Folic Acid, Folate, MTHFR Genetic Mutations and YOUR HEALTH!

I have been finding some fascinating information after doing hours of research trying to find an answer as to why I had a baby with the fatal neural tube birth defect called Anencephaly. Everyone who knows me, knows that I have been an athlete for years. I live for fitness, I eat for results, I eat for health, I've been studying nutrition and sports medicine since 2007 and I can't just accept that it is "God's plan" or that "Everything happens for some unknown reason."
I have recently been educated by some of the people in the anencephaly support groups about a genetic mutation of the MTHFR that can cause your body not to properly metabolize Folic Acid so I started to research that specifically and did a saliva test for MTHFR through 23andme



So what is MTHFR? MTHFR is needed for DNA reproduction and is essential for folate metabolism, where the substrate 5, 10 methylenetetrahydrofolate is converted into 5 methylenetetrahydrofolate. If an MTHFR mutation is present, and the mutation is being expressed, a person may become deficient in 5 methylenetetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF). 5-MTHF is a key nutrient substrate. A deficiency in 5-MTHF is significant.
One of the essential roles of MTHFR and 5-MTHF is to aid in the re-conversion of homocysteine into L-methionine. Homocysteine is an oxidized amino acid, one that is derived from L-methionine. In the methylation cycle, homocysteine must convert back into L-methionine. If it does not re-convert effectively, homocysteine levels may remain elevated, predisposing one towards developing cardiovascular disease and cancer.
Mutations in MTHFR, and deficiencies in 5-MTHF may predispose a fetus towards developing neural tube birth defects in utero, such as spina bifida and anencephaly. MTHFR mutations may also be a significant factor in dementia, autism, schizophrenia, colon, breast and rectal cancers. It is believed that as much as 50% of the population has some type of MTHFR mutation.
The type of MTHFR variation you have may lead to a greater susceptibility to certain diseases. For example, the C677T mutations may predispose one towards cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, and birth defects. Whereas variations of the A1298T may lead more towards the development of fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, migraines, nerve pain, parkinson’s chronic fatigue and dementia.

So pretty much what this means for me is that my body doesn't process Folic Acid (the fake, synthetic, processed version of Folate). When I take folic acid, it just simply builds up in my blood stream and doesn't metabolize. Yes Folic Acid is the synthetic version of Folate, and they are putting it in everything from Bread to Cereals and encouraging women and pregnant women to take it even though studies are finding that it might not be good for you... Take this article for instance called: Folic acid supplementation is dangerous – especially for pregnant women


It brings me to another point. Depression has long run in my family. It is something I have personally battled all of my life which is why I am such a fitness junkie because that is my personal medicine... My Mother and sister both have bi polar disorder, manic depression, schizophrenia, and even dementia. Studies are finding that the inability to process B Vitamins properly can cause mental deterioration. So another question that arises to my mind is regarding Gluten problems... Is it really gluten or is it the synthetic folic acid they are putting in all of the products that are giving some people problems? I personally seem to have an allergy to it, I believed for years that I was gluten intolerant because I too had to cut out most breads, cereals, and all foods containing folic acid due to suffering allergy like symptoms and when I was taking folic acid while I was pregnant I was ALWAYS feeling sick shortly after taking my vitamins.
Or maybe it is just the fact that most grains and corn products are now genetically modified? If a product has folic acid which is a synthetic chemical of the nutrient folate, then how can it say organic?? I surely never heard of gluten intolerance a few years ago. Everything is chemically processed these days and maybe i'm just ignorant but I would love some solid answers so if YOU can educate me, please do.

Effective January 1, 1998, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered that all enriched cereal or grain products be fortified at a level of 140 micrograms (0.14 milligrams) of folic acid per 100 grams of grain product.
People have been trying to blame autism on vaccines for years, but if you look at the rates of autism since 1998 what if it is Folic Acid to blame? Check out this next link for some interesting data.

Folic Acid Fortification, Increase in MTHFR and Rise in Autism?

Here is also a possible link between B12 and Folate relating to autism and declining cognitive abilities..



This statistic graph brought to you by this website

And this one is by far one of my favorite websites so far in all of my research. Folic Acid Awareness Week 2014: Want Awareness? Here You Go

So instead of Folic Acid, I will be taking L-Methylfolate (folate to bypass the MTHFR) and methylcobalamin (True B12 Vitamin).

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is a critical enzyme in folate metabolism and is involved in DNA methylation, DNA synthesis, and DNA repair. In addition, it is a possible risk factor in neural tube defects if a woman with the genetic defect gets pregnant as her body is unable to properly metabolize folic acid even if it is present within her body. It will simply build up in the blood stream and go unused... Which is very bad as your body needs folate and other essential B vitamins for various bodily functions. Anemia can be a sign of advanced folate deficiency.
Folate as well as B12 deficiency are the top nutrient deficiencies in the world. Besides its potentially crippling effects on the brain and on cell and tissue growth regulation, folate deficiency is linked to anemias, intestinal dysfunction, male fertility problems, pollen hypersensitivities, and bone thinning. Folate deficiency is also linked to blood buildup of homocysteine, which itself is linked to a plethora of other health problems. New findings are again showing how important folate is for the brain, from its formation during pregnancy throughout our entire life. Folate is a key nutrient that determines how our genes express themselves, operating like a toggle switch to tell genes to turn off and on. Clearly folate is a nutrient renowned for many health benefits and since we cannot make it within the body, it is beneficial and necessary for everyone.
Also known as Vitamin B9, in supplements, it is commonly in the form of synthetic folic acid. Synthetic folic acid is poorly absorbed and utilized by the body, and many people have a deficiency in the enzyme that converts folic acid into natural folate (MTHF). As many as one third of older Americans have unconverted folic acid in their blood, and this can pose several health problems. We need a better form of this critical nutrient! Studies suggest that folate and vitamin B12 status may play a role in depression and mental health.
Folate in and of itself does not alleviate depression. Our brain must convert folic acid into L-methylfolate before it can manufacture enough serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine to alleviate depression. However, certain individuals lack the ability to convert folic acid to L-methylfolate, rendering folic acid supplements ineffective for this group of patients.
This processing deficiency is caused by the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T polymorphism, which is quite common among patients with depression. Up to 70% of patients with depression test positive for the polymorphism and therefore cannot convert folic acid into L-methylfolate. (9)

Check out this article for some more information of different types of MTHFR mutations: Stop the Thyroid Madness

Since Folic Acid cannot be used by people with this condition, (confirm with your Dr for a blood test to check your homocystine levels) your body would have to use L-5-MTHF as Metafolin (L-Methylfolate) instead of folic acid as it is more effective, and bypasses MTHFR mutations and is safer.

Risks associated with excessive folic acid intake


Here is a multivitamin that contains L-Methylfolate instead of just simple folic acid

Here is a prenatal with the Biological Pure Nutrients by Seeking Health

Also Vitamin Code Prenatal

The best thing you can do is talk to your Dr to find out is Methylfolate is right for you... If your body is not used to it then you may experience some side effects such as in the link here

Nutrition Tips: Folic Acid: Killer or Cure-All?

Folic Acid vs. Folate

Types of Folate? Which is Best?