Considering having your first baby or adding to your family? Then vitamin B9 should be at the top of your vitamin list! This vitamin is critical for supporting normal early development of the fetal brain and spinal cord and preventing neural tube defects. It’s recommended that women of reproductive age supplement with B9 prior to conception, during the first several weeks after conception, and all the way through pregnancy.

Health First’s Active Folate Supreme contains L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, or 5-MTHF, the metabolically active form of vitamin B9 found naturally in foods such as dark leafy green vegetables, asparagus, avocados, and legumes. We chose to eliminate folic acid from our line because it’s the synthetic form of B9 and must first be converted by the body to 5-MTHF before it can be used. Active Folate Supreme needs no such conversion so is well absorbed and can effectively raise folate levels in the blood. Folate is the most recommended supplement for women in their reproductive years.