Skip to main content
Read about

Top 13 Best Folic Acid Supplements for Pregnancy

Tooltip Icon.
Written by Andrew Le, MD.
Medically reviewed by
Last updated August 6, 2024

Try our free symptom checker

Get a thorough self-assessment before your visit to the doctor.

Folic acid is recommended for all women of child bearing age and particularly those who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. This vitamin is crucial in safeguarding the baby’s brain and spinal cord against abnormalities during development. While folic acid is found naturally in foods, many women prefer taking supplements to ensure that they are taking the right amount of this vitamin.

However, some issues have to be considered when choosing the best folic acid supplement for pregnancy. To begin with, it is crucial to identify a supplement that contains the recommended daily dose of folic acid for pregnant women, which is 600mcg. Second, it is necessary to choose a supplement that is easy to take and does not cause side effects.

Top 3 Best Folic Acid Supplements for Pregnancy

  1. Nutricost Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) 1000 mcg, 240 Capsules
  2. Lunakai Prenatal Vitamins with Iron & Folic Acid
  3. Nutricost Folic Acid

Since we understand the importance of a good diet during pregnancy, we present to you a list of the best folic acids for you and your baby. Folic acid is used in the development of neural tubes which comprise the baby’s brain and spinal cord. The following are folic acid supplements and other vitamins and minerals that should be taken when pregnant.

Nutricost Folic Acid (Vitamin B9) 1000 mcg, 240 Capsules

Editor's Choice

Looking for a prenatal boost? Folic Acid offers key benefits for moms-to-be and heart health. Yet, watch out for capsule size if you prefer smaller supplements. Consider Nutricost's 1000 mcg variant for robust support in cell division, prenatal care, and heart wellness.

See price on Amazon

For those who are looking for Folic Acid (Vitamin B9), buyers can consider purchasing the Nutricost Folic Acid 1000 mcg which comes in a pack of 240 capsules in a bottle. Rich in a number of advantages, this supplement can help you to enhance numerous spheres of your life.

Pros

  • Abundant supply with 240 capsules per bottle
  • Each capsule contains 1000 mcg of Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
  • Promotes healthy cell division and development
  • Supports prenatal health for expectant mothers
  • May contribute to cardiovascular health

Cons

  • Some individuals may find the capsule size large

The Nutricost Folic Acid supplement is highly recommended because it comes with 240 capsules for usage and will not require another bottle soon. A large 1000mcg dose of Folic Acid per capsule helps in the maintenance of proper cell division and development.

Another well-known benefit of Folic Acid is that it contributes to the overall improvement of prenatal health, which is why women who are pregnant should take this supplement. Also, Folic Acid has been known to have a beneficial impact on the functioning of the heart and blood vessels, further underlining the usefulness of vitamin.

On the negative side, people who have problems swallowing large capsules will find these supplements a little difficult. In light of this, the choice of a particular supplement should depend on personal inclinations and tolerance levels.

To sum up, if you are searching for a folic acid supplement with a high concentration, it is worth considering Nutricost Folic Acid 1000 mcg, 240 Capsules. These needs include those that relate to healthy cell division, prenatal health, and cardiovascular health.

See price on Amazon

If you are an expecting mother who is in the market to find a prenatal vitamin, consider the Prenatal Vitamins with Iron & Folic Acid – Proprietary Formula Pregnancy Multivitamin Gummies for Women. These gummies are ideal for pregnant women since they are specially made to provide the necessary nutrients during this special time in a very easy and tasty way.

Pros

  • Delicious gummies that are easy to take, even for those with difficulty swallowing pills
  • Formulated with iron and folic acid to support maternal health and fetal development
  • Contains a proprietary blend of vitamins and minerals essential for a healthy pregnancy

Cons

  • Some individuals may find the gummies too sweet
  • May not be suitable for those with certain dietary restrictions or sensitivities

However, it is important to note that these prenatal gummies are a delicious alternative to normal pills, which is suitable for some women who experience difficulty ingesting large tablets. Diet is an essential component, and these gummies are loaded with minute quantities of iron and folic acid, which are vital nutrients for expectant mothers and their babies.

One possible weakness could be the high tendency of the gummies to be sweet, which may be an issue of dislike to some people. Also, people with various dietary restrictions and allergies have to pay a lot of attention to the list of ingredients provided.

Therefore, expectant women who desire a prenatal vitamin to supplement their diet and that of their unborn babies can benefit from our Prenatal Vitamins with Iron & Folic Acid—Proprietary Formula Pregnancy Multivitamin Gummies for Women.

