Folate + Vitamin B12

Can you take Folate and Vitamin B12 together?

SynergyStrong evidence

Yes — and if you take folate, you should make sure your B12 is adequate.

What to do. Take them together, or at least check your B12 status if you supplement folate.

Mechanism

Folate and B12 work as a pair

Both are needed to recycle homocysteine and make DNA. High folate intake can correct the anemia of B12 deficiency while the nerve damage keeps progressing, hiding the problem.

Evidence: Strong evidence — Randomized trials or authoritative reviews (e.g. NIH ODS).

  1. 01NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Folate Fact Sheet for Health Professionals
  2. 02NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Vitamin B12 Fact Sheet for Health Professionals

Timing

A day with Folate and Vitamin B12

  1. 08:00

    Breakfast

    with meal

Taking more than these two?

Add the rest of your stack and your medications for a complete check.

Check my full stack

Buying guide

What to look for on the label

  • Folate

    • Methylfolate (5-MTHF) or folic acid
    • Pair with B12 — high folate can mask B12 deficiency

  • Vitamin B12

    • Methylcobalamin or cyanocobalamin (both effective)
    • Sublingual forms are not required

Learn more about Folate and Vitamin B12.