Nutrition Month

Sunday, July 4, 2010

Folic acid metabolism problems

MTHFR

MTHFR is a gene that makes a protein called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (now you see why we call it MTHFR). The MTHFR mutation is actually just a certain version of the gene.

This version leads to a weaker MTHFR protein. And people with weak MTHFR proteins need extra folic acid.

Indications for MTHFR DNA Testing:

* Hyperhomocysteinemia

* History of venous thromboembolism, coronary artery disease, and/or stroke

* History of pregnancy complications including neural tube defects, stillbirths, and/or recurrent pregnancy loss

* Individuals with other genetic hypercoagulabilites (e.g. factor V Leiden)

* Relatives of individuals with hyperhomocysteinemia and MTHFR gene mutations

*Current or past history of Hypertension and/or Preeclampsia
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is the name of a gene that produces an enzyme, also called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. If a person carries the genetic mutation that inhibits production of this enzyme, it can result in hyperhomocytenemia, which is an elevated level of an enzyme called homocysteine found in blood plasma.

When the body is deficient in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, its ability to absorb folate (also known as vitamin B9), such as folic acid, is inhibited.

People with this mutation need extra folic acid. Something called homocysteine builds up in their blood and they need folic acid to combat its effects.

Symptoms Because MTHFR is a blood-based disease with many varieties, symptoms vary depending on the exact mutation of the disease. They can include:

*blood clots

*depression

*anxiety

Treatment Taking folic acid can help women with certain mutations of the disease. Folic acid can be found in eggs, dark leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, oranges and orange juice and legumes, such as peas and dried beans. Vitamin supplements also contain folic acid. Since this mutation is permanent, it is recommended that you take a supplement containing folic acid throughout your entire life.
Folic acid is often labeled folate or folicin. However, none of these are the active form of folate (known as 5-MTHF or l-methylfolate) your body can absorb and put to work. It takes four separate biochemical reactions for your body to turn folic acid into active folate. You can buy metafolin
if you have difficulty metabolizing folic acid. The products and statements made about specific products on this web site have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. All information provided on this web site or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional. You should not use the information on this web site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new vitamins, supplements, diet, or exercise program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. Any testimonials on this web site are based on individual results and do not constitute a guarantee that you will achieve the same results.


http://www.gdx.net/core/sample-reports/NutrEval_FMV-Sample-Report.pdf http://www.spectracell.com/mnt/#nutrients Testing is available for vitamin deficiencies

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