Around 40% of Americans harbor a mutation in the MTHFR gene that puts them at high risk for vitamin B9 deficiency. This can result in the build-up of a harmful substance which is associated with health conditions like heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. But the good news here is the effects of MTHFR mutation can simply be tackled with nutritional supplements. This article discussed in-depth L-methylfolate, a form of vitamin B9 with significant benefits to the body.
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MTHFR Mutation: An Overview
MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is a vital enzyme that maintains a healthy balance of homocysteine in the blood by converting excess of it to a safer amino acid called methionine.
What Is L-Methylfolate?
L-Methylfolate is a nutritional supplement containing the biologically active form of vitamin folate, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate.
Folate is the naturally occurring variant of vitamin B9 and is essential for the body to create red blood cells.
Folate deficiency can lead to decreased red blood cells in the blood, as well as anemia.
It can also lead to an excess amino acid in the blood and hyperhomocysteinemia.
L-Mehtylfolate is used to treat folate deficiency in the body.
What Does Methylfolate Supplement Do?
Methylfolate is the more active form of folate, which plays a role in several bodily functions.
- Production of red blood cells (RBCs)
Methylfolate supplements can help boost RBC production.
According to a study, compared to those who received just folic acid, those on methylfolate had significantly higher red blood cell folate over time.
- Mood regulator + helps tackle depression symptoms
Some studies suggest that L-methylfolate can boost the effect of antidepressants in people with all levels of depression.
This is based on the hypothesis that folate deficiency can result in resistance to depression treatment.
Further, L-methylfolate can cross the blood-brain barrier to help facilitate the production of hormones like serotonin and dopamine.
- Keeps homocysteine levels in check
Homocysteine is an amino acid that is harmful to the body at higher levels. It is a risk factor for several conditions, especially cardiovascular disease.
The MTHFR cycle helps keep homocysteine levels at bay.
A key compound for this is methylfolate which converts homocysteine to methionine by adding a methyl group to it.
Apart from this, L-methylfolate also:
- Prevents congenital disabilities
- Prevents anemia in those who suffer from folate deficiency
- Helps repair DNA damage
L-methylfolate vs. Folic Acid
| Folic Acid | L-methylfolate | |
| Source | Food sources, supplements (inactive form of folate) | Only in supplements (active form of folate) |
| Absorption | Needs to be converted into active form before the body can absorb and use | Already in active form ready for the body to absorb and use |
| Site of absorption | Liver | Intestine |
| Blood-brain barrier | Cannot pass | Can pass; hence useful to treat mental health conditions |
| MTHFR mutation | If mutation is present, folic acid may not be converted into folate; risk of folate deficiency | Already in active form; effective for those with MTHFR gene mutations |
Methylfolate Deficiency: An Overview
Folate is a form of vitamin B necessary for normal functioning.
Folate plays a vital role in producing red blood cells in the body.
It is also an essential nutrient for pregnant women since folate helps in fetal development and prevents congenital disabilities.
Folate deficiency can cause reduced production of normal RBCs and anemia.
Folate deficiency in pregnant women can cause congenital disabilities, low birth weight, and even autism in babies.
Symptoms And Causes
Folate deficiency symptoms are often subtle and can be confused with the symptoms of other conditions.
- Anemia
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sore tongue
- Frequent headaches
- Heart palpitations
- Irritability
*not everyone with vitamin B9 deficiency may experience these symptoms, and not everyone who has them necessarily are vitamin B9 deficient.
Some common causes of folate deficiency are:
- Diet: A diet low in fruits and vegetables is the primary cause of folate deficiency. Sometimes, overcooking food can also destroy the vitamins present in it, causing folate deficiency.
- Certain Health Conditions: Some diseases that affect the gastrointestinal tract, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, and kidney problems, can cause folate deficiency.
- Genetics: A variant or change in the MTHFR gene can result in improper conversion of folic acid into folate, resulting in a vitamin B9 deficiency.
- Alcoholism: Excessive alcohol intake can cause a reduced absorption of folate and increase its excretion through urine.
Did You Know? You can identify your MTHFR status using your 23andMe or any ancestry test DNA raw data
MTHFR Gene And Methylfolate Deficiency
The MTHFR gene regulates how the body methylates certain nutrients, including folate.
It converts another form of folate called 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate (5,10-MTHF) to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) or L-methylfolate.
Some people have variants or changes in the MTHFR gene that can interfere with how it functions.
This may lead to poor conversion of 5,10-MTHF to 5-MTHF, resulting in methylfolate deficiency.
Hence, those with MTHFR gene variants may benefit from L-methylfolate supplements.
Who Needs Methylfolate Supplements?
- Methylfolate is primarily used to treat folate or vitamin B9 deficiency.
- Methylfolate supplements are also used as adjunct therapy for treating depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
- Methylfolate supplements may also prove to be useful for the following conditions; however, the research on this is not yet conclusive:
- Endometriosis
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Megaloblastic anemia (due to B12 deficiency)
- Kidney disease
Who Should Not Take Methylfolate?
You should avoid taking L-methylfolate if you are allergic to it.
Also, inform your doctors about the following conditions if you are about to start taking L-methylfolate.
- Seizures or epilepsy
- Pernicious anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency
- Bipolar disorder or manic depression
What Are The Risks Or Side Effects Of Methylfolate?
Methylfolate is safe for most and does not cause any side effects. However, some people may experience the following:
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Digestive issues
Another risk factor of taking an L-Methylfolate supplement is it can mask the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Over time, not getting treated for vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve damage.
Mehtylfolate supplements can react with some medications, such as:
- Phenytoin, carbamazepine, valproate
- Methotrexate
- Sulphasalazine
Always talk to your doctor before starting any supplements.
Can L-Methylfolate Cause Weight Gain?
L-Mehtylfolate usually does not lead to weight gain.
Your diet and lifestyle, however, will influence your body's interaction with the supplement.
How To Use Methylfolate Supplements?
Should I Take Methylfolate Every Day?
You can take methylfolate supplements daily.
The RDA for folate is 400 μg/day for adults and 600 μg/day for females around the pregnancy phase.
It may take several weeks to notice any actual benefits of L-methylfolate supplements.
Should You Take B12 And Methylfolate Together?
Taking folate supplements can often hide a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause other health issues later.
This is why you can take vitamin B12 supplements along with folate supplements.
However, always consult your doctor to rule out any possibility of drug interactions.
Is It Better To Take Methylfolate In The Morning Or Night?
You can take methylfolate supplements anytime during the day, in the morning, or at night.
Some experts believe you should take it in the morning or at lunchtime.
However, that does not affect the efficacy of the supplements.
You can also take it with or without food.
What Is The Best Methyfolate Supplement For MTHFR Deficiency?
When choosing the best Methylfolate supplement, we recommend selecting a product free from preservatives and other unwanted ingredients.
We recommend MethylPro methylfolate supplement.
Made with high-quality methylfolate, it is free from additives, preservatives, and binders.
The company offers L-Methylfolate supplements with various strengths to support your physical and mental health.
Summary
Folate is a nutrient that plays a significant role in the body.
It helps form red blood cells and is vital for fetal development.
Folate deficiency can cause anemia, depression, and infertility.
L-Methylfolate supplements are prescribed to those who suffer from folate deficiency.
It is a safe supplement and usually does not cause any severe side effects.
However, always make sure that you consult your doctor before starting any supplement.
References
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9380836
