Folate is a very important vitamin of the B complex group of vitamins. It is required to make DNA and it also drives methylation reactions in all your cells. Methylation is not easy to explain, even if you’ve been through med school, but here’s why it matters to you…
Insufficient methylation contributes to a host of illnesses from cognitive impairment and disorders of mood and behavior [1] to immune system dysfunction, cervical cancer and lymphoma, [2] heart disease and much more. [3]
In my last article I explained how a gene abnormality, MTHFR gene SNP, cheats you of the vital B vitamins you need for methylation to occur. If you have this unlucky gene you could be at higher risk for any of those serious ailments I just listed. So if you suffer from nagging health issues (find symptoms here) and suspect you’re not benefiting from the B vitamins as you should, there are a couple of ways you can be tested that I’ll explain.
And like many issues with our bodies, you’ll be glad to find that food and supplements may be all you need to coax the gene into expressing better health.
Test for MTHFR gene SNP
Testing for the MTHFR gene abnormality is now routine in the integrative medicine health care environment — but not yet in mainstream medicine. So while there are fortunately many resources to get checked for the MTHFR gene SNP, your family doctor will likely not even know about it, let alone know how to test for it.
If you have elevated serum B12 or folate levels (and not taking B vitamin supplements of course) then there is a good chance you have the MTHFR gene SNP to blame. That’s because inactive forms of the vitamins that are not being used by your body correctly build up in your blood.
Serum (blood) testing
This means you may need to be patient with your doctor, provide a little education, and ask for a quick written prescription for “MTHFR gene mutation test” for you to take to a LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics draw station (find one online nearest you). Maybe your insurance will pay for it? Other studies you should ask for levels of include:
- homocysteine
- serum and red blood cell folate
- un-metabolized folic acid
- CBC (complete blood cell)
- Serum copper, ceruloplasmin (enzyme that binds copper), and serum zinc
Saliva testing
This can be done through an online company at www.23andme.com who can provide you with raw data (difficult to understand). Then you can get a free interpretation of the raw data (the results) by going online to https://www.nutrahacker.com/ or http://geneticgenie.org/ and click on their “Methylation Analysis” tab from the top menu bar where you will be directed to simply download your analysis from 23andme.com. It will be interpreted (the result you can understand) and it will be transported to your 23andme.com account for free. For $20 you can get a similar service from https://livewello.com/23andMe plus be tested for many more disease-related SNPs.
Treatment if you have the MTHFR gene SNP
The saying, “genes load the gun, but environment pulls the trigger” means that genes and environment interact, producing your health or disease. Sometimes it just takes a little coaxing.
Did you know that there are about 50 human diseases which are due to defective enzymes that can be remedied (or at least improved) with high dose supplementation of a single nutrient (co-enzyme)? Let’s consider what can be done if you are tested positive for the MTHFR gene SNP (either heterozygous or homozygous).
Diet
If you have the MTHFR gene SNP you will want to:
- Avoid processed foods (fortified with synthetic folic acid) and foods with additives, preservatives or dyes. Avoid processed flour and sugar that feed yeast. Candida (yeast) inhibits proper methylation.
- Limit methionine-rich foods because they can impair glutathione production, worsen insulin resistance, and promote fat deposition. Methionine-rich foods are nuts, beef, lamb, turkey, pork, cheese, fish, shellfish, soy, eggs, dairy, and beans.
- Instead eat whole foods (mostly raw) which are high in natural folate.
Supplementation
To overcome the ill effects of MTHFR gene abnormality you will need to provide yourself with the active and effective form of this B vitamin, called L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a.k.a. L-5-MTHF (not cyanocobalamin or folic acid). Unfortunately you’ll see that the synthetic folic acid forms are currently used in cheaper supplements and also to fortify processed foods.
In a very small study of 12 coronary artery disease patients homozygous for C677T, a single 5 mg dose of 5-MTHF was compared to a single dose of 5 mg of folic acid. Those with C677T who received the methylated B supplement had a peak folate concentration almost 7 times greater than those without the SNP and those who received folic acid.
In fine-tuning methylfolate supplementation, start at a low dose and observe for side effects over over-methylation such as:
- Irritability/anxiety
- insomnia
- muscle pains
- achy joints
- headache
- rash/acne
- palpitations
- nausea
You can reduce these effects with a tiny dose of slow release Niacin (50mg). You may also want to take other nutrients such as Trimethylglycine (TMG), N-acetylcysteine, riboflavin, fish oil, curcumin, vitamin D, and probiotics.
If you find you have high copper and low zinc on blood testing (a common finding with the MTHFR defect), this can contribute to a host of health problems such depression, headaches, sensitive skin and/or bruising, frequent colds, acne, low thyroid function, and adrenal stress. You will need to also take vitamin C to slowly detoxify your excess copper.
If you have the MTHFR gene SNP you will also want to:
- Avoid drugs that block or deplete folic acid: birth control pills, Methyltrexate
- Avoid proton pump inhibitors (Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium) or antacids because they reduce vitamin B12 absorption
- Avoid heavy metal exposure. Biological dentists can remove mercury amalgams.
This has been an important and now less confusing topic. I’ve only touched the surface of it, but I have hit the important points.
To feeling good and staying on top of your health,
Michael Cutler, M.D.
Easy Health Options®
