Researchers compared two different types of folate supplements to see which one your body absorbs better. Folate is a B vitamin that’s important for health. They tested a newer form called methylfolate (in a special salt form) against the traditional folic acid that’s been used for decades. The study found that the new methylfolate form was absorbed about 1.6 times better than folic acid. This means your body can use more of it, which could make supplements and fortified foods more effective. The new form also dissolves better in water, which might help it stay stable in products longer.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether a newer type of folate supplement (methylfolate in a special salt form) gets absorbed by your body better than the traditional folic acid form
  • Who participated: The study involved human participants who each received a single dose of either the new methylfolate form or traditional folic acid in a controlled research setting. The exact number of participants wasn’t specified in the available information.
  • Key finding: The new methylfolate form was absorbed 1.64 times better than folic acid, meaning significantly more of it entered the bloodstream and was available for your body to use
  • What it means for you: If this new form becomes available in supplements or fortified foods, you may need smaller doses to get the same benefits, or you could get more benefit from the same dose. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits matter in real-world use.

The Research Details

This was a randomized controlled trial, which is one of the strongest types of research studies. Researchers gave participants a single dose of either the new methylfolate form or traditional folic acid, then measured how much of each substance appeared in their blood over 8 hours. The study was “double-blind,” meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew which form each person received until after the study ended. This prevents bias from affecting the results. Each participant received both forms on different occasions (called a cross-over design), so researchers could compare how each person’s body handled each type of folate.

Understanding how well your body absorbs different forms of folate is important because it determines how effective a supplement or fortified food actually is. If one form is absorbed much better, it could mean smaller doses work just as well, or the same dose provides more benefit. The researchers also tested the physical properties of the new form, like how well it dissolves in water, because this affects how stable it is in products and how easily your gut can absorb it.

This study has several strengths: it used a randomized controlled design (very reliable), it was double-blind (prevents bias), and it measured actual blood levels of folate (objective measurement). However, the study only tested a single dose, so we don’t know how the forms compare with regular daily use. The exact number of participants wasn’t clearly stated in the available information, which makes it harder to assess the study’s power. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts reviewed it before publication.

What the Results Show

The new methylfolate form (called (6S)-5-MethylTHF-2Chol) was absorbed significantly better than traditional folic acid. Specifically, the amount of folate that entered the bloodstream was 1.64 times higher with the new form compared to folic acid. This difference was statistically significant, meaning it’s very unlikely to have happened by chance. The new form also reached peak blood levels faster and stayed in the system longer. Additionally, the researchers found that the new methylfolate form dissolves extremely well in water (650 mg per milliliter), which is much better than traditional folic acid. Even in acidic conditions (like in your stomach), it still dissolved well (40 mg per milliliter). This excellent solubility suggests the new form would be stable in supplements and foods and would be easy for your gut to absorb.

The physical properties of the new methylfolate form were very favorable. Its crystalline structure (the way the molecules are arranged) and high water solubility mean it’s less likely to break down in supplements or fortified foods during storage. This could make products containing this form more reliable and effective over time. The researchers noted that these properties could enable development of new supplement and food applications that weren’t possible with traditional folic acid.

This research builds on previous knowledge that methylfolate (the natural form of folate in your body) may be better absorbed than synthetic folic acid. Some people, particularly those with certain genetic variations, have difficulty converting folic acid to the active methylfolate form. This study provides direct evidence that a stable, absorbable form of methylfolate is significantly better absorbed than folic acid, supporting the idea that methylfolate supplements could be beneficial for more people.

The study only tested a single dose, so we don’t know how the two forms compare with regular daily use over weeks or months. The exact number of study participants wasn’t clearly reported, which limits our ability to assess how confident we should be in the results. The study measured blood levels but didn’t test whether the better absorption actually leads to better health outcomes. Additionally, this was a very controlled laboratory study with healthy participants, so results might differ in people with digestive problems or certain health conditions.

The Bottom Line

This research suggests that the new methylfolate form (6S)-5-MethylTHF-2Chol may be a more effective folate source than traditional folic acid (moderate confidence level based on this single study). If you’re considering folate supplements, this form may be worth looking for, especially if you have difficulty absorbing folic acid or have genetic variations that affect folate metabolism. However, wait for more research confirming real-world health benefits before making major changes.

This research is most relevant for: people taking folate supplements, pregnant women or those planning pregnancy (folate is crucial for fetal development), people with genetic variations affecting folate metabolism (like MTHFR mutations), and manufacturers of supplements and fortified foods. People getting adequate folate from food sources may not need to change anything. Always consult with a healthcare provider before changing supplements, especially if pregnant or taking medications.

Since this study only measured blood levels over 8 hours after a single dose, we can’t predict how long it would take to see health benefits from switching to this form. Folate benefits typically develop over weeks to months of consistent intake. More long-term studies are needed to determine realistic timelines for health improvements.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily folate intake by supplement type (traditional folic acid vs. methylfolate form) and note any changes in energy levels, mood, or other health markers over 8-12 weeks to see if the new form provides noticeable benefits for you personally
  • If you currently take folic acid supplements, look for products containing (6S)-5-MethylTHF or methylfolate as the folate source. Start tracking which form you’re using and monitor how you feel. You might also reduce your dose if switching to the more absorbable form, but discuss this with your healthcare provider first
  • Create a long-term tracking system that records: which folate form you’re taking, the dose, any symptoms or health markers you’re monitoring (energy, mood, cognitive function), and periodic blood work if your doctor recommends it. Compare your results over 3-6 month periods to see if the new form provides better outcomes for your specific situation

This research describes laboratory findings about how well different folate forms are absorbed. It does not prove that the new methylfolate form provides better health outcomes in real life. Before changing your folate supplements or intake, especially if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, taking medications, or have health conditions, consult with your doctor or registered dietitian. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. The study tested a single dose; long-term safety and effectiveness require additional research.