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Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Active Iron Active Folic

Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg and Active Iron Active Folic.

Last verified: 01 Mar 2026 · Based on 62 reviews

86.0
Score Summary

Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 86.0/100 vs Active Iron Active Folic at 80.0/100. Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg wins on effectiveness, ingredient quality, side effects. Active Iron Active Folic is stronger on value for money.

Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Active Iron Active Folic: What Does the Data Say?

Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg 50 Tablets from Solgar scores 86.0/100 overall and uses Metafolin which is the bioactive L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate form that the body can use straight away. Active Folic 60 Capsules from Active Iron scores 80.0/100 and relies on Quatrefolic methylfolate instead. Both deliver 400μg yet one comes as tablets while the other arrives in capsules. Solgar packs just 50 tablets so it lasts around seven weeks at one per day. Active Iron gives 60 capsules for a bit longer supply.

Solgar wins on effectiveness at 88.0/100 against 80.0/100 and on ingredient quality at 93.0/100 versus 80.0/100 so it suits MTHFR mutation carriers who cannot convert synthetic folic acid plus anyone with diagnosed folate deficiency. Active Folic wins on value at 80.0/100 compared with Solgar's 68.0/100 and costs £12.99 against Solgar's £9.20 which makes it the better pick for those on tighter budgets who still want methylfolate. People who need confirmed blood folate improvements from lab tests should choose Solgar. Those who rate gentle GI tolerability higher will prefer Active Folic.

Solgar tablets have no reported taste issues while Active Folic capsules earn praise for easy swallowing. Active Folic is not vegan because the capsule and processing may contain animal-derived ingredients. Solgar shows no such restriction in the details.

How Do the Scores Compare?

Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µ...
Active Folic 60 Capsules
Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg 50 Tablets
Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µ...
Solgar
Active Folic 60 Capsules
Active Folic 60 Capsules
Active Iron
Overall Score 86.0 80.0
Effectiveness 88.0/100
Best
80.0/100
Ingredient Quality 93.0/100
Best
80.0/100
Value for Money 68.0/100 80.0/100
Best
Side Effects 95.0/100
Best
90.0/100
Certifications 76.0/100
Best
40.0/100
Best Price £8.05 Holland & Barrett →
Cheapest
£12.99 Holland & Barrett →
Form Tablets capsule
Dose None None
Third-Party Tested ✗ No ✗ No
Reviews Analysed 58 4

Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg 50 Tablets

Pros

  • Uses Metafolin® (L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate), the bioactive form directly usable by the body — superior absorption vs. synthetic folic acid
  • Highly effective for MTHFR mutation carriers who cannot convert regular folic acid
  • Multiple reviewers report confirmed improvements in blood folate levels via lab testing
  • Small, easy-to-swallow tablets with neutral taste and no reported digestive side effects

Cons

  • Small pack size — 50 tablets is only ~7 weeks' supply at the standard one-per-day dose
  • Not third-party tested per product specs, limiting independent purity verification
  • One Amazon reviewer reported receiving 46 tablets instead of 50 (possible quality control lapse)
  • Several iHerb reviews appear to describe the 1000mcg/120-tablet variant rather than this 400µg/50-tablet product, slightly muddying the review signal

Best For

Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant MTHFR mutation carriers who cannot efficiently convert synthetic folic acid People with diagnosed folate deficiency Those seeking a clean, minimal-additive B-vitamin supplement Anyone wanting a well-trusted, established supplement brand
View full review →

Active Folic 60 Capsules

Pros

  • Methylfolate form (Quatrefolic®) offers superior bioavailability compared to synthetic folic acid
  • 400μg dose meets UK and international preconception/pregnancy supplementation guidelines
  • Consistently praised by reviewers for gentle GI tolerability and ease of swallowing
  • Established brand (Active Iron) with positive reputation for quality supplements

Cons

  • No third-party testing certification mentioned (USP, NSF, etc.)
  • Not vegan (capsule and processing may contain animal-derived ingredients)
  • Only 4 reviews available—limited user feedback pool
  • No clinical data provided comparing actual absorption rates to standard folic acid claims

Best For

Women planning pregnancy or in early pregnancy Those with MTHFR gene variations who may benefit from methylfolate People seeking bioavailable folate without synthetic folic acid Users sensitive to standard supplements with good GI tolerance
View full review →

Score Breakdown: Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Active Iron Active Folic

Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg Winner 86.0/100

Solgar's Folate as Metafolin® 400µg is a premium-grade folate supplement using L-methylfolate, the bioidentical, body-ready form of vitamin B9 that bypasses the need for hepatic conversion.

Effectiveness
Folate (As Metaf..
88.0/100
Active Folic 60 ..
80.0/100
Ingredient Quality
Folate (As Metaf..
93.0/100
Active Folic 60 ..
80.0/100
Value for Money
Folate (As Metaf..
68.0/100
Active Folic 60 ..
80.0/100
Side Effects
Folate (As Metaf..
95.0/100
Active Folic 60 ..
90.0/100
Certifications
Folate (As Metaf..
76.0/100
Active Folic 60 ..
40.0/100

What are the key differences?

Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg is best for: Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant, MTHFR mutation carriers who cannot efficiently convert synthetic folic acid
Active Iron Active Folic is best for: Women planning pregnancy or in early pregnancy, Those with MTHFR gene variations who may benefit from methylfolate

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg or Active Iron Active Folic?
Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 86.0/100 overall while Active Iron Active Folic scores 80.0/100. Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg comes out ahead, scoring higher on effectiveness (88.0 vs 80.0). Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg is best suited for Women planning pregnancy or currently pregnant and MTHFR mutation carriers who cannot efficiently convert synthetic folic acid. Active Iron Active Folic is better for Women planning pregnancy or in early pregnancy and Those with MTHFR gene variations who may benefit from methylfolate.
Is Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg worth the price compared to Active Iron Active Folic?
Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg costs £8.05 while Active Iron Active Folic is £12.99. For value, Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 68.0/100 vs Active Iron Active Folic's 80.0/100. Active Iron Active Folic delivers better value relative to its quality. Note that Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg comes as tablets while Active Iron Active Folic is capsule, which may affect your preference.
Which has fewer side effects?
Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 95.0/100 for side effects (higher means fewer reported issues) while Active Iron Active Folic scores 90.0/100. Reviewers report fewer side effects with Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg. For certification and testing, Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 76.0/100 vs Active Iron Active Folic's 40.0/100. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

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