Folate, or vitamin B9, is a crucial component of the B complex group of vitamins. It plays a significant role in DNA production and drives methylation reactions in cells. Adequate methylation is vital as insufficient methylation contributes to various health issues, including cognitive impairment, mood and behavior disorders, immune system dysfunction, cervical cancer, lymphoma, and heart disease. It is important to ensure your body is benefiting from the vital B vitamins required for methylation to occur. Additionally, individuals with a gene abnormality called MTHFR gene SNP may be at a higher risk for the previously mentioned health-related issues. This article will explore ways to be tested for the MTHFR gene SNP and discuss how diet and supplements might encourage the gene to express better health.
Testing for MTHFR gene SNP
Although testing for the MTHFR gene abnormality is now routine in integrative medicine, it’s not yet widespread in mainstream medicine. Mainly, this means your family doctor may not know about it or know how to test for it. However, there are a couple of testing methods:
1. Serum (blood) testing: You may need to ask your doctor for a quick written prescription for an “MTHFR gene mutation test” to take to a lab (such as LabCorp or Quest Diagnostics). Other tests you should ask for 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.
2. Saliva testing: This can be carried out through an online company at www.23andme.com, who will provide you with raw data. You can then get a free interpretation of the raw data by utilizing websites like https://www.nutrahacker.com/ or http://geneticgenie.org/. For $20, you can get a similar service from https://livewello.com/23andMe, which will also test for many more disease-related SNPs.
Treatment for those with the MTHFR gene SNP
If you test positive for the MTHFR gene SNP, it is vital to pay attention to your diet and consider supplementation.
Diet: Avoid processed foods, especially those fortified with synthetic folic acid. Limit methionine-rich foods, such as nuts, beef, lamb, turkey, pork, cheese, fish, shellfish, soy, eggs, dairy, and beans. Instead, focus on whole foods (mostly raw) that are high in natural folate.
Supplementation: Consider taking L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), an active and effective form of vitamin B9 that is not cyanocobalamin or folic acid. Start with a low dose and observe for side effects that may be caused by over-methylation, such as irritability or anxiety, insomnia, muscle pains, achy joints, headache, rash or acne, palpitations, and nausea. To counter these effects, consider taking a small dose of slow-release Niacin (50mg). You may also benefit from supplements such as Trimethylglycine (TMG), N-acetylcysteine, riboflavin, fish oil, curcumin, vitamin D, and probiotics.
In addition to diet and supplementation, those with the MTHFR gene SNP should avoid drugs that block or deplete folic acid, such as birth control pills and Methyltrexate. Also, avoid proton pump inhibitors (e.g., Prilosec, Prevacid, Nexium) or antacids that reduce vitamin B12 absorption. Lastly, reduce heavy metal exposure by consulting a biological dentist about removing mercury amalgams.
By implementing these changes in your life, you should be better equipped to tackle potential health issues related to the MTHFR gene SNP, helping you feel good and stay on top of your health.