VCVITAMINS/CHART

The Bottom Line

Yes, you can take vitamin B9 (folate, folic acid, methylfolate) and chamomile together; there is no known interaction between them, and they do not interfere with each other's absorption or metabolism.

VERDICT

Vitamin B9 (folate, folic acid, methylfolate) and chamomile together are neutral — they do not influence each other in any meaningful way. Chamomile's polyphenols are absorbed through distinct pathways and metabolized by the liver, while vitamin B9 is absorbed in the upper small intestine. You can safely add chamomile to your routine without adjusting your vitamin B9 dose or schedule.

Safe to combine Moderate evidence
01 / MECHANISM

How They Interact

Vitamin B9 is a water-soluble B vitamin absorbed primarily in the jejunum via carrier-mediated transport, especially reduced folate carrier 1. In contrast, chamomile contains flavonoids and terpenoids that are absorbed in the stomach and small intestine by passive diffusion, then metabolized in the liver by phase II conjugation enzymes. These two compounds do not share transporters, receptors, or metabolic enzymes, so there is no competition for absorption and no impact on folate's conversion to the active form, L-methylfolate. Chamomile also does not influence the activity of folate-dependent enzymes like methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), nor does it deplete vitamin B9 through excretion or sequestration. The only theoretical overlap is that both can affect the gut microbiome, but there is no evidence that chamomile alters folate-producing bacteria in a way that changes vitamin B9 status.

02 / BEST PRACTICES

How To Take Them

If you are already taking vitamin B9 and want to add chamomile, simply choose a consistent time for your vitamin B9 — I often suggest taking it with a meal to reduce stomach upset and improve absorption. Chamomile tea can be brewed fresh and enjoyed alongside that meal, or later in the day; there is no required interval between the two. If you miss a dose of vitamin B9, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue your normal schedule. For chamomile extract capsules, follow the recommended serving on the label, and if you are unsure, start with a lower dose to see how your body responds. Taking them together does not change the efficacy of either supplement, so you do not need any special timing protocol.

03 / FORM MATTERS

Form & Quality Differences

The form of vitamin B9 you take does not change the interaction with chamomile. Synthetic folic acid, natural food folate, and active L-methylfolate all share the same absorption route and none are affected by chamomile. Chamomile's form — tea, dry extract, or tincture — also doesn't matter, because the active compounds are absorbed similarly, and no form has been shown to interact with vitamin B9. If you take methylfolate because of an MTHFR variant, chamomile will not interfere with that genetic mechanism.

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Practical Tips

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Frequently Asked Questions

Who Should Be Careful Pregnant women should limit chamomile to food amounts, such as a cup of tea, because concentrated herbal extracts have not been proven safe during pregnancy, though no specific interaction with vitamin B9 exists. People with a ragweed allergy should use chamomile cautiously, as it may trigger allergic reactions. If you are on blood thinners, such as warfarin, check with your doctor before using large amounts of chamomile, because it may add to the anticoagulant effect independently of vitamin B9. Taking vitamin B9 in high doses (over 1,000 mcg folic acid daily) for a prolonged period can mask vitamin B12 deficiency, so have your B12 status assessed if you take high doses.
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Sources & Further Reading

  1. NIH ODS NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Folate Fact Sheet
  2. NIH ODS NIH Office of Dietary Supplements — Chamomile Fact Sheet
  3. Examine.com Examine.com — Folate interaction page
  4. Examine.com Examine.com — Chamomile interaction page

Reviewed by Caroline M. on April 8, 2026 for accuracy against the sources listed above. This page is educational and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

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