Skip to main content
Supplement Research and Comparison Website•Best Price Guarantee
Supplement Research and Comparison Website
Pillser
Search
Sign UpLog In

Addressing MTHFR Gene Mutation and Methylated B12/Folate Supplement Decline

A user with MTHFR gene mutation discusses improvement with methylated B12 and folate followed by a symptom relapse, questioning the role of cofactors in supplementation. The assistant provides insights into MTHFR's impact on methylation, the necessity of cofactors, and recommendations for managing symptoms.

  • If anyone could help me it would be so appreciated.

    3 months ago found out I had MTHFR gene homozygous. Took first methylated b12 tablet and folate, and it changed everything. I went through wake up symptoms and started to feel normal again. Felt like I was healing.

    Just a week ago my symptoms started declining. I definitely feel like I’m deficient. It’s the same symptoms I had before taking methylated b12 and folate. I just don’t understand. My symptoms are so bad; chest pain, jaw pain, ear pain, shortness of breath, severe depression and anxiety feelings, paranoia, pain in lower back, muscle twitches.

    What am I missing? I got my b12 levels back from last week and it was high at 1700. Folate is high at 16.6. My supplements: • injections twice a week 1000mcg • sublingual folate 25 mg and 1000mcg methylb12 • vitamin d and K 5000iu

    The thing I’m thinking about is I didn’t take my cofactors at all through this time. Could I be overdosing on b12 because I haven’t been taking cofactors?

    I started taking Thorne 2/day on Friday last week and felt no difference. I just ordered seeking health [trace mineral complex, b complex, molybdenum, magnesium], trace minerals super magnesium, and potassium bicarbonate to try all of them together. I just don’t know what to do. I’m going to a functional care doctor tomorrow to try and figure out if it’s something else but I am really heavy believing it could be bc I don’t have cofactors that were supposed to work with the b12? Any help is appreciated as I am suffering really bad. TIA

  • Understanding the Role of Cofactors in MTHFR Mutation and Methylated Supplements

    Your situation indeed sounds challenging, but understanding the role of cofactors in methylation can provide insights into why your symptoms might be returning despite following your supplement regimen. Let's break down this complex interaction.

    MTHFR Gene Mutation

    The MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) gene mutation can impair your body's ability to convert folate into its active form, 5-MTHF (methylfolate), which is crucial for methylation processes12. This can lead to higher levels of homocysteine, a condition linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular problems and neurological symptoms3.

    Importance of Methylated Supplements

    Taking methylated forms of B vitamins, such as methylcobalamin (B12) and 5-MTHF (folate), helps bypass the metabolic blocks in people with MTHFR mutations. Initially, these supplements might have improved your symptoms by effectively lowering homocysteine levels and improving methylation4.

    Role of Cofactors

    Cofactors are crucial for the proper functioning of enzymes involved in the methylation process. Key cofactors include:

    1. Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine): Essential for converting homocysteine into cysteine.
    2. Magnesium: Plays a critical role in over 300 enzymatic reactions, including those involved in methylation.
    3. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): Necessary for the activation of MTHFR.
    4. Zinc: Important for the proper functioning of the folate cycle.

    Without these cofactors, the methylation pathway can become inefficient, even with adequate levels of methylfolate and methylcobalamin56.

    Possible Overdose of B12

    High levels of B12, as shown by your lab results, can sometimes indicate an imbalance or improper utilization rather than true oversaturation. This can happen if the methylation cycle is not running efficiently due to the lack of necessary cofactors7.

    Recommendations

    1. Consult Your Doctor: Since you're seeing a functional care doctor, they can provide a comprehensive assessment and personalized advice.
    2. Incorporate Cofactors: Vitamin B6, magnesium, riboflavin (B2), and zinc could be added to your regimen to support the methylation process.
    3. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms as you start incorporating cofactors and discuss these with your healthcare provider.

    Future Research and Considerations

    Your condition is multifaceted, and continuous monitoring with your healthcare provider is essential. Here are some supplements and nutrients that might support your regimen:

    • Vitamin B6
    • Magnesium
    • Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
    • Zinc

    These could potentially help balance your methylation pathway and improve your symptoms over time.

    Footnotes

    1. The importance of folate, vitamins B6 and B12 for lowering homocysteine concentrations ↩

    2. Active Folate Versus Folic Acid: The Role of 5-MTHF (Methylfolate) in Human Health ↩

    3. Folate Insufficiency Due to MTHFR Deficiency Is Bypassed by 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate ↩

    4. Ibid ↩

    5. Ibid ↩

    6. The importance of folate, vitamins B6 and B12 for lowering homocysteine concentrations ↩

    7. Ibid ↩

New Topic

Browse Related Questions

Back to top