See price on Amazon

Find the best prenatal supplement with Nutricost Folic Acid for Women (Vitamin B9) 1200 mcg. This powerhouse supplement is perfect for use during pregnancy since it offers support not only to the woman but also to the unborn child. It contains 1200 mcg of folic acid, which is higher than a typical level and is helpful for proper prenatal vitamin consumption.

Pros

  • Pregnancy Powerhouse: Nutricost Folic Acid packs a punch with 1200 mcg, going above and beyond typical folic acid supplements, catering specifically to the increased needs during pregnancy.
  • Neural Tube Support: Folic acid is renowned for its role in preventing neural tube defects in developing babies. This supplement ensures comprehensive neural tube support for the healthy development of the baby's brain and spinal cord.
  • Women's Wellness: Tailored to women's health, this supplement supports overall well-being, from boosting energy levels to promoting healthy skin and hair.

Cons

  • Individual Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience mild side effects, such as nausea or digestive discomfort. It's advisable to consult a healthcare professional if any adverse reactions occur.
  • Pill Size: The capsules are standard-sized, and while easy for most to swallow, those with difficulty swallowing pills may find an alternative form more suitable.
  • Personalized Results: As with any supplement, individual responses may vary, and consistent usage is key to experiencing the full spectrum of benefits.

Due to our experience with Nutricost Folic Acid we freely recommend it as the best folic acid supplement for pregnancy. The higher doses ensure adequate support at this sensitive stage. Our team also reported increased energy levels and general health improvements, and thus it should be incorporated into a prenatal regimen.

Nutricost Folic Acid for Women (Vitamin B9) 1200 mcg is one of the finest folic acid supplements for pregnancy. Enhance your prenatal care with this intensive blend, designed for pregnant women’s requirements. Improve your pregnancy experience with Nutricost products.

See price on Amazon

All in all, ladies who are pregnant can opt for Eu Natural Glow Prenatal Vitamins as one of the best prenatal supplements out there.

Pros

  • Scientifically backed with 25 lab-tested, vital nutrients that support optimal development for baby
  • Targeted prenatal complex with DHA and folic acid, plus TRAACS chelated minerals and myo-inositol for sensitive stomachs
  • Cruelty-free with no fillers, binders, artificial ingredients, gluten or wheat for clean pregnancy support

Cons

  • May cause nausea for some women
  • Capsules may be difficult to swallow for some
  • Slightly more expensive than some other prenatal supplements

We were pleased also with the quality of the contents in Eu Natural Glow Prenatal Vitamins. Prenatal multivitamin with DHA and folic acid, accompanied by super nutrients TRAACS chelated minerals and myo-inositol, is best suited for those with sensitive stomach. We also like that it is an all natural product that does not contain any fillers, binders or artificial colors; it is also free of gluten and wheat.

We did observe that some women complained of nausea when using these supplements, so it may not suit those who easily get queasy. Other drawbacks include the fact that the capsules may not be easy to swallow, particularly for some individuals. At the same time, we can say that the advantages of this supplement are significantly larger than the mentioned drawbacks.

In conclusion, we strongly suggest pregnant ladies incorporate Eu Natural Glow Prenatal Vitamins since it is a pure prenatal supplement.

See price on Amazon

For an effective and credible folic acid supplement, you should consider the Nature Made Folic Acid 400 mcg (665 mcg DFE).

Pros

  • This folic acid supplement contains an important B vitamin for women of childbearing age and pregnant women.
  • It supports nervous system function and plays a critical role in the proper development of the baby's nervous system.
  • These tablets are gluten-free, have no color added, no artificial flavors, and no preservatives.

Cons

  • You need to take one tablet daily with water and a meal, which may not be convenient for everyone.
  • This supplement may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
  • Some people may experience side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea.

We endorse Nature Made Folic Acid 400 mcg (665 mcg DFE) for use by women of child bearing age especially those who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant. It is important in the development of baby’s nervous system and plays a role in the functioning of the nervous system. Besides, it does not contain gluten or any other artificial additives in the ingredients.

However, if you prefer your folic acid supplement in as small and inconspicuous a capsule as possible then this may not be for you. It should be taken as one tablet daily with water or as a meal, which may not be suitable for everyone. Furthermore, if you have specific medical conditions, then it is advised that you do not take this supplement.

In conclusion, Nature Made Folic Acid 400 mcg (665 mcg DFE) is a great supplement for women who wish to get optimal doses of folic acid for a healthy pregnancy.

See price on Amazon

The HoneyCombs Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Drops is a great product for pregnant women and those planning to get pregnant because of the extra folate that aids in the prevention of some birth defects.

