News
New Multivitamin Study: Active Folate & Key Nutrients Correct Hidden Deficiencies in Healthy Adults
5 August 2026
A new double-blind, placebo-controlled study has found that a multivitamin with active folate, such as Quatrefolic®, can rapidly correct widespread folate deficiency in apparently healthy adults, with no safety concerns.
Active Folate Outperforms Folic Acid: A Supplementation Game-Changer
The research, presented at the Nutrition Society Scottish Section Conference, reveals that 40% of healthy UK adults are folate-deficient, while 34% lack sufficient B12 and 83% have suboptimal riboflavin (B2) levels.
The study, led by Heights, King’s College London, and City Dietitians, demonstrates that Vitals+, a multivitamin formulated with Quatrefolic®, the biologically active form of folate, increased folate levels by 82% and reduced harmful homocysteine by 33% in just 12 weeks.
How Quatrefolic® Supports Human Health
The Heights study adds to a growing body of evidence supporting active, bioavailable forms of nutrients over synthetic alternatives. The government-mandated fortification could help reduce deficiency, but the study confirms that fortification alone is unlikely to fully resolve the broader picture of folate inadequacy.
As consumer awareness grows, the supplement industry is likely to see:
- A shift away from folic acid towards active folate (5-MTHF).
- More personalized formulations based on genetic testing (e.g., MTHFR status).
- Increased focus on safety and efficacy; no more “one-size-fits-all” multivitamins.
