Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Thorne B-Complex Plus
Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg and Thorne B-Complex Plus.
Last verified: 01 Mar 2026 · Based on 72 reviews
Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 86.0/100 vs Thorne B-Complex Plus at 77.0/100. Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg wins on effectiveness, ingredient quality, value for money. Thorne B-Complex Plus is stronger on certifications.
Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Thorne B-Complex Plus: What Does the Data Say?
Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg 50 Tablets from Solgar scores 86.0/100 overall and beats B-Complex Plus from Thorne which lands at 77.0/100. The biggest difference sits in the forms and focus. Solgar uses Metafolin which is L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate at 400µg per tablet so the body can use it straight away without conversion. Thorne packs active methylated B-vitamin forms into its complex and includes high-dose niacin as niacinamide. Solgar comes as tablets while Thorne details on form stay blank. Effectiveness follows the same pattern with Solgar at 88.0/100 against Thorne at 74.0/100.
People with MTHFR mutation who cannot convert synthetic folic acid should pick Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg 50 Tablets because reviewers saw real gains in blood folate levels through lab tests. Those with B12 absorption issues or on plant-based diets will find B-Complex Plus from Thorne more useful since it covers multiple B vitamins in active forms. Budget matters too. Solgar costs £9.20 for 50 tablets and scores 68.0/100 on value while Thorne scores 62.0/100 so it sits lower there. Ingredient quality stays close with Solgar at 93.0/100 and Thorne at 91.0/100.
Practical points matter for daily use. Solgar tablets come in a small pack of 50 which lasts roughly seven weeks at one per day. Some users report the niacin in Thorne causes stomach upset if they feel sensitive. No details appear on taste pill size or allergens for either product so check the label before you start.
How Do the Scores Compare?
Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µ...
Solgar
|
B-Complex Plus
Thorne
|
|
|---|---|---|
| Overall Score | 86.0 | 77.0 |
| Effectiveness |
88.0/100
Best
|
74.0/100 |
| Ingredient Quality |
93.0/100
Best
|
91.0/100 |
| Value for Money |
68.0/100
Best
|
62.0/100 |
| Side Effects |
95.0/100
Best
|
81.0/100 |
| Certifications | 76.0/100 |
88.0/100
Best
|
| Best Price |
£8.05
Holland & Barrett →
Cheapest
|
View → |
| Form | Tablets | N/A |
| Dose | None | N/A |
| Third-Party Tested | ✗ No | ✗ No |
| Reviews Analysed | 58 | 14 |
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
B-Complex Plus
Pros
- ✓Uses active, methylated B-vitamin forms for superior absorption and bioavailability
- ✓NSF Certified for Sport — independently tested for purity and label accuracy
- ✓Particularly effective for people with MTHFR mutations who cannot convert synthetic folate/B12
- ✓Clean formulation — minimal excipients, no unnecessary fillers or artificial colours
Cons
- ✗Premium price point — significantly more expensive than standard B-complex supplements
- ✗High-dose niacin (as niacinamide) may cause GI discomfort in sensitive individuals
- ✗Available review data for this exact product is sparse and partially from an unrelated company
- ✗Bright yellow urine from riboflavin is normal but can alarm first-time users
Best For
Score Breakdown: Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Thorne B-Complex Plus
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.
What are the key differences?
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg or Thorne B-Complex Plus? ▼
Is Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg worth the price compared to Thorne B-Complex Plus? ▼
Which has fewer side effects? ▼
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Disclaimer: AIScored provides data-driven comparisons based on publicly available reviews. This is not medical advice. Affiliate links may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.
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