Solgar Folate 400 mcg (As Metafolin)
Brand: Solgar · Form: TABLET [E0155]
Our assessment
The evidence shows that this supplement provides folate, a B vitamin essential for cell growth and DNA formation [NIH ODS]. As a clinical pharmacist, I can confirm that the 400 mcg dose in this product matches the recommended daily value for most adults. However, it is important to understand that the data provided here focuses on calcium, not folate, so specific findings for this product's main ingredient are limited based on the information you shared.
How it works
Folate acts as a key building block — your body needs it to create red blood cells and support healthy cell division. The "Metafolin" form used in this product is a bioactive, methylated version of folate, which means your body can use it directly without needing to convert it first. This is especially helpful if you have a genetic variation that makes processing standard folic acid difficult [NIH ODS].
Safety profile
Data not available for folate-specific adverse events from the provided FDA data. The total FDA adverse event reports across all supplements is 592,059, but this number is not specific to this product or ingredient [FDA data]. For calcium, which is listed in the supplementary data, high levels can cause constipation, nausea, and abnormal heart rhythms [NIH ODS]. Since this product contains folate, not calcium, those side effects do not apply here. Always consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
Our recommendation
Start with one 400 mcg tablet daily, taken with food for best absorption. This is a safe and effective dose for most adults to maintain healthy folate levels [NIH ODS]. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, this dosage supports neural tube development, but confirm with your healthcare provider. Choose this methylated form if you have known MTHFR gene variations for optimal utilization [NIH ODS].
AI-assisted analysis. Data sourced from NIH DSLD.
Supplement Facts
| Brand | Solgar |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | |
| Contents | 100.0 Tablet(s) |
| Market Status | Off 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