MTHFR - and B vitamins

So, I have not been tested...but I'm just wondering...how it would be harmful to switch my B6, and Folic acid over to the methylated versions.
Sorry, if I'm not explaining this right...as I'm not well-versed in the subject.

I already take the methyl-B12. - Have been for many years...prior to Lyme symptoms.

I have been avoiding supplementating other B vitamins because I'm