Why Folic Acid & Methylfolate?

We’re often asked why Complete Support includes both Folic Acid and Methylfolate - especially when there’s so much discussion online around MTHFR gene variations and folate forms.

Here’s the short answer: they each serve an important role.

  • Folic Acid (400 mcg) helps reduce the risk of neural tube defects, such as spina bifida, when taken daily for at least one month before conception and during the first trimester of pregnancy. It is the form recommended by health authorities including the TGA, WHO, RACGP and CDC. For this reason, it’s a key component of our formula.

  • Methylfolate (Quatrefolic®) is the bioactive form of folate. It’s more easily absorbed by the body and can be particularly helpful for women with certain MTHFR gene variants (like C677T and A1298C) that affect how folic acid is converted and used.

While Methylfolate is not currently recommended in public health guidelines for neural tube defects prevention, it is widely used in practitioner-led care to support overall folate intake and accessibility.

By including both, Complete Support helps cover the full spectrum of needs—providing you with science-backed, inclusive folate support no matter your genetic makeup.

Want to learn more? Our naturopath, Ema, explains it all in this quick video.


*Always read the label. Follow the Directions for Use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional. This medicine may not be right for you. Read the warnings before purchase. 400 mcg of Folic Acid is essential during pregnancy to support the healthy development of your baby’s brain and spinal cord and can help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida when taken during the conception phase and during the first trimester of pregnancy. This information is general in nature and does not take into account your individual circumstances. It is not intended to substitute professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. We recommend consulting with a qualified health professional to determine what’s right for you. Complete Support has been formulated as a comprehensive option for the general population, but may not be suitable for everyone.

References:
  1. Therapeutic Goods Administration (2021). Folic acid – minimum recommended daily dosage (400 micrograms). Australian Government Department of Health. Available at: https://www.tga.gov.au/resources/advertising-permissions/folic-acid-minimum-recommended-daily-dosage-400-micrograms (Accessed: 19 May 2025).
  2. National Health and Medical Research Council (2006, updated 2021). Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and New Zealand: Folate. Available at: https://www.nrv.gov.au/nutrients/folate (Accessed: 19 May 2025).
  3. World Health Organization (2024). Folate (periconceptional). WHO eLENA – e-Library of Evidence for Nutrition Actions. Available at: https://www.who.int/tools/elena/interventions/folate-periconceptional (Accessed: 19 May 2025).
  4. World Health Organization (2016). WHO Recommendations on Antenatal Care for a Positive Pregnancy Experience. Available at: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241549912 (Accessed: 19 May 2025).
  5. RACGP (Royal Australian College of General Practitioners)RACGP (2017). Enjoying a healthy pregnancy: GPs’ essential role in preconception care. Australian Family Physician, 46(1-2). Available at: https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/january-february/enjoying-a-healthy-pregnancy-gps-essential-role-in (Accessed: 19 May 2025).
  6. RACGP (2020). Guidelines for preventive activities in general practice (The Red Book), 9th edition. Available at: https://www.racgp.org.au/clinical-resources/clinical-guidelines/key-racgp-guidelines/view-all-racgp-guidelines/red-book (Accessed: 19 May 2025).
  7. CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2023). Folic Acid. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/folicacid/index.html (Accessed: 19 May 2025).