Folic acid is a synthetic form of vitamin B11, a vitamin that belongs to the B-complex group. It is often added to supplements and fortified foods.

Folate is the natural, active form of vitamin B11, as found in foods. Folic acid still needs to be converted to folate before it is available for use in the body.

An active form means that the nutrient has already been converted into a directly usable form, such as 5-MTHF (for folate) or methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin (for vitamin B12). As a result, no additional steps are needed before it can be used.

Quatrefolic® is a patented form of active folate (5-MTHF bound to glucosamine). This form is standardized and developed for good solubility and stability.

Vitamin B12 is often combined with folate in supplements, especially for people with a plant-based diet or during special life stages such as pregnancy.

The recommendation to take it at a time without protein-rich food is intended to avoid possible interactions with nutrients, so that the supplement is optimally absorbed.