Life Extension BioActive Folate & Vitamin B12
Brand: Life Extension · Form: CAPSULE [E0159] On Market
Our assessment
The evidence shows that a combined folate and vitamin B12 supplement like this one can be a targeted way to support your nutritional status, especially if you have a known deficiency or a specific need for these nutrients. However, data on this specific product is limited, and we must rely on general information for its ingredients. Data not available for the specific mechanism of action for this combined product.
How it works
Think of folate and vitamin B12 as essential partners in your body's methylation cycle, a process critical for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and nervous system health. Folate helps create new cells, while vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor to regenerate the active form of folate and maintain myelin, the protective sheath around your nerves. Data not available for the specific mechanism of action for this combined product.
Safety profile
FDA has received a total of 592,059 adverse event reports across all dietary supplements. For this specific product, data on side effects is not available. While these B vitamins are generally water-soluble and excess is often excreted, very high doses of B12 can rarely cause mild diarrhea or itching. Always consult your doctor before starting a new supplement, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or have a medical condition.
Our recommendation
Our recommendation is to first confirm a need for supplementation through a blood test. For most adults, a balanced diet provides sufficient folate and B12. If you have a known deficiency, a vegan diet, or a condition affecting absorption (like pernicious anemia), this supplement may be appropriate under medical guidance. Start with one capsule daily and monitor how you feel. Choose a product from a reputable manufacturer that undergoes third-party testing for purity and potency.
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Life Extension |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 90.0 Vegetarian 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