Pros

  • Liquid form is easy to swallow and digest
  • No fillers, artificial preservatives, colors or flavors
  • Supports the production of red blood cells, maintains healthy liver performance and promotes a healthy immune system

Cons

  • Taste may not be appealing to some
  • May require multiple doses for maximum effectiveness
  • Not suitable for individuals who are allergic to nuts

The HoneyCombs Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Drops is a liquid supplement that is easy to ingest and is assimilated much faster than vitamin supplements in tablet or capsule forms. It is produced in the USA and it has no additives such as preservatives, colors or flavors; it is also free from gluten, soy, milk and eggs.

These liquid vitamin B drops assist in converting carbohydrates, fats as well as proteins into abundant energy to help in focusing and boost energy. It also plays a role in the production of red blood cells, has an effect on liver functions and strengthens the immune system.

The only con I can think of is that some people may not like the taste of it and you might have to take it several times before it works. Also, this supplement should not be taken by those people with nut allergies.

All in all, HoneyCombs Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) Drops are one of the best options for pregnant women and women who want to conceive and need to take folic acid daily.

See price on Amazon

For pregnant women who would like to take folic acid supplement in form of gummies, Nature’s Nutrition Folic Acid Gummies is highly recommended.

Pros

  • Each gummy contains 785mcg of folic acid, which is essential for baby's brain and spinal cord development.
  • The gummies come in delicious cherry, orange, and grape flavors that make it easy to take your daily dose of folic acid.
  • Nature's Nutrition Folic Acid Gummies are third-party certified for quality by an experienced dietary supplement lab.

Cons

  • Some customers may find the gummies a bit too sweet.
  • The gummies may stick together in the bottle, making it a bit difficult to get one out.
  • The bottle only contains 60 gummies, so you may need to purchase multiple bottles for a full pregnancy.

These folic acid gummies are exactly what any pregnant woman needs to supplement her diet in a tasty way. They are easy to take and have a friendly taste that makes it very enjoyable to take them. Also, every gummy has 785 mcg of folic acid which is crucial for a baby’s brain and spinal cord. We particularly endorse Nature’s Nutrition Folic Acid Gummies for any pregnant woman seeking a reliable prenatal supplement.

See price on Amazon

Nature’s Nutrition Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies is a tasty and healthy supplement for women who want to stay healthy before, during, and after pregnancy.

Pros

  • Includes over 1000 mcg of folic acid to best support your baby's health
  • Contains over 100% of the recommended daily value of Vitamin B6 & B12 to support energy for pregnant women and their baby
  • Trusted Formula: Our folic acid gummies are formulated and manufactured following strict cGMP guidelines; Our prenatal vitamin gummies are third party tested to assure the quality and purity of each batch

Cons

  • Contains sugar and glucose syrup
  • Only contains 60 gummies per bottle
  • Some customers may find the peach flavor too sweet

We appreciated the quality and efficiency of the Nature’s Nutrition Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies. The gummies are very soft and do not require much chewing and they have a great taste of peach. We liked that the formula contains more than 1000 mcg of folic acid for baby health, Vitamin B6 & B12 for energy support. We also appreciated the fact that the product undergoes third-party testing for quality and purity.

We did find that the gummies contain sugar and glucose syrup and as such it is not suitable for those on a low sugar diet. Also, there are only 60 gummies in the bottle, which means that a woman may need to buy more than one bottle in case she plans to take the supplement throughout her pregnancy. Last but not least, some of the customers may consider the peach flavor to be too sweet for their preference.

In conclusion, we can state that Nature’s Nutrition Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies are absolutely worth the attention of pregnant women who need an efficient and tasty supplement that is good for consumption during and after pregnancy.

See price on Amazon

For pregnant women who are particular about choosing a prenatal supplement that supports the development of their child, DEAL SUPPLEMENT Folic Acid 1000 mcg is highly recommended.

Pros

  • Provides essential B vitamin micronutrients
  • Infused with a healthy coconut oil carrier that helps maximize overall nutrient uptake
  • Non-GMO folic acid supplements that are 3rd party lab tested and passed

Cons

  • Only 1 softgel per serving
  • Slightly more expensive than other options
  • May not be suitable for those with coconut allergies

DEAL SUPPLEMENT The Folic Acid 1000 mcg supplement is a simple method of increasing your folic acid intake using softgels that are taken together with coconut oil. This combination ensures that the bioavailability of the supplement is enhanced as a whole. Folic acid intake during pregnancy is key to the proper prenatal and postnatal development of the child’s neural tube. It may also enhance the health of the heart muscles and the moods of adults.

