MTHFR Support Supplements
MTHFR is a a
key regulatory enzyme in the metabolism of folate. It also refers to a specific
gene that plays a major role in the body's methylation process. Both the enzyme
and the gene have the same name, MTHFR. The gene's role is very complex, and
recent discoveries have been focused around the MTHFR gene polymorphisms (or
variants). These polymorphisms are often referred to as 'mutations' or
'defects' because of the problems they cause in the body.
Most often
when you hear someone talk about MTHFR, they are actually referring to one of
the two common MTHFR gene mutations that causes this MTHFR enzyme to become
imperfect and therefore much less effective.
What is MTHFR?
Simply
stated, MTHFR most often refers to a genetic mutation that inhibits the body's
ability to methylate or convert folic acid from the food we eat into
Methylfolate.
Methylfolate
is most often referred to as the 'active' or usable form of folate that our
cells require. Because the body's cells cannot actually use folic acid, it must
first go through a metabolic pathway or 4-step conversion process to become
Methylfolate before the cells can use it . It is this metabolic pathway that
the MTHFR gene defect inhibits and causes methylation deficiencies and/or
neuro-immune syndromes.
The
learnings about this gene defect have come out and taught us that there are as
many as 50+ variants of the MTHFR gene. However, only two are considered
'common' defects that today’s
MTHFR Blood Test checks for: the 677 and 1298 (discovered in 1995 and 2001).
Statement from Dr. Stewart: Many abnormalities (high folic acid in
blood serum, low or high homocysteine, MTHFR mutation / heterozygous or
homozygous) can point to a methylation deficiency. I find that many of my
patients will respond better if you ease into the methylation protocol.
Suggested use is to begin with the
Methylation Complete Sublingual OR the Methylation Pro Topical Cream for about 2 weeks by itself and then add the Methyl Folate Plus if you feel it is necessary or with a homozygous result or heterozygous
compound polymorphism result.
"Putting too much in too quickly can backfire on your symptomatically."
Nutritional Recommendations Per Your Genetic Results:
Helpful Videos/ Audio:
5 minute Video: “Methylation Overview For Patients with Kendal Stewart, MD” click on link:
Listen now about MTHFR and methylation issues with Kendal Stewart, MD.
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