B12 and Folate: Benefits, Deficiency & Who Should Take Them
By The Healthy Place | Published: 2026-10-29
Category: Product Reviews
Learn how vitamin B12 and folic acid work together, signs of deficiency, and who may benefit from a B12 folate supplement.
Quick answer
Vitamin B12 and folate (folic acid) work together to support energy production, nervous system health, and red blood cell formation. People with low dietary intake, certain medical conditions, or age-related absorption issues often benefit from a combined supplement.
Why take B12 and folate together?
B12 and folate are both B vitamins that help your body convert food into energy and maintain healthy nerve cells. They also play a key role in making DNA and red blood cells. Taking them together can be more convenient than separate supplements, and some people find it easier to maintain consistent levels of both nutrients.
Who might need extra B12 or folate?
Older adults, vegans, and people with digestive conditions like Crohn's or celiac disease are more likely to have low B12 levels. Pregnant women and those with certain genetic variants (such as MTHFR) may need more folate. Always check with a healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.
Frequently asked questions
- What does B12 and folate do?
- They help turn carbohydrates into energy, break down fats, and metabolize protein. They also support nervous system function, digestive tract health, and healthy liver, skin, and hair.
- What are signs of B12 deficiency?
- Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, and numbness or tingling in the hands and feet. More severe deficiency can cause balance problems, memory issues, and mood changes. If you experience these symptoms, ask your doctor for a blood test before supplementing.
- Who should consider a B12 folate supplement?
- People over 50, vegans and vegetarians, those with digestive disorders, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and individuals taking certain medications (like metformin or proton pump inhibitors) may benefit from a B12 folate supplement.
- Can I get enough B12 and folate from food?
- B12 is found naturally only in animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Folate is abundant in leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains. If your diet is limited or you have absorption issues, a supplement can help fill the gap. A balanced diet is the best first step, but supplements can provide reliable levels when food alone isn't enough.
Product facts
- Pure Encapsulations B12 Folate Capsules: Pure Encapsulations B12 Folate provides both B12 and folic acid (folate) to support energy metabolism, nervous system function, and digestive tract health. This combination simplifies supplementation for anyone needing both nutrients, and the pure formulation avoids common allergens and additives.
Pure Encapsulations B12 Folate Capsules