Containing one softgel per serving, the DEAL SUPPLEMENT Folic Acid 1000 mcg has a 1,000mcg dose from the 1,667 mcg DFE. Each bottle contains 500 softgels and up to a 16 month’s dosage. ADDITIONAL FEATURE Folic Acid 1000 mcg is produced without gluten, dairy, eggs, peanuts, soy, wheat, & yeast, which makes it very good.

To sum up, we recommend DEAL SUPPLEMENT Folic Acid 1000 mcg as a great prenatal supplement for your child’s healthy development.

See price on Amazon

When it comes to folic acid supplements during pregnancy, Natural Systems Naturasys Folic Acid Supplement is an excellent choice.

Pros

  • Contains 400mcg of folic acid per tablet, which is the recommended daily intake for pregnant women.
  • Helps prevent and treat anemia caused by red blood cell deficiency.
  • Supports the formation of nerve cells in the embryo and fetus, which is crucial for normal development.

Cons

  • Some customers have reported that they prefer other brands over this one.

The Natural Systems Naturasys Folic Acid Supplement is perfect for all pregnant women who wish to take the recommended daily dosage of folic acid. This supplement is involved in energy production and formation of blood, and can prevent anemia resulting from red blood cell shortage. Also, folic acid is necessary for the development of nerve tissue in the embryo and fetus, and is therefore necessary for normal growth.

As for the quality, Natural Systems Naturasys Folic Acid Supplement can be taken every day because the product is made according to high standards. Each bottle contains 100 tablets, which means you will have enough supplements to take all through the pregnancy period.

All in all, if you are searching for an all-natural and effective prenatal vitamin, Natural Systems Naturasys Folic Acid Supplement is worth considering.

See price on Amazon

If you are interested in a liquid folic acid supplement that is easy to take Herb-Science Liquid Vitamin B9 Folic Acid Supplements is a product that you should try out.

Pros

  • Boosts brain function
  • Good for your gut
  • Helps with liver care

Cons

  • Dropper doesn't have a measurement on it
  • Liquid is cloudy and unevenly mixed
  • May not be suitable for everyone

We have been taking Herb-Science Liquid Vitamin B9 Folic Acid Supplements for several weeks and our wellbeing has increased. This supplement has no additives and is not genetically modified, which means you are feeding your body only the right things it needs.

This supplement comes in liquid form which makes it easy to mix with any beverage. The recommended dosage is one full dropper daily. However, we did notice that there is no unit of measure on the dropper, which is a disadvantage because it is sometimes hard to tell how much you are actually taking.

Another advantage of this supplement is that it may also assist the formation, growth and regeneration of cells. This is the reason vitamin B9 plays a significant role in supporting various systems in a person’s body including the nervous system, digestive system and many others.

Hence, for those seeking liquid folic acid supplement sthat are vegan, non-alcoholic and quality tested the Herb-Science Liquid Vitamin B9 Folic Acid Supplements is well recommended. Nevertheless, we advise that you seek advice from your doctor before using any nutritional supplement.

See price on Amazon

If you are in need of a tasty and convenient way to supplement your pregnancy diet with folic acid, Yuve Prenatal Gummies for Women could be a good choice for you.

Pros

  • Delicious and easy to take
  • Provides essential nutrients like folic acid and folate
  • Made with organic ingredients and free of harmful additives

Cons

  • Expensive compared to other prenatal supplements
  • Some users reported a fishy aftertaste
  • The "get the next one for free" promotion is no longer available

Yuve Prenatal Gummies for Women melted in our mouth and we loved their flavor. In contrast to some other prenatal supplements, these gummies do not have a grainy consistency and do not cause a terrible feeling in the throat after ingestion.

In addition, the gummy has vitamins and minerals that are important during pregnancy, aside from folic acid. We appreciated the fact that these gummies are organic and do not include artificial flavors or preservatives that are unbeneficial for our health.

However, it is important to note that Yuve Prenatal Gummies for Women are somewhat expensive when compared to other prenatal supplements. Furthermore, the users stated that the gummies had a fishy aftertaste. Finally, the “get the next one for free” promotion stated on the bottle is missing, which may be a drawback in the eyes of some consumers.

In conclusion, we would recommend Yuve Prenatal Gummies for Women to would-be mothers who would like to get their folic acid and other nutrients in tasty gummy bears. But if you do not have much money to spend or you have a problem with flavors that have a fishy taste, you may look for a different option.

See price on Amazon

As a prenatal multivitamin gummy that is specifically formulated for women, we highly recommend One A Day Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies for pregnant women.

