MTHFR gene - how much folic acid/folate?

Hi all,

I am a carrier of the MTHFR gene and have been told to take more folic acid by my doctor, but others say folate is better. No one has actually explained the difference? Also, what is recommended for gene carriers? Any experiences?

Thanks!

[Sarah_a_2018]

The MTHFR gene is the inability to metabolise folic acid to folate which is why your doctor would suggest to take a higher dose of folic acid.

I don't have the MTHFR gene but I needed to take folate instead of folic acid, anything that contains folate instead of folic acid. I got my supplements that were advised by a fertility nutritionist and would suggest consulting with a nutritionist that specialises in fertility and/or IVF. The Zita West website has a great guide for supplements and also has a quiz that helps you find the right supplements for your needs,.I'm pretty sure the Zita West vitamins contain folate rather than folic acid x

[Ranchu90]

I also had my MTHFR test done few weeks ago and they found that I am homozygous this means I have 2 copies of the same MTHFR variant. When I asked my clinic what does it mean they told me I need to be on blood thinner thought all my pregnancy not only 12 weeks as I am at risk of develop blood clots. I was confused because I thought this test is more related to folic acid absorption. They told me to carry on taking folic acid 5mg a day as usual. What was your result on MTHFR? Are you also on blood thinner?

[Hidden in reply to Ranchu90]

Hi Ranchu, one of folate's job's is to combine with b12 and detoxify your system. If your system struggles to do this, homocysteine can build up and contribute towards clotting. Have a look at Carolyn Ledowsky, she advocates for high folate intake but she has very good information. She deals with people mainly with recurrent miscarriage but also infertility and explains it in much more detail. Worth a look if you get a chance.

[Ranchu90 in reply to Hidden]

Many thanks for your advice, I will definitely check that. I was reading lots of things on doctor Google since my test result came back 🙄

[Hidden in reply to Ranchu90]

I know, there's so much info out there, it's head wrecking! mthfrfertility.com/falling-..., This is the most recent webinar I looked at, found it good!

[Ranchu90 in reply to Hidden]

I just finished watching it, brilliant! Lots of information that I had no clue about. Thank you for sharing 🤗♥️ do you also have MTHFR gene mutations (oh I hate how it sounds 😣)?

[Hidden in reply to Ranchu90]

You're very welcome, I'm delighted you found it interesting. Yes I have a heterozygous mutation, interestingly my clinic doesn't even go into any of that, I just happen to have done gene tests previously so I already knew about it. I think it's good to have relevant information so long as it's not overwhelming!

[Cinderella5 in reply to Ranchu90]

I have heterozygous version which isnt as complicated but I was on 5mg of folic acid and clexane.xx

[Ranchu90 in reply to Cinderella5]

I am trying not to be overdramatic regarding my test results, even sometimes my mind goes wild 🙄🥴. I know that being homozygous is more severe than heterozygous and having 3 chemicals in a row raises question marks. I will carry on taking folic acid and blood thinner as advised by my clinic. Hope you are well ❤️🤗

[Ladypii]

Naturello prenatal vitamins, contain a very good amount of Mthfr folate and is recommended from “it starts with the egg” book. I took them three months before egg collection and now whilst pregnant. They are vegan too, but the best most comprehensive vitamin with folate rather than folic acid i found xx

[Olderwiser]

Just re the difference, my nutritionist advised me that folic acid was artificially made and folate is the natural form so easier to absorb. Hope that helps x

[Purpledoggy]

With the MTHFR mutation it is important to take 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, which is the active form, and not folic acid. If you take folic acid it cannot be converted to the active form and it will lead to accumulation of other metabolites, which are toxic in high amounts. Taking more folic acid won't overcome it and will just predispose to toxicity. You can buy 5-methyltetrahydrofolate supplements (eg Life Extension do one called bioactive folate), or rarely some pregnancy supplements contain this form (not pregnacare). The dose is the same, you just need the active form. xx

[Hidden]

Hi Starfish12345, I also am a hetrozygous carrier for MTHFR and am on higher levels of folate 5-methyltetrahydrofolate as mentioned by purpledoggy. Folic acid has to go through several processes in the body to break it down/convert it into this usable form and people with MTHFR mutation have difficulty doing this so folic acid won't be able to get where it supposed to go! As I mentioned above Carolyn Ledowsky is an Australian nutritionalist who specialises in MTHFR and has some really interesting free webinars. I just listened to a webinar she did called falling and staying pregnant which was very informative. It is essentially advertising a 12 week course she runs but the information she gives in it is still very useful and not too long either! I think I still have it in my emails, I can post a link if it's something that you'd be interested in.

[Pink5678 in reply to Hidden]

Yes please post the link!!

[Hidden in reply to Pink5678]

Hi Pink5678, I posted it above in my reply to Ranchu90. I hope you find it interesting!

[Patches86]

Me! While I’ve never actually been tested for the gene but both my mum and sister have it so the doctor said it’s not even worth testing as they assume I’ll have it too. My consultant advised to take both a folate and folic acid tablet and then I’m always on Clexane and Aspirin when I do a transfer.

[KLADY123]

I have never been tested but after reading 'it starts with the egg' decided that the folate (natural) version was better the folic acid regardless if you have the gene or not. I purchased a folate vitamin on Amazon- Natures Own which was also recommended on the 'it starts with the egg' website.

Best wishes x

[Pink5678]

Can anyone share info on whether MTHFR also needs us to take a special vit B??

PS my specialist consultant at UCL in London says those with MTHFR gene mutation should take folate supplements for life, not just for pregnancy related periods. Hope that helps!

[Purpledoggy in reply to Pink5678]

That's a good question and one I had actually not thought about! A quick lit search suggests that MTHFR mutations can affect metabolism of other B complex vitamins, so if you have the mutation it is probably best to take the active forms. The B vit complex I take is Life Extension that contains the bioactive variants so if you have the mutation maybe think about taking this or something similar. lifeextensioneurope.co.uk/b...

I don't know if I have MTHFR mutation but decided if I am taking a B vit it may as well be that one! I got mine from iHerb but it might be on Amazon as well xx

[Pink5678 in reply to Purpledoggy]

Many thanks indeed!

[Cinderella5]

I'm on 5mg of folic acid per day as I have the heterozygous version of MTHFR.xx