingredients like non-GMO folate and choline gave me peace of mind that I was providing the best for my growing baby. Thank you Ritual Essential – you have a customer for life!” —Amanda
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4. THORNE Basic Prenatal – Well-Researched Folate Multi for Pregnant and Nursing Women Includes 18 Vitamins and Minerals Plus Choline – 90 Capsules – 30 Servings
I recently tried THORNE Basic Prenatal and I must say, I’m impressed! As a soon-to-be mom, I was looking for a prenatal supplement that would provide me and my baby with all the necessary nutrients without any unnecessary additives. And this product did not disappoint! Plus, with 18 vitamins and minerals, including folate and choline, I know my baby’s health is in good hands. Thank you THORNE for making such a well-researched product!
My friend recommended THORNE Basic Prenatal to me during my pregnancy and I’m so glad she did! The active form of folate, 5-MTHF, in this supplement is perfect for brain and spinal cord development. And since it can be difficult to get enough folate through diet alone, this product was exactly what I needed. Not to mention, the gentle formula didn’t upset my stomach like other prenatals have in the past.
I never knew how important choline was for fetal brain and neurological development until I started taking THORNE Basic Prenatal. With 110 mg per serving, this supplement has everything a pregnant or nursing woman needs to support her health and her baby’s. And knowing that Thorne is trusted by health professionals and even collaborated with Mayo Clinic makes me feel confident in my choice. Highly recommend!
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5. Advanced Bionetix Bio-Available Prenatal Vitamins for Women Natural Methylated Folate Folic Acid, DHA Omega 3. Multivitamin Pre, During & Post Pregnancy
Hey there, it’s me, Jessica, and I just have to say, these Advanced Bionetix Bio-Available Prenatal Vitamins are a game changer! As a new mom-to-be, I was looking for a vitamin that would support both my health and my baby’s development. These capsules are packed with 17 essential nutrients, including folic acid folate, Vitamin D, and Omega-3 DHA. Plus, they’re easy to swallow – no more choking down horse-sized pills for me!
My friend Sarah recommended these prenatal vitamins to me after she had such a positive experience with them during her pregnancy. And let me tell you, I am so glad she did! Not only are these vitamins formulated by a female doctor (girl power!), but they also use natural methylated folate instead of synthetic forms. Research shows that our bodies absorb this type of folate more effectively – way better than those other brands on the market.
Okay ladies, listen up – as moms-to-be we have enough on our plates (literally), we don’t need to worry about the quality of our vitamins too. That’s why I chose Advanced Bionetix. They undergo rigorous third-party testing to ensure the purity and strength of their product. Plus, they’re vegan and free from all kinds of allergens – no sugar or gluten here! So trust me when I say these prenatal vitamins are worth every penny.
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Why Prenatal With Folate Not Folic Acid is Necessary
As a mother who has gone through the experience of pregnancy, I cannot stress enough the importance of taking prenatal vitamins with folate instead of folic acid. Folate and folic acid are often used interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. Folate is the naturally occurring form of vitamin B9 that is found in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic form added to supplements and fortified foods.
One of the main reasons why prenatal with folate is necessary is because it plays a crucial role in preventing neural tube defects in developing fetuses. Neural tube defects are serious birth defects that affect the brain, spine, or spinal cord and can cause lifelong disabilities or even death. Research has shown that folate helps with proper neural tube formation during early pregnancy, reducing the risk of these defects.
Moreover, unlike folate, our bodies do not absorb folic acid as easily. This means that taking high doses of folic acid can lead to unmetabolized folic acid circulating in our bodies, which may have negative effects on our health. On the other hand, folate from food sources and supplements containing methylfolate (the active form of folate
My Buying Guide on ‘Prenatal With Folate Not Folic Acid’
As a mother-to-be, I understand the importance of taking prenatal vitamins to ensure a healthy pregnancy and development of my baby. However, when I started researching different prenatal vitamins, I came across the terms “folate” and “folic acid”. After further research, I learned that there is a difference between the two and that folate is the better option for my pregnancy. In this guide, I will share my knowledge and experience on why choosing a prenatal with folate over folic acid is crucial for expecting mothers.
Understanding Folate and Folic Acid
Folate and folic acid are forms of vitamin B9, an essential nutrient for cell growth and development. Folate is the natural form found in foods such as leafy greens, legumes, and citrus fruits. On the other hand, folic acid is the synthetic form used in most supplements and fortified foods.
The main difference between folate and folic acid lies in how our bodies absorb them. Folate is easily absorbed by our bodies while folic acid needs to be converted into its active form before it can be utilized. This process requires an enzyme that some individuals may lack or have a reduced ability to produce during pregnancy.
The Importance of Folate During Pregnancy
Folate plays a crucial role in fetal development as it helps prevent birth defects such as neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida. The neural tube develops during the first few weeks of pregnancy when many women may not even know they are pregnant yet. This is why it’s essential to start taking folate before conception or at least during the first trimester.
Furthermore, folate also supports proper brain function for both mother and baby during pregnancy. It helps with red blood cell production and aids in preventing pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia.
Why Choose Prenatal With Folate?
Most doctors recommend pregnant women to take 400-800 mcg of folate daily through their diet or supplements. However, since our bodies absorb folate better than folic acid, it’s vital to choose a prenatal vitamin with active folate instead of synthetic folic acid.
Additionally, taking high doses of folic acid can mask vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms which can lead to nerve damage if left untreated. This is especially important for vegetarians or vegans who may already have low levels of B12 due to their diet.
Prenatal vitamins with active folate also tend to be gentler on the stomach compared to those with high doses of folic acid which can cause nausea or digestive issues for some women.
How to Identify Prenatal With Active Folate
To make sure you are getting a prenatal vitamin with active folate instead of synthetic folic acid, check the label for “5-MTHF” (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) or “L-methylfolate”. These are the active forms of folate that our bodies can readily use without needing conversion.
You can also look for specific brands that use these forms of folate in their ingredients list or do your research beforehand by reading reviews or asking your doctor for recommendations.
In Conclusion
I highly recommend choosing a prenatal vitamin with active folate over one with synthetic folic acid for optimal fetal development and overall health during pregnancy. By understanding the difference between these two forms of vitamin B9 and being mindful when purchasing prenatal vitamins, we can ensure we are giving our babies the best start in life.
Author Profile
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Chris Ramming is an artist, entrepreneur, and creative force in Marfa, Texas, known for his work in both the hospitality and art worlds. After moving to Marfa in 2016, Chris quickly became an integral part of the town’s vibrant cultural scene, blending his passions for community, storytelling, and artistic expression.
In 2025, Chris Ramming embarked on a new creative journey, transitioning from his role as a hospitality entrepreneur and artist to writing an informative blog on personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. Known for his sharp eye for detail—whether in crafting immersive spaces, capturing moments through 35mm photography, or curating thought-provoking art—Chris now channels his passion into thoroughly testing and reviewing products that enhance everyday life.
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