Pros

  • Contains 2x more folic acid than competing prenatal gummies
  • No.1 OB/GYN recommended over the counter brand of prenatal multivitamins
  • Provides nutritional support for the earliest and most critical stage of pregnancy with key nutrients like Folic Acid

Cons

  • Does not contain iron
  • Exposure to heat or sunlight may lead to melting/damage of product
  • Some people may not enjoy the flavor

In our opinion, it was very convenient to take these gummies and they did not produce any negative effect on our stomach. Folic acid, at high levels, is highly recommended to pregnant women during the initial stages of pregnancy. We understand that One A Day Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies are free from iron, which is not easily absorbed and may lead to constipation.

However, since they may be affected by heat or sunlight they may melt or get damaged hence should be properly stored. It is quite possible that many people will not like the taste, however, for us, it was not that bad. All in all, we think that One A Day Women’s Prenatal Multivitamin Gummies are a good option for pregnant women in search of a good prenatal supplement.

Buying Guide

There are certain things that must be taken into account when selecting folic acid supplements for pregnancy. Here are some important features to look at:

Dosage

The dosage of folic acid in pregnant women is 400-800mcg per day. Make certain to select a supplement that offers this amount.

Form

Folic acid is available in many forms like tablets, capsules, or gummies. This means that you can choose the form that will be most convenient for you to take and process.

Ingredients

Read the label to check for other ingredients that are part of the supplement. Do not take certain supplements that contain additives or fillers that are not essential to the formulation.

Brand

Go for well-known brands that have the guarantee for quality and purity of the products. Also, try to identify such brands that have been endorsed by other agencies and organizations.

Price

Check prices of the various brands and purchase one at a price that you can afford. Bear in mind that the cost does not make the product the best.

In light of this, the above factors will help you choose the right folic acid supplement for pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should a woman begin taking prenatal vitamins during pregnancy?

Prenatal vitamins should be taken before getting pregnant or immediately after getting a positive pregnancy test. This is because the first few weeks of pregnancy are critical for the growth of the fetus, and consuming prenatal vitamins may help ensure the baby gets the needed nutrients.

Which prenatal vitamins are recommended for pregnant women?

The best prenatal vitamins for pregnancy are those that have all the required nutrients that both you and your unborn child require. Choose a prenatal vitamin that has folic acid, iron, calcium, Vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids. You should consult your doctor or a registered dietitian for advice on the right prenatal vitamin for you.

What is the purpose of folic acid during pregnancy?

Folic acid is a B-complex vitamin that is vital for the formation of the neural tube in the developing fetus. It reduces the risk of birth defects involving the spinal cord and the brain such as the spina bifida. Folic acid is advised for women who are planning to get pregnant or are pregnant at a dosage of 400-800 micrograms per day.

What are the advantages of consuming prenatal vitamins supplemented with DHA?

DHA is an omega-3 fatty acid that is crucial for the development of the brain and the eyes of the fetus. Pregnant women should take a prenatal vitamin with DHA to help their babies get enough of this nutrient. Pregnant women are advised to take between 200 and 300 milligrams of DHA per day.

How many milligrams of folic acid should one take daily during pregnancy?

It is advised that pregnant women should take 400-800 micrograms of folic acid per day. In particular, it may be necessary for women who are at risk of having a baby with a neural tube defect to take a higher dose of folic acid.

Which prenatal vitamin contains the highest amount of folic acid?

Some of the prenatal vitamins on the market are those that contain high levels of folic acid. For instance, Nature Made Prenatal Multi + DHA, Rainbow Light Prenatal One, Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Prenatal. The prenatal vitamin should be proper for you and your baby and contain the right amount of nutrients.

Affiliate Disclosure:
The links provided may earn us a small commission at no additional cost to you if you choose to purchase the recommended product. This support allows our research and editorial team to continue providing high-quality recommendations. As a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising initiative, we are able to earn advertising fees through providing links to products on Amazon.com. Please rest assured that we only recommend high-quality products.

Share your story
Once your story receives approval from our editors, it will exist on Buoy as a helpful resource for others who may experience something similar.
The stories shared below are not written by Buoy employees. Buoy does not endorse any of the information in these stories. Whenever you have questions or concerns about a medical condition, you should always contact your doctor or a healthcare provider.
Jeff brings to Buoy over 20 years of clinical experience as a physician assistant in urgent care and internal medicine. He also has extensive experience in healthcare administration, most recently as developer and director of an urgent care center. While completing his doctorate in Health Sciences at A.T. Still University, Jeff studied population health, healthcare systems, and evidence-based medi...
Read full bio

Was this article helpful?

Tooltip Icon.