Pure Encapsulations Folate 400 is a food supplement that provides folate in its active form, Metafolin (calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, or L-5-MTHF), rather than as folic acid. Each of the 90 vegetarian capsules delivers 400 mcg of folate (200% of the Nutrient Reference Value), for adults who want a single-ingredient, high-potency folate supplement.

Key Features

• Active form of folate, not folic acid: Folate 400 provides folate as Metafolin (calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, L-5-MTHF). This matters because L-5-MTHF is already in the form the body uses directly, without needing the enzyme conversion steps that folic acid requires.
• 400 mcg per capsule (200% NRV): each capsule provides a concentrated single dose of folate, useful for anyone who wants to reach their intake without taking multiple capsules or a multivitamin blend.
• Hypoallergenic formulation: free from gluten, dairy, soya, egg, fish and other major allergens, so it suits people who react to common ingredients found in many supplement formulas.
• Vegan and vegetarian: the capsule shell and all ingredients are plant-derived, with no gelatine or other animal-derived material.
• Supports several everyday functions: folate contributes to normal psychological function, to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, to normal blood formation and homocysteine metabolism, and has a role in the normal function of the immune system.

What is Metafolin (L-5-MTHF) and how is it different from folic acid?

Metafolin is the brand name for calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), the active form of folate. Folic acid needs to be converted into this active form by the body before it can be used, whereas L-5-MTHF is already in the form the body uses directly. Folate 400 provides 400 mcg (200% of the Nutrient Reference Value) of folate in this active form in every capsule.

Can I take Folate 400 during pregnancy?

Folate contributes to maternal tissue growth during pregnancy, and the product label advises anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding to speak to a health professional before use. This is worth checking carefully, because Folate 400 provides folate as L-5-MTHF (Metafolin), not as folic acid. NHS guidance recommends taking a 400 microgram folic acid supplement specifically before conception and up to week 12 of pregnancy, to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects. If you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, check with your GP, midwife or pharmacist which folate or folic acid supplement is right for you.

Is Folate 400 suitable for vegans and vegetarians?

Yes. Folate 400 is made without any animal-derived ingredients. The capsule shell is made from hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, a plant-derived alternative to gelatine, and the formula is free from gluten, dairy, soya, egg, fish and other major allergens.

How long will one pack of Folate 400 last?

Each pack contains 90 capsules. At the standard dose of 1 to 2 capsules a day, one pack lasts between 45 and 90 days, so roughly one and a half to three months, depending on how many capsules you take.

Folate 400 contains one active nutrient, folate, provided as Metafolin (calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, L-5-MTHF), plus two non-active ingredients used to form the capsule.

*NRV = Nutrient Reference Value

Other ingredients: hypoallergenic plant fibre (microcrystalline cellulose); vegetarian capsule shell (hydroxypropyl methylcellulose).

Free from gluten, crustaceans, eggs, fish, milk, molluscs, peanuts, soya and celery. Non-GMO, and suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

Take 1 capsule, 1 to 2 times daily, with meals, or as directed by a health professional.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet. Do not exceed the stated recommended daily intake.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a health condition or take any medication, speak to a health professional before taking this product.

Check that the cap seal is intact before use. Store in a cool, dry place, out of the sight and reach of children.