Folic Acid 800 mcg
Spring Valley
Folic Acid 800 mcg
4.8
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
(879 ratings)
Folate 800 mcg
Score 88.0
A very budget-friendly and effective synthetic folic acid supplement providing 800 mcg per serving, supporting general, brain, mood, and heart health. Its primary strength is its unbeatable cost-effectiveness, though the synthetic form may be less ideal for some individuals.
Quantity: 400 Tablet(s)Servings size: 1 Tablet(s) (400 servings)
Selected goals:
Other goals:
General Health
Brain Health
Mood Support
Heart Health
leaderboard Score 88.0
A very budget-friendly and effective synthetic folic acid supplement providing 800 mcg per serving, supporting general, brain, mood, and heart health. Its primary strength is its unbeatable cost-effectiveness, though the synthetic form may be less ideal for some individuals.
insights Analysis
Spring Valley Folic Acid 800 mcg is a straightforward and highly cost-effective supplement designed to provide a crucial B vitamin. Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, is essential for numerous bodily functions including DNA synthesis, cell division, and red blood cell formation, making it fundamental for general health. It plays a significant role in maintaining brain health by supporting neurotransmitter production, contributes to mood stability through its involvement in serotonin and dopamine pathways, and is vital for heart health by helping to regulate homocysteine levels. While highly affordable and effective for most, the use of the synthetic folic acid form means it requires conversion in the body, which can be inefficient for individuals with MTHFR gene variations. Despite this, its exceptional price point per serving makes it an accessible option for widespread use and a popular choice as evidenced by its review count.
- Provides a robust 800 mcg dose of Folic Acid per serving, meeting or exceeding daily requirements for many.
- Offers an exceptionally low price per serving, making it one of the most affordable folic acid supplements available.
- Supports multiple vital health goals including general well-being, cognitive function, emotional stability, and cardiovascular health.
- Utilizes synthetic Folic Acid, which requires conversion in the body and may be less effective for individuals with MTHFR gene polymorphisms compared to active folate forms.
- As a single-ingredient supplement, it does not provide the broader nutritional benefits or synergistic effects found in a multivitamin or B-complex.
$4.88($0.01 per serving)
 Walmart | $ 4.88 |
bolt Effectiveness for goals
Yes, adequate folate intake, especially before and during early pregnancy, is highly effective in preventing neural tube defects (NTDs) like spina bifida and anencephaly. This is why many prenatal supplements contain folic acid, the synthetic form of folate. Health organizations recommend women of childbearing age consume sufficient folate daily.
Folate is essential for cell growth and division, DNA synthesis and repair, and red blood cell formation. It plays a crucial role in various metabolic processes, including the metabolism of homocysteine. Many people take folate to support overall health and prevent deficiency.
Folate supplements are very effective in treating and resolving a folate deficiency. Deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, and other symptoms. Supplementation typically restores folate levels and alleviates associated symptoms.
Folic acid, the synthetic form found in supplements and fortified foods, is often considered more bioavailable than natural folate from foods. This is because folic acid is more stable and readily absorbed by the body. Once absorbed, both forms are converted to the active form of folate within the body to exert their effects.
Folate is crucial for the formation of red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body, and it's involved in energy metabolism. A deficiency in folate can lead to megaloblastic anemia, causing symptoms like fatigue and low energy. Therefore, ensuring adequate folate intake can support healthy energy levels, especially if a deficiency is present.
schedule Dosage, timing & forms
For most adult men and women, the RDA is 400 micrograms (mcg) of dietary folate equivalents (DFEs) daily. Pregnant individuals are advised to consume 600 mcg DFE daily, and lactating individuals 500 mcg DFE. These recommendations help ensure adequate intake for essential bodily functions.
The two primary forms are folic acid, which is the synthetic form commonly used in fortified foods and supplements, and L-methylfolate (also known as 5-MTHF), which is the active, natural form of folate. Other forms like folinic acid are also available but less common. The choice of form may depend on individual needs or preferences.
Folic acid must be converted by the body into L-methylfolate to become biologically active. L-methylfolate, being the already active form, does not require this conversion. This difference can be significant for individuals with certain genetic variations that affect the conversion process.
Yes, there is an established Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL) of 1,000 mcg (1 mg) per day for *synthetic folic acid* from supplements and fortified foods for adults. This UL is set because high intakes of folic acid can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency. There is no UL established for folate from food sources or for L-methylfolate.
Supplemental dosages vary based on individual needs and health goals, but common doses often range from 400 mcg to 1,000 mcg (1 mg) daily. For specific needs, such as during pregnancy planning, healthcare providers may recommend higher doses of folic acid, often 800 mcg or more. Always consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage advice.
health_and_safety Safety & interactions
Yes, high doses of Folate, especially folic acid, can mask a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Folate can correct the megaloblastic anemia associated with B12 deficiency, but it does not prevent the irreversible neurological damage that can progress if the underlying B12 deficiency remains untreated. This is a critical safety concern.
Yes, Folate can interact with certain medications. These include some anti-seizure drugs, methotrexate (used for cancer and autoimmune diseases), and drugs that reduce stomach acid, which may affect Folate absorption or effectiveness. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional about potential interactions.
Folate is considered safe and is crucially important during pregnancy for fetal development, particularly to prevent neural tube defects. Supplementation with synthetic folic acid is widely recommended before and during early pregnancy. It is also safe and beneficial during breastfeeding.
While Folate is water-soluble, exceptionally high intakes, particularly from synthetic folic acid, may lead to certain side effects. These can include abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or sleep problems. The tolerable upper intake level is established for synthetic folic acid.
Folate supplements are generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Mild, rare side effects might include nausea, bloating, or sleep disturbances. Consuming extremely high doses over time could potentially lead to other effects.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount per serving |
|---|---|
| Folic Acid | 800 mcg |
Categories
Folate 95.0
This product directly provides folic acid, a well-known and widely used form of folate, making it highly relevant to the 'Folate' collection and serving the primary purpose of folate supplementation.
Goals
General Health 90.0
Folic acid is fundamental for cell division, DNA synthesis, and red blood cell production, all of which are crucial processes for maintaining overall physiological well-being and supporting general health.
Heart Health 90.0
Folic acid helps the body metabolize homocysteine, a compound that, at high levels, is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, thus contributing to heart health maintenance.
Brain Health 85.0
Folic acid contributes to the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which are vital for cognitive function and overall neurological health, although active forms of folate might offer superior benefits for some individuals.
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