Comparison: Understanding your prenatal vitamin labels (Decoded)

Before diving into our breakdown, let's remember that food supplements sold in France and Europe are governed by particularly strict regulations. Every box must include certain information, such as the full list of ingredients, the precise quantities of each nutrient, and the percentages of Nutrient Reference Values (NRV) [1].

This ingredient list is your best ally: it is ranked in descending order of quantity and shows the exact form used for each vitamin. The pitfall? What is written in large print on the front of the box ("Vitamin B9", "Folates") ultimately tells you very little about the actual quality of the product. It's on the back that you'll find the information you need to make your choice!

Essential during pregnancy, vitamin B9 contributes, among other things, to the prevention of neural tube defects in the foetus. This is why the vast majority of healthcare professionals recommend supplementation from the moment conception is being planned.​

But this is where the confusion begins: on labels, you may come across a variety of terms such as "vitamin B9", "folates", "5-MTHF" or "folic acid". These terms do not all refer to exactly the same thing.

Behind the general term "vitamin B9", there are in fact several major categories:

• Dietary folates: naturally present in certain foods
• Folic acid: the classic synthetic form found in most supplements, which the body needs to convert
• Bioactive methylated folates such as 5-MTHF or Quatrefolic®, already in their active form, which require no conversion

Here is a table to help you quickly identify what lies behind the technical terms related to B9, which can sometimes be difficult to understand:

To understand why the form of vitamin B9 is so important, it is essential to consider the role of the MTHFR enzyme. This enzyme acts like a processing plant in service of your body: it converts inactive folic acid into its active form (the well-known 5-MTHF) that your cells can use.

The issue? Scientific studies show that in Europe, approximately 42% of people carry a variant of the MTHFR gene that slows down the conversion of folic acid, and 10 to 12% carry a double variant that slows it down even further [2][3]. If this enzyme is functioning at a reduced rate, folic acid remains inactive and cannot fulfil its protective role for your future baby.

The good news? Supplementing with 5-MTHF entirely bypasses the folate metabolisation process, which can be impaired by MTHFR polymorphism, as 5-MTHF is directly absorbed and biologically active. Studies show that 5-MTHF raises plasma folate levels more effectively than folic acid, regardless of whether an MTHFR mutation is present or not. This is why direct supplementation with 5-MTHF is considered universally beneficial, without requiring prior genetic testing [4][5].

Before purchasing your prenatal vitamins, ask yourself these four questions:

• Which form of vitamin B9 ? Turn the box over and look in the ingredient list for the terms "5-MTHF", "L-methylfolate", or "Quatrefolic®". If you only see a mention of folic acid, please be aware that this is not the most readily absorbed form.
• What is the actual dosage? Check the quantity in micrograms (µg), not just the percentage of %NRV. Health authorities[6] recommend an intake of 600 µg of dietary folate equivalents per day for pregnant women (diet + supplementation), with a supplement of 400 µg recommended from the time of conception planning.
• Are there any unnecessary additional ingredients? Examine the full list: some supplements contain additives, excipients, or allergens that serve only a manufacturing purpose for the tablet. Amongst these additives, some are best avoided. 
• Is the brand transparent? A brand that details the origin of its ingredients, displays its certifications, and explains its formulation choices is generally a mark of quality.​

Although vitamin B9 is the central element we have chosen to focus on in this guide, we encourage you not to overlook the other nutrients essential to your pregnancy: vitamin B12 (especially if you are vegetarian or vegan), vitamin D, iron, and omega-3 DHA. 

Please note, the "all-in-one" approach with a multivitamin supplement does not necessarily suit every woman: some intakes may already be covered by your diet, or may on the contrary require higher specific needs, as is the case with iron.

This is why targeted supplements, which focus on a key nutrient in a premium form, allow for a more precise personalisation of your supplementation. In this way, you can build your routine around your actual needs, without overdosing or falling short.

At Jolly Mama, we developed Folates Mama with a simple philosophy: complete transparency and scientific efficacy. We chose Quatrefolic®, a fourth-generation form of 5-MTHF recognised for its superior stability and optimal bioavailability.

On our Folates Mama label, you'll find all the information you need: the precise form of vitamin B9 (Quatrefolic®), the exact quantity (400 µg), and a short, easy-to-understand ingredient list. No vague terms, no hidden ingredients.

Our approach is clear: one ingredient = one specific purpose.

You now have all the tools you need to decode prenatal vitamin labels and make a fully informed choice. The next time you find yourself in front of a shelf or on a website, you'll know exactly where to look and what terms to search for. Because understanding what you buy means taking care of yourself and your baby.