Seeking Health L-5-MTHF 1000

Questions on Seeking Health L-5-MTHF 1000

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• B vitamin supplementation at 10/22/12 10:59 AM
  • I cannot get passed the idea that food needs to be preferred form of suppl. Can you tell me, do you carry products that are food sourced? I have always been under the impression B vit are almost always synthetically produced, I need to take the Meth B's for the mthfr factor. I am so tired of spending tons of money on suppl and still my symptoms are mounting up. Exactly what do they do to make it the special methylated kind for those of us with this genetic factor? Thanks

  • Hello!  

    Thank you for your question.  Which MTHFR did you test positive for?  Recommendations for supplementation really depends on which MTHFR type you have so I don’t have enough information to give you a recommendation at this time.  I suggest you find a naturopath or doctor who has experience treating someone with MTHFR and knows which labs to run to determine how to treat you.  With MTHFR, the important thing is to consume vitamins in the form in which your body can utilize.  If you have been told to take a folate supplement, take the L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate form.   http://www.healthegoods.com/seeking-health-l-5-mthf-1000.html

    Check out www.livesuperfoods.com for our food products.

    In Health and Happiness,

    Kelly Harrington, MS, RD

    Nutritionist for Healthy Goods

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• Confused at 10/1/12 6:07 PM
  • Hi I am 51 and newly diagnosed with double c677t. I had eight normal and healthy pregnancies. I only found out about it because my sister had mulitple miscarriages and she had the testing. I recently (last few years) have had problems with brain fog, feeling wobby/out of it, pounding heart, hair loss, and shortness of breath. Heart and lung tests are normal. I am eating clean as best I can. Dr put me on Folbic which gave me an incredible headache. She changed my supplement to Metanx but I'm afraid to try anything. I was considering ordering L5MTHFR and Homosytex. Thoughts? Thanks

  • Hello - 

    Please discuss this with your physician.

    Starting low and working up with methylfolate is highly recommended.

    Metanx is strong. Folbic uses the wrong forms of nutrients.

    The Seeking Health HomocysteX and L-5-MTHF both use the right forms of nutrients and are small enough doses that you can work up to what you do best on.

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• Taking Deplin currently at 9/21/12 6:41 AM
  • Hi, Dr. Ben-
    My ob put me on Deplin 15 mg/capsule daily for PMS. He also recommended taking a B complex for stress as we own a biz and life is crazy busy. I do feel much better on Deplin mood-wise during PMS, but as it's very expensive ($135/mo) I'd like to find another alternative. Was looking at the Seeking Health. How much should I take safely for the L-Methylfolate to replace what I'm currently taking with Deplin. I have pretty serious yeast antigens and have struggled with candida for years so don't absorb most nutrients. In the past 4 weeks I lowered my cholesterol from 228 to 164 by cutting out meat and cheese (heriditary). Am now juicing green folate rich foods daily and eating those a lot along with some beans and nuts, avocados. Drinking electrolyte water as well. Thanks for info.

  • Hello - 

    You'd have to take 15 capsules of the Seeking Health L-5-MTHF to equal one tablet of Deplin.

    However, you may find you need less methylfolate if you combine it with methylcobalamin - which is found in the Active B12 Lozenge with L-5-MTHF. There is 1 mg of methylcobalamin and 800 mcg of L-5-MTHF per lozenge.

    Consider taking a lozenge or two along with a few capsules of the L-5-MTHF.

    Since you have to take so much methylfolate, I am wondering why. Many of my clients do very well on very little methylfolate and do very poorly on high amounts.

    Consider eliminating dairy - ie Milk. Milk causes potential antibodies against the folate receptors in the brain which may be present thereby creating a higher need of methylfolate.

    In health,

    Dr Lynch

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• What supplement do you recommend at 6/19/12 12:49 PM
  • I am positive for A1298C mutation heterozygous and negative for the C677T mutation. My homocysteine is 7.1 I have low Vit. D levels that are at 15 without vit D supplements and 23 with vit D. I also have Mastocytosis in my stomach and small intestines and lastly I have salt wasting Addison disease.
    I take .5 florinef for the salt wasting, Ketotefin 2x a day for mastocytosis, zyrtec, pepsid, vit D 3 , and a probiotic. I also get compounded B-12 shots with Lipo every week.
    I think I need to add a folate but not sure what kind to buy. Could you give me a recommendation of what type to buy off your website?

