MFTHR genetic test

[Diana60]

Has anyone else had the genetic test MFTHR done? I am VERY low on 2 of them in the depression area. They have given me prescription L-methylfolate and a lower dose of my Cymbalta. In the two months on it, a lot of my fibro-fog is gone, pain is decreasing or my pain blocks are lasting longer-LOL, migraines aren't as severe, and I'm starting to sleep 7 hours a night now only to wake up once for the bathroom. I tried not taking my Cymnalta, but I still really need the serotonin. I'm hoping to get off it soon!

[TheAuthor]

Hi Diana60

I had not heard of this before so I have been doing a bit of reading to ascertain how it works? I have pasted below some links and excerpts that help explain about it:

*Balancing Brain Chemistry Website:

*Introduction

There’s a substantial body of evidence showing a significant connection between diminished folate and depression, there is good evidence showing diminished folate in people with bipolar syndrome and even their relatives, however little or no relationship has been found between folate and anxiety.

The vitamin folate (commonly known as folic acid or B9) comes in different forms and people with a mutation of the MTHFR gene cannot properly convert folate into the biologically active and useful form called L-methylfolate which is needed for many essential body processes including the manufacturing of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. L-methylfolate plays such a central role in the production of neurotransmitters that being deficient of it can not only cause depression but it can create the type of depression that is resistant to other treatments until the deficiency is corrected.

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**WebMD:

**Uses

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. Folate is a B-vitamin naturally found in some foods. It is needed to form healthy cells, especially red blood cells.

Folic acid supplements may come in different forms (such as L-methylfolate, levomefolate, methyltetrahydrofolate). They are used to treat or prevent low folate levels. Low folate levels can lead to certain types of anemia. Conditions that can cause low folate levels include poor diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver disease, certain stomach/intestinal problems, kidney dialysis, among others. Women of childbearing age should receive adequate amounts of folic acid either through their diet or supplements to prevent infant spinal cord birth defects.

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**How to use L-Methylfolate:

Take this product by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. If you are taking the over-the-counter product, follow all directions on the product package. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Do not increase your dose or take this product more often than directed.

Take this product regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Follow the diet plan recommended by your doctor or dietician.

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NHS Choices - Folate Deficiency:

nhs.uk/Conditions/Anaemia-v...

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This all appear quite straight forward and from reading up on this there also appears to be a great deal of evidence that it works, and can genuinely help with treating depression where antidepressants on their own are ineffective due to the lack of folate.

I want to sincerely wish you all the best with your treatments and please take care of yourself.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Sorebones in reply to TheAuthor]

Thanks for that Ken. I was wondering what it was lol 🐸

[TheAuthor in reply to Sorebones]

[Diana60 in reply to TheAuthor]

It does go on to mention depression, lithium deficiency, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's, etc... My Dr. said they have found 1/3 of the population has depression.

[TheAuthor in reply to Diana60]

It also goes on to discuss heart disease as well, as this is another heredity genetic factor.

[Diana60]

I've done a lot of research on the web about its studies. Depression, Alzheimer's, and mental illness runs on both sides if my family so my Rheumatologist suggest I get the genetic test done. She was right, I have two mutated genes out of the four genetic tests done. The L-methylfolate helps the brain utilize the serotonin, dopamine, and I can't remember the last one, my notes are in my husbands vehicle-sorry! It has really helped my mood swings and hoping to get off all the Cymbalta soon.

[TheAuthor in reply to Diana60]

It does appear to be something that is studied more in the US than in the UK. I want to genuinely wish you all the best of luck with this my friend and please take care of yourself

[Diana60]

I am in the USA. It was sent by my Dr to a genetic Lab.

[Tel59]

Morning every one..😊..i have never heard of this test before..can i just ask my doctor for this test..?..ive also been reading all ur comments about folic acid/vitamin b9..😊..id like to try it but can i take it while taking sertraline..?..hope u all have a great day..😊..xx

[TheAuthor in reply to Tel59]

Hi Tel59

You could ask your doctor but it is doubtful that they would know a great deal about it or think it warrants investigation unless you are showing any signs of the problem? This test is very big in the states but unfortunately not in this country.

[healthygenes]

Hi All, I take folic acid because I'm on Methtrexate,but I really didn't think it was so important, I often forget to take it,thanks to your information I won't be doing that again,also I take Duloxetine (Cymbalta) it was for nerve pain, I quickly realized I felt better in myself, but sometimes as I have said in another post you don't even class yourself as depressed,but even though it was only a very tiny dose I still noticed the lift in my mood,thanks everyone for the information, very interesting indeed,best wishes to all.

[Diana60]

That's a shame since it is genetic.

[Diana60]

Any Dr could send it a lab.

[Diana60]

Please look it up on the Internet. Just type in MFTHR and L-methylfolate. Especially if you have depression!

[Jess_Holmes_0696]

@Diana60 What does MFTHR stand for? I have never heard of this and I have an appointment with my Dr in a few weeks would live to ask about this test!!!

[Diana60]

Hi. It's all genetic stuff. Please look it up on the Internet. I'm in no means a Dr. so it can explain it in debts. I was very interested in the depression and Alzheimer's since it runs in my family.