Can You Take Folic Acid (Synthetic) and Methylfolate Together?

Dose or timing may matter

The short answer

Unmetabolized synthetic folic acid may competitively inhibit methylfolate (5-MTHF) at folate receptors and reduce its cellular uptake, diminishing the benefits of methylfolate supplementation, especially in individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms.

How to arrange timing

Avoid combining synthetic folic acid with methylfolate; choose one form based on individual needs.

Reference

Reference noted for this combination: Bailey SW, Ayling JE. The extremely slow and variable activity of dihydrofolate reductase in human liver. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 2009;106(36):15424-15429

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.