  • Hello - 

    The safest option to start out with is the Sublingual Active B12 with Metafolin. This provides 1,000 mcg of methylcobalamin and 800 mcg of methylfolate as L-5-MTHF.

    Consider starting out with half tablet upon rising in the morning for a few days and monitor how you are feeling. If you feel better or no difference, increase to 1 tablet. 

    Talk with your physician about how to dose and follow their recommendations.

    It is important that you talk with your doctor how to get off the Pepcid. There are natural ways to do it and I commonly help people get free of Pepcid naturally as well.

    In health,

    Dr Ben

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• Dosage at 6/4/12 9:16 AM
  • I wanted to know how to determine the correct Methlyfolate dose? I have only one copy of the mutation for C667T and so does my husband. I was wondering if there is a possibility our our children having 2 copies? I have tried 1000mcg up to 4000mcg of methlyfolate and did not feel my anxiety go away. Go gluten free helped the most.

  • Hello - 

    There are many factors and causes at play for anxiety.

    Eating every couple hrs with some form of protein is very helpful.

    You may also need methylcobalamin in order for the methylfolate to work.

    I recommend you consider supplementing with 1 tablet of Sublingual Active B12 with Metafolin upon rising and another tablet before lunch.

    Your husband may also try this amount.

    I also recommend you consider:

    • Optimal Fish Oil: 2 capsules daily with food
    • Magnesium Plus: 1 capsule with breakfast and 1 before bed
    • Ashwagandha: 1 capsule upon rising and 1 before bed. Another may be taken during times of anxeity.
    • Optimal Multivitamin: 3 capsules with breakfast and 3 with lunch.
    • ProBiota 12: 1 capsule after dinner
    • Vitamin D360: 1 to 3 drops daily taken anytime of day. Each drop provides 2,000 IU of vitamin D3.

    These nutrients, when combined, may further support healthy emotions and mood.

    There is a possiblity of your children having 2 copies of the MTHFR C677T mutation - yes. The potential is 25%.

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• Josephine at 5/22/12 2:36 PM
  • my partner has the C677T MTHFR mutation so is heterozygous. Our fertility dr believes this may be why his sperm quality and motility is subnormal and has prescribed folic acid.+ B12.After doing my own research it seems that L-Methylfolate is actually what he should be taking- can u recommend which product would be most suitable for this condition ?
    

  • Hi Josephine - 

    Folic acid is not recommended for those with MTHFR issues - due to the inability to convert folic acid to methylfolate. You are right that one needs to take methylfolate - not folic acid.

    Sperm quality is linked to many nutrient deficiencies:

    • Vitamin E
    • Selenium
    • Zinc
    • Folate/B12
    • Carnitine
    • CoQ10

    Consider the following which may support his fertility:

    - Optimal Vitamin E: 1 capsule at dinner time- Optimal Multivitamin: 3 capsules with breakfast and 3 with lunch- Sublingual Active B12 with Metafolin: 1/2 tablet to 1 tablet upon rising and another 1/2 to 1 tablet before lunch- Active CoQH: 1 to 2 capsules with lunch- Acetyl-L-Carnitine: 1 capsule before breakfast- Optimal Fish Oil: 2 capsules with lunch and 2 with dinner- Selenium: 1 capsule taken anytime with a meal.- Vitamin D360: 3 drops taken once daily anytime- Optimal Zinc: 1 capsule daily with dinner- Optimal Liposomal Vitamin C: 1 tsp upon rising and 1 tsp mid day away from food 

    MTHFR is definitely an issue which needs to be addressed -but common nutrient deficiency does as well.

    In health,

    Dr Ben

     

     

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• Second Trimester Loss Due to MTHFR at 5/10/12 9:41 AM
  • I recently miscarried at 16-17 weeks, and after being tested, was just diagnosed with MTHFR (Homozygous A1298C, 2 copies). My husband and I are debating as to whether or not we should TTC again. We can't find a Doctor (much less a high-risk OB GYN) who seems to know much about MTHFR and were just told to take 4 mg of Folic Acid, try again, and "see what happens". I'm not completely comfortable with this answer and I would also like to increase my intake of other B Vitamins that may be beneficial, but I'm not sure as to the amount I should take (or even which ones I should take) before and during pregnancy. Any input would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

  • Hello - 

    I highly recommend you read this article on MTHFR and Pregnancy Supplementation.

