Can You Take Folate and Methylfolate Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Folic acid (as synthetic folate) competes with methylfolate (5-MTHF) for folate receptors and cellular uptake. Unmetabolized folic acid may block MTHF receptor binding, reducing the effectiveness of methylfolate supplementation.

How to arrange timing

Choose one form of folate supplementation rather than combining both; methylfolate is preferred for MTHFR variants.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Smith AD et al. Folic acid fortification: the good, the bad, and the puzzle of vitamin B-12. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007;85(1):S3-S5

Important context

Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.