Dietary Folate Equivalent

Dietary Folate Equivalents (DFE) are a way to measure how much folate (a B-vitamin) you get from different sources, accounting for differences in absorption. Natural food folate is absorbed efficiently, so 1 microgram (mcg) of folate from food equals 1 mcg DFE. However, folic acid from supplements or fortified foods is absorbed more easily—about 1.7 times better—so 1 mcg of folic acid taken with food counts as 1.7 mcg DFE. This helps accurately compare and meet recommended intakes for maintaining good health, especially during pregnancy.