    Taking 4 mg of folic acid is the standard protocol for a woman with past miscarriages - however, I disagree with this due to latest research on folic acid vs methylfolate -and the safety of folic acid.

    Please read this article on Folic Acid Supplementation.

    A consult is recommended here as we can optimize recommendations and at the same time improve symptoms which may be contributing to miscarriage. You may call 800-689-8221 to schedule a consult or begin the RSVP online here.

    There are many things you can do to be more proactive during pregnancy - and prior to. I am glad you are seeking out more information and answers.

    In health,

    Dr Lynch

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• over methylation? at 3/6/12 1:25 PM
  • can you tell me what supplements will help? thanks!
  • Hello - Please read this article on methylfolate side effects. It will help you understand more. http://mthfr.net/methylfolate-side-effects/2012/03/01/ To deal with overmethylation, I recommend: 1) Niacin: Consider taking 1/2 tablet once to twice daily http://www.healthegoods.com/2.html 2) Optimal Turmeric: Consider taking 1-2 tablets two to three times daily http://www.healthegoods.com/optimal-turmeric-100-vegetarian-capsules-seeking-health.html In health, Dr Ben
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• MTHFR Copies at 2/9/12 9:22 AM
  • Thank you for your reply. I called my doctors office and they said I have 2 copies of C677T. I just started the active B12 after researching online. So any other help would be appreciated.
  • Hello - Starting on Active B12 5000 is a great first step. If you've obtained the Active B12 with Methylfolate, that is also good. Simply start out with 1 tablet in the AM on an empty stomach for a week to see how you feel. If you feel good, stay on it and add HomocysteX. Add in one capsule of HomocysteX at lunch. http://www.healthegoods.com/homocystex-1.html Continue adding until you feel optimally. Do not exceed 2 capsules in the AM and 2 capsules before lunch. Taking 1 capsule of Flow Fx in the AM and 1 capsule before bed is also recommended to help reduce risk of blood clots. Do not take Flow Fx if you have bleeding disorders or on other blood thinners. http://www.healthegoods.com/flow-fx-60-vegetarian-capsules.html Later, you will add in additional support in the form of Liver Nutrients - but I do not recommend adding that in for at least one month. Consider taking 1 capsule with dinner. http://www.healthegoods.com/liver-nutrients-60-vegetarian-capsules-seeking-health.html Everyone is different and respond differently to these nutrients so keep an 'eye' open how you are feeling. If you get a headache, muscle aches, irritability - you need to reduce how much methylfolate you are taking. Best Dr Ben
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• Caren at 2/6/12 3:18 PM
  • I was diagnosed with MTHFR after a miscarriage at 15 weeks. Was also told I had elevated antiphospholipids. I was given Folgard but felt weird on it. I was told I had 2 copies of the gene but wasn't told which 2. Also I suffer from migranes, dizziness,fatigue, anxiety etc. I had slightly elevated homocysteine levels. I am having trouble finding a doctor that knows much where I live. What can I try supplement wise to help?
  • Hi Caren - I need to know which MTHFR mutation you have. This is important. Please find out and then let me know here. Given the complexity of your symptoms, a consult is needed. I cannot safely recommend anything serious for MTHFR without talking with you first - unless you are more specific. You may schedule a consult by calling 800 689 8221. For now, reduce your intake of protein and drink more fluids with electrolytes. I recommend you consider using 3 capfuls of Electrolyte Concentrate mixed with 1 scoop of Optimal Vitamin C in a 1 liter stainless steel or glass water bottle. Drink throughout the day. Electrolytes: http://www.healthegoods.com/electrolyte-concentrate-20-fl-ounces-bottle-bodybio.html Optiimal Vitamin C Powder: http://www.healthegoods.com/optimal-vitamin-c-powder.html These two ingredients may significantly help reduce your anxiety and headaches along with fatigue. Also taking 1/2 tablet of Active B12 5000 may help reduce your fatigue as well. Place it under your tongue first thing in the morning away from everything. http://www.healthegoods.com/active-b12.html Best Dr Ben
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• Healing at 1/16/12 3:15 PM
  • I have a question about this protocol. I starting reading on Friday night. On Saturday, I started taking a couple things new. One item was MultiThera 1 by ProThera and the other item was Active B Trio from ProThera also. By the end of Saturday night I was getting a sore throat. Sunday the same and by the end of Sunday night pretty stuffy. Woke up today with a faucet running and right now feeling like the flu...little achy. Could this be from the new regimen and possibly detoxing too quickly? I am all for going through the healing phase if need be. Thanks for your input! TF
  • Hello - Those with MTHFR respond differently to these nutrients for many reasons. One is the presence of other mutations and also histamine levels. It sounds like your histamine levels may be elevated. It also may be due to detoxing too quickly as well. OR - it could merely be coincidence and getting ill with what is going around. If you stop all of them and feel better quickly, then we have more insight and link potential to the supplementation. Best Dr Ben
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• Gene Test Follow Up at 1/16/12 2:56 PM
  • Thank you Dr Ben for your f/u response. I have taken this test a couple of years ago from a pharmacy in town. The pharmacist wanted me to take his jars of amino acids in powder and I didn't feel led to take at the time 'artificial' food...since my problems were so bad.....maybe I should have. Would this test suffice, sounds like the ones you are recommending? I paid around 2000.00 for this test and I think I have the same problems then as now. Please advise.
  • Amino acids are not artificial foods - they are medicinal foods. I understand your point and agree but there are times when high amounts of specific nutrients are needed. If you did this test 2 yrs ago, it is not valid anymore. It or others have to be redone. Best Dr Ben
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• Gene Test Follow Up at 1/14/12 6:56 AM
  • Thank you for answering so quickly. MTHFR +677 Genotype T,T and the TCN2 +766 G,G. Of course I do not know much about this....I remembering googling it back then and could not find anything to help me understand this. I do think your website is wonderful and able to help many. I have instinctively known I needed the B vitamins, but not at the amounts that are recommended. I have had digestive problems from day one, was able to eat meat, eggs, fish by taking enzymes for relief, but now I am thinking with me not being able to break the amino acids down properly, causing me problems. I feel I have found the root cause of my problems since a lot of the symptoms or disease list I have already been through and now hoping to reduce the homocysteine. I'm also thinking when I go back to the doctor in a couple of weeks I'll have CRP checked also. Would you recommend any other tests? Vit D, B12, Ferritin?
    Does this gene defect lead to a fatty liver? It this one of the reasons people collect gall stones? Thank you so much, TF
  • Hello - The MTHFR gene mutation can limit the development of Taurine. Low taurine levels put one at risk for developing gall stones and also for not being able to digest fatty foods and oils very well. This MTHFR gene defect lead to a fatty liver? I have not seen that and I do not think it would alone without other triggers. If you have the MTHFR 677 mutation, I recommend you have your doctor look at your amino acids and your organic acids. http://www.healthegoods.com/amino-acid-profile-40-plasma.html and http://www.healthegoods.com/organixsm-comprehensive-profile-the-original-organix-urine.html These provide much insight into what is going on biochemically and which pathways are not functioning properly. Ideally, you will avoid all supplementation for 2 weeks prior to taking these tests in order to obtain a baseline and 'true' picture of how your body is functioning on its own without supplements. Talk with your doctor about this. Best Dr Ben
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• Gene Test at 1/13/12 6:10 PM
  • Hello Dr. Ben, In 2006 I got a genetic test done for B Vitamin and Oxidative Stress. I am positive on MTHFR and TCN2 for the B vitamins and GSTM1 and SOD2 for oxidative stress gene. Can you offer supplementation? I am 56 and in Sept had a stone stuck in the bile duct and had to have my gallbladder removed. My TSH was over 7 and doctor put me on synthroid and cytomel because I was breaking out with blisters all over my body and really haven't recovered fully. I am thinking now that my liver was just too congested and wasn't able to detox from the surgery. I would appreciate your insight to get me back on track.
  • Hi there - Which MTHFR did you test positive for? Supplementation depends. Given that you test positive for both MTHFR and TCN2, I am assuming your homocysteine levels may be elevated. Either HomocysteX or Sublingual Active B12 with Methylfolate is what I'd recommend initially - and start with just 1 capsule or 1 tablet daily and see how you feel. I assume your GSTM1 and SOD2 are not functioning well thereby not allowing you to detox properly? Best, Dr Ben
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• BUYING VITAMINS FOR FRIENDS at 12/16/11 9:48 AM
  • Ben,
    
    I asked you a question last night about the C677TT in my family. Then I lay in bed I realized that 10% of my friends struggle with anxiety. We all raise vegetables in gardens in the summer and many do better for three months. In the rest of the year they crash. I do not think this is due to the winter daylength. I think they do better for 3 months due to the abundance of fresh veggies.
    
    I am telling everyone my story, and everyone tells me how good it is to learn that my problems are fixable! And I am going to buy extra vitamins to offer some friends who struggle with chronic anxiety.
    
    QUESTION #1: Should I buy 5-MTHF 100 or the Homocystex for these undiagnosed first time trials? Please chose one.
    
    I am a veteran who works 11 months of the year with no pay in a food program for starving people. I have little resources to spend, but I want to buy some of your vitamins to give away for Christmas presents. This will change some of their lives, especially young parents who's distress is affecting their child rearing ability. When I learn of something good, I tell everyone I know. Telling my own story without shame is my best method of opening other's thought.
    
    I have to be a careful artist in discussing other people's irrationality. They are not so willing to consider that they might need help. People hide things like siezures and depression. Or they think they hid it! Often it is obvious to all that these friends need help, but they have rationalized their behavior so that they do not hear the message from others. Some people blame all their anxiety on everyone else. Not everyone is willing to hear me suggest that they might have a genetic defect, a word I would not use.
    
    I have about 100 relatives, many who obviously share our family's C677T genes. To be realistic I will only be able to get a few to get a gene test or even try your supplement even if I buy it for them.
    
    But some of them will hear my concern for our genetics enough to take the B-complex supplements they can buy at their favorite volume discount store. There are only two cities withing 100 miles of where I live. I checked and none of the health food stores carry vitamins with the correct 5-MTHF Folate. Because of this the only form of Folate many of these people will take is Folic Acid. Also, they trust what works for the majority of the population, and which the government approves. That is a truth that I have to work with.
    
    QUESTION #2: For this category of people I ask: "Should I tell them to take extra Folic Acid supplements? Or should they avoid Folic Acid supplements?" I am not clear whether Folic Acid is better than nothing, or if it damages C677TT people.
    
    Thanks again! Dave
  • Hi Dave - Your family is lucky to have a guy like you ;) Good to have someone like you watching their backs. Vitamin D3 deficiency is huge and commonly related to seasonal affective disorder, depression and fatigue in the winter - not to mention colds/flus. If this sounds like your friends and family- trying them out on 2 drops a day of Vitamin D360 is a safe and effective thing for them to do: http://www.healthegoods.com/liquid-vitamin-d360-1-oz.html If they want to take it only once per week, they can take 17 drops of Vitamin D360 once a week. This makes it easy. It is tough to say which one to recommend without knowing which mutation they have. To be safe, I'd recommend they take the Sublingual Active B12 with Methylfolate. They can allow 1 tablet to dissolve under their tongue in the AM before breakfast and see how they feel from that. This is a safe and highly effective formula - yet simple. Here it is: http://www.healthegoods.com/sublingual-active-b12-metafolin-seeking-health.html HomocysteX is more complex and has more room for side effects. L-5-MTHF is a higher dose of methylfolate compared to Sublingual Active B12 with Methylfolate plus it is without the B12. I like to use the L-5-MTHF when I know people may be sensitive to methylcobalamin or if they need additional methylfolate above what is found in the HomocysteX or Sublingual Active B12 with Methylfolate. Those with MTHFR need to AVOID folic acid because it will simply accumulate in their blood and bile thereby causing potential to increase the rate of growth of pre-existing cancer cells. Methylfolate may not be related to this concern as research is saying it is safer than folic acid. One should also take methylcobalamin or another type of active B12 when taking any type of folic acid. If they don't, this can cause what is called the 'methyl folate trap' which is not handy. Should you have other questions - fire away. Have a great holiday! Best Dr Ben
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• I'M READY TO BUY SOMETHING. at 12/16/11 12:31 AM
  • I'm a grandpa in my 60's. C677TT. My Homocysteine is good, 10.
    Does a safe Homocysteine level mean that I have no problems? Or can one have a normal homocysteine level but the Folate deficiency can still cause neurological problems? Are they separate symptoms of MTHFR, or are neurological symptoms dependent upon the homocystine malfunction?
    
    My cholesterol is 260 and all the bad kind. I get lots of physical work and eat well. I have no health nor anxiety problems anymore. I have a good supply of natural multivitamins at this time.
    
    But because I am C677TT I know I need Folate.
    
    Should I purchase your Homocystex or just the L-5-MTHF 1000?
    
    Should I be concerned with taking so much more B vitamins if I already have a multivitamin?
    
    Also I have parents, sibs, children and grandchildren with C677T mutations. They are resistant to facing this because understanding it seems overwhelming and confusing. I would like to give them some vitamins to keep things simple. And if they feel better they might be willing to try and understand this.
    
    An older relative is dying of cancer. He is obsessive compulsive, chronically negative, and hoards things beyond anyone I have seen. He has geographic tongue, as do I. I would like to see him be able to let go of his warehouses of junk in his last months of life without it distressing him.
    
    A sib is bipolar, depressive and suicidal. Turned to prescription mood lifters and pain killers, became dangerously addicted to high levels of them, and now turned to alcohol.
    
    There is an 8 year old child who's brain shuts off for a second at a time, sometimes frequently.
    
    Which supplements should I give them for starters? I want to keep it simple.
    
    When I order, can I have some sent to different addresses? If I order now will I be able to receive them in the mail by early January before I go on a trip?
    
    Thanks! Dave
    
    
  • Hi Dave - Normal homocysteine does not mean you are out of the woods... Normal red blood cell methylfolate along with normal methionine levels are good indicators of reduced blood clot risk according to research. I recommend you test for markers called: 'Lipoprotein little a' 'Glutathione' 'CRP-hs' 'serum ferritin' 'MMA' I recommend for you the HomocysteX as you are above 60 and could use the extra methylcobalamin and added TMG, B6 and others. With your MTHFR, adding in these extra B's is needed. Geographic tongue is typically related to B vitamin deficiencies and nutrient deficiencies. How do I know this? Because I used to have one! It is now gone and stays gone when I take Optimal Multivitamin (3 capsules in the AM with breakfast and 3 at lunch) http://www.healthegoods.com/optimal-multivitamin-240-vegetarian-capsules-seeking-health.html Eliminating food allergies/food intolerances is also helpful in eliminating geographic tongue as is supplementing with an effective probiotic. Consider taking 1 capsule of ProBiota 12 after dinner. http://www.healthegoods.com/probiota-12-maximum-support-50-billion-cfus-twelve-species-probiotic-60-vegetarian-capsules-seeking-health.html You may ship to different address but sadly you have to do separate orders for each one - that is because of our order processing software cannot handle multiple addresses at once. For the 8 yr old, probiotics are critical. Consider 1/4 teaspoon after dinner. He may get gas and bloating for a few days but will subside quickly - benefits are extensive: http://www.healthegoods.com/pro-biota-12-powder-maximum-support-200-billion-cfus-twelve-species-60-grams-seeking-health.html Also consider the Optimal Kid's Multivitamin - have him take 3 capsules in the Am with breakfast and 3 at lunch. http://www.healthegoods.com/kids-optimal-multivitamin-180-vegetarian-capsules.html Vitamin D360 - everyone should be taking vitamin D3 - at least 2,000 IU a day which is one drop. In the winter, adults should take 2-3 drops a day. This is for mood, bones and immune support. http://www.healthegoods.com/liquid-vitamin-d360-1-oz.html For everyone else - Optimal Multivitamin, D360, ProBiota 12, Sublingual Active B12 with Methylfolate is likely an excellent start. Sublingual Active B12 with Methylfolate is here: http://www.healthegoods.com/sublingual-active-b12-metafolin-seeking-health.html You can easily receive these before early January before you go on your trip. I recommend shipping with USPS Priority to be safe or FedEx Ground. Any other questions - fire away. Have an excellent holiday, Dave! Best Dr Ben
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• mthfr gene mutation-our concerns at 11/14/11 7:14 PM
  • Dr. Ben
    Thank you for your help. Is there a difference between taking active B6 and B6 supplementation? What is the difference between the two?
  • Yes - especially if one has a mutation in the enzyme switching from inactive to active vitamin B6 - similar to that of folate and MTHFR. If someone has the mutation, they will have very low levels of active vitamin B6 in their circulation. Given that he has elevated homocysteine and does well with taurine, I strongly suspect a vitamin B6 deficiency. This is why I suggest he consider taking 2 capsules of Magnesium Plus twice a day. UPDATE: I was confirming my suspicions and found this. It may not be what he has but it gives you an idea of my thought process: http://www.perkinelmergenetics.com/Homocystinuria.htm Best Dr Ben
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• mthfr gene mutation-our concerns at 11/14/11 5:15 PM
  • Dr. Ben
    THANK YOU for your response from yesterday. Interestingly, my husband had chicken today for lunch (which I broiled myself) and 30 minutes later was unable to walk d/t extreme dizziness and poor balance. He just now feels better (7p.m.)after consuming green tea and eating steak for dinner (also broiled myself). VERY interesting given your information. We found the NIH studies extremely helpful and plan on sharing them with my husband's doctor at an appointment this week. After some digging through volumes of medical records we were able to locate my husband's original MTHFR testing which revealed the following: one copy of the C677T and one copy of the A1298C mutation. Do you have any other thoughts on what we may need to have done in the way of testing or any other thoughts you may have that could help us lessen my husband's current neurologic decline other than what you have already shared with us? Have you come across any persons suffering from adverse effects of statin therapy who are + for MTHFR? We came across a Swiss study some years back in Pubmed which found a link between MTHFR and those who had complaints of muscle problems while on statins being much higher than the general population. By that time we read this, my husband had already taken himself off of statin therapy. (He never had high cholesterol or cardiac symptoms, just elevated homocysteine). His initial adverse symptoms on Statin therapy (after being on them for 2.5 years) were night sweats, muscle pain , muscle cramps and weakness, muscle wasting (mainly on the left side) facial droop, balance difficulty, eye twitch, nerve pain radiating from #2 toe up through his back to the very back of his head. Our hope is if we could figure out what statins did to my husband we could back track and undo some of it. We know his problems are chemical in nature and my hunch has been MTHFR as a key player but until your website and yesterday's response, was not able to put it together. We are really confident his symptoms can be reversed because he has had moments of normal movement that have lasted several minutes, over the last few months. He is only 47 years old. The worst part of this journey was this summer when a neurologist had him take Sinemet for his Parkinsonism. He did not tolerate this medication and detoxification from this med took several months, with severe neurological suppression that lasted about 10 weeks after stopping the med. (Not a fun way to spend a summer vacation.) He has had slow and steady improvement since then, however still battles balance and fine motor issues. Any help you could offer us would be greatly appreciated. Also, if you know of anyone in the Charlotte NC or surrounding area who is well versed in managing someone with MTHFR mutations, please let us know. We DO plan on getting our kids and myself tested for this mutation.
  • Until you get him off of methionine-containing foods and off of anything increasing methionine, he may continue having these symptoms. Compound heterozygous MTHFR, what your husband has, it quite intense and needs proper attention from someone who knows what is going on. There is no set protocol for any individual because of other potential mutations, chemical exposures, dietary intake, lifestyle and occupation - and how much they are willing to change all this. I do not know anyone in NC sorry. Visit www.naturopathic.org or www.aaemonline.org to find a doc near you. If he is not taking CoQ10 right now - he needs to be. Magnesium is likely needed along with B6 and niacin. You have to get doctors who know nutritional biochemistry very well in his case. If they don't, get one who does otherwise he will not improve. I could see a connection between methionine immediately; however, there are other things going on which I cannot see of course. Doctors should have seen that connection though - if they know biochemistry. Best Dr Ben
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• mthfr gene mutation-our concerns at 11/13/11 10:52 AM
  • My husband is + for MTHFR gene mutation, but do not know which form. He reacts very unfavorably to folate supplementation, actually deteriorated while on IV injections of folate. We are trying to get his metabolic MD/neurologist to engage in further testing and having a difficult time in having him understand the problems my husband is having with his prescription Folbic medication.
    
    His neurological symptoms actually get worse for about 24 hours after ingesting Folbic, which he takes once a week now. This was prescribed due to high homocysteine levels. My husband has been to Mayo clinic for four weeks trying to find out why he has such severe neurological problems.
    
    To date he is undiagnosed, and is currently being seen by neurologist #9 (who practices in our area and specializes in ALS-which my husband has sx of but not the disease), who is also a metabolic specialist. After he suffered widespread muscle and neurological damage due to statin drug therapy seven years ago, we found out through testing by a homeopathic doctor in our area that he was MTHFR+. He was not informed about needing to take methylated folate.
    
    His current neurologist is going to send us to the National Institute of Health in the undiagnosed neurological disease department. We are getting our questions and research together in order to make this trip the most efficient for us.
    
    We are ordering the L-5-MTHF product. How much of a dose does he take?
    
    Also, having a tough time getting someone in our area to test our son, 14, for MTHFR, who after receiving N20 anesthesia, lost the ability to taste and smell properly. Folks with MTHFR gene mutations should NOT receive N2O anesthesia because it prevents B vitamin methylation and causes long term nerve damage. Folks who are taurine deficient may have a lessened sense of smell.
    
    On a side note, we did find out that my husband is deficient in the amino acids taurine, threonine, and creatine and is currently being replaced. Interestingly, taurine is made from B6 and cysteine. Also, I miscarried a nearly full term child between my two full term, viable deliveries, the doctors having no idea why I miscarried. I did have to receive folate injections with each pregnancy. My mother suffers from a Personality Disorder. I have asked everyone from the Mayo doctors, to current neurologists and pediatricians about testing for MTHFR mutation and no one is interested in listening to this request or understanding the importance of this mutation. My husband's grandmother died after multiple stokes, his father died after suffering the same type of neurological changes following statin therapy. All family members currently suffer from excruciating large muscle cramps with exercise.
    
    Currently my husband suffers from balance problems so severe that he cannot walk unassisted. He is only 47 years old. ALS, PSP, PLS, PD, and all other serious neurological diseases have been ruled out, and every doctor we have seen is at a loss as to why my husband suffers his current symptoms.
    
    We notice that with any food that contains MSG, all foods high in B vitamins such as eggs, and turkey meat causes worsening of sx.
    
    Eating foods high in taurine such as scallops or scrimp, or lean beef improve his sx/balance/fine motor issues.
    
    Currently my husband takes the aforementioned amino acids and prescription Folbic, DHA, vit A, D, C and E supplements, COQ10, copper/zinc. Thankfully, he has no memory issues.
    
    He does suffer from anxiety, lessened since beginning taurine supplementation.
  • Hello - Thank you for sharing your story. This, unfortunately, is all too common a scenario. It is VERY important to know which MTHFR mutations he has. I do not recommend obtaining the L-5-MTHF for your husband. It may make him worse if given right now. From hearing the symptoms, other things have to be addressed first. I highly recommend you get tested for MTHFR along with your husband's family members. It is serious and must be addressed. Do not try and get pregnant without being tested for MTHFR - and having the possible mutations dealt with. If you are having trouble obtaining a lab test for MTHFR, you may obtain the test from me as long as you are not living in NY. I can only provide the test for you, I cannot diagnose anyone or prescribe treatment for MTHFR. Your physician has to do that. http://www.healthegoods.com/mthfr-test.html Increased methylation can cause - and does cause - neurological symptoms. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7888091 and http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8748929 So if your husband's level of SAMe increases, I would assume his symptoms worsen. SAMe comes from Methionine and Methionine is high are: Egg Fish Elk Chicken Turkey Foods high in Methionine: http://nutritiondata.self.com/foods-000084000000000000000.html These are all the foods which are causing your husband to worsen which makes total sense - if you step back and think about the biochemistry. If given methylfolate, your husband's methionine will increase. Methylcobalamin may also be worsening his symptoms right now as well. I have a hunch that your husband may do well with Vitamin B6 and magnesium. Talk with your doctor about stopping Folbic and lowering homocysteine with Vitamin B6 and magnesium. Magnesium Plus contains active B6 and magnesium. Consider 2 capsules twice a day. http://www.healthegoods.com/magnesium-plus-100-vegetarian-capsules-seeking-health.html Taking about 20 mg of Niacin twice a day may help as well as this 'eats up' excess methyl groups - which may be elevated right now due to taking Folbic. Do let me know how he does. In time, he likely will need to get on L-5-MTHF by Seeking Health - or HomocysteX by Seeking Health - but currently, I do not think it is correct - but I am just guessing based on your comment. It is impossible for me to diagnose, treat or prescribe - so I am not. I am merely providing you information which may be beneficial - or it may not. Hopefully it is! In health, Dr Ben
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