Swanson Ultra Folate 5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid 400 mcg
Brand: Swanson Ultra · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
Our assessment: The evidence shows that this product provides a highly bioavailable form of folate, specifically 5-methyltetrahydrofolic acid (5-MTHF), which is the active form your body can use immediately. This is especially important for individuals with genetic variations like MTHFR that can impair the conversion of standard folic acid. The data confirms that calcium supports bone mineralization and nerve signaling, but this product contains only folate [NIH ODS].
How it works
Think of 5-MTHF as the ready-to-use form of folate — your body does not need to convert it, making it efficient for supporting red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and homocysteine metabolism. For your nervous system, adequate folate levels are essential for neurotransmitter production and mood regulation [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
FDA received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all supplements, but specific data for this product is not available. While folate is generally well-tolerated, high calcium intakes from other sources can cause constipation, nausea, and abnormal heart rhythms [FDA data] [NIH ODS]. Calcium can also reduce absorption of medications like levothyroxine and certain antibiotics [NIH ODS].
Our recommendation
We recommend this product if you need a high-quality, active folate supplement, particularly if you have a known MTHFR mutation or difficulty converting folic acid. Start with one 400 mcg capsule daily. If you take thyroid medication or antibiotics, separate dosing by at least two hours to avoid interactions [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Swanson Ultra |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 30.0 Veggie Capsule(s) |
| Market Status | On Market |
How to Read This Label
Supplement labels contain several key sections regulated by the FDA:
- Serving Size — The recommended amount per dose. Always check this — some products require multiple capsules per serving.
- Amount Per Serving — Shows the quantity of each nutrient in the product, typically in IU (International Units), mg (milligrams), or mcg (micrograms).
- % Daily Value (%DV) — Indicates how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 5% DV or less is low; 20% DV or more is high.
- Other Ingredients — Lists inactive ingredients like fillers, binders, and capsule materials (e.g., gelatin, cellulose, magnesium stearate).
- Suggested Use — The manufacturer's recommended directions for taking the supplement, including timing and dosage.
Source: FDA Dietary Supplement Labeling Guide