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Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate

Side-by-side comparison of scores, ingredients, prices and real customer feedback for Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg and Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate.

Last verified: 28 Mar 2026 · Based on 108 reviews

Our Verdict: Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg or Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate?

Solgar edges ahead with a marginally higher ingredient quality score (93 vs 91) and a lower price, making it the better buy for most. Jarrow is the smarter pick for strict vegans or those wanting better value per tablet with its 60-capsule pack.

— AIScored Editorial Team

86.0
Score Summary

Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 86.0/100 vs Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate at 81.0/100. Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg wins on effectiveness, ingredient quality, side effects. Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate is stronger on value for money.

Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate: What Does the Data Say?

Solgar Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg uses a bioactive form of B9 that your body can use immediately. It scores 88/100 for effectiveness because it bypasses the conversion steps needed for standard folic acid. This makes it a top pick for people with the MTHFR mutation. Jarrow Formulas Vegan Methyl Folate, 400 mcg uses Quatrefolic instead. While both products provide 400µg per serving, Solgar Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg leads on ingredient quality with a score of 93/100. Jarrow Formulas Vegan Methyl Folate, 400 mcg follows closely at 90/100.

If you are planning a pregnancy or have a diagnosed deficiency, Solgar Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg is the superior option with an overall score of 86/100. However, it costs £9.20 for only 50 tablets. This small pack size hurts its value score, which sits at 68/100. Jarrow Formulas Vegan Methyl Folate, 400 mcg offers better value at 80/100. It costs £9.70 but provides 60 capsules. This makes it a more affordable long-term option for those managing MTHFR gene variants on a budget.

Jarrow Formulas Vegan Methyl Folate, 400 mcg comes in small veggie capsules that have no smell or taste. Users often report better energy levels after a few weeks. Be careful if you are sensitive to methyl donors, as some people feel anxious or irritable when taking it. Solgar Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg comes in tablet form and has a proven track record of raising blood folate levels in lab tests. It is a reliable way to get B9 without the conversion issues of synthetic versions.

How Do the Scores Compare?

Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µ...
Vegan Methyl Folate, 400 mc...
Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µg 50 Tablets
Folate (As Metafolin®) 400µ...
Solgar
Vegan Methyl Folate, 400 mcg, 60 Veggie Capsules
Vegan Methyl Folate, 400 mc...
Jarrow Formulas
Overall Score 86.0 81.0
Effectiveness 88.0/100
Best
85.0/100
Ingredient Quality 93.0/100
Best
90.0/100
Value for Money 68.0/100 80.0/100
Best
Side Effects 95.0/100
Best
77.0/100
Certifications 76.0/100
Best
35.0/100
Best Price £8.05 Holland & Barrett →
Cheapest
£9.89 iHerb →
Form Tablets None
Dose None None
Third-Party Tested ✗ No ✗ No
Reviews Analysed 58 50

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 →

Vegan Methyl Folate, 400 mcg, 60...

Pros

  • Quatrefolic® (6S)-5-MTHF bypasses MTHFR conversion issues — multiple reviewers specifically chose it for this reason
  • Small capsule size consistently praised; neutral taste, no smell
  • Energy boost and mood improvement reported by reviewers after a few weeks of regular use
  • Clean excipient list — vegetable-source magnesium stearate, HPMC capsule, no unnecessary fillers

Cons

  • Can cause anxiety or agitation in sensitive individuals — one reviewer switched to folinic acid specifically because of this
  • Works best paired with B12 and B6; some reviewers noted irritability when taken without a B-complex
  • Not universally appropriate — one reviewer's doctor advised against the methyl form due to transulfation pathway issues
  • No verified third-party testing per product specs

Best For

People with MTHFR gene variants who cannot efficiently convert synthetic folic acid Women planning pregnancy or in the first trimester needing bioavailable B9 Those with confirmed folate deficiency prescribed methylfolate by a doctor People with thalassemia or related anaemia where iron supplementation is not suitable
View full review →

Score Breakdown: Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg vs Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate

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
Vegan Methyl Fol..
85.0/100
Ingredient Quality
Folate (As Metaf..
93.0/100
Vegan Methyl Fol..
90.0/100
Value for Money
Folate (As Metaf..
68.0/100
Vegan Methyl Fol..
80.0/100
Side Effects
Folate (As Metaf..
95.0/100
Vegan Methyl Fol..
77.0/100
Certifications
Folate (As Metaf..
76.0/100
Vegan Methyl Fol..
35.0/100

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
Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate is best for: People with MTHFR gene variants who cannot efficiently convert synthetic folic acid, Women planning pregnancy or in the first trimester needing bioavailable B9

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg or Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate?
Solgar edges ahead with a marginally higher ingredient quality score (93 vs 91) and a lower price, making it the better buy for most. Jarrow is the smarter pick for strict vegans or those wanting better value per tablet with its 60-capsule pack. Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 86.0/100 overall while Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate scores 81.0/100. Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg comes out ahead, scoring higher on effectiveness (88.0 vs 85.0). 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. Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate is better for People with MTHFR gene variants who cannot efficiently convert synthetic folic acid and Women planning pregnancy or in the first trimester needing bioavailable B9.
Is Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg worth the price compared to Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate?
Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg costs £8.05 while Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate is £9.89. For value, Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 68.0/100 vs Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate's 80.0/100. Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate delivers better value relative to its quality.
Which has fewer side effects?
Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 95.0/100 for side effects (higher means fewer reported issues) while Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate scores 77.0/100. Reviewers report fewer side effects with Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg. For certification and testing, Solgar Folate Metafolin 400µg scores 76.0/100 vs Jarrow Formulas Methyl Folate's 35.0/100. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any supplement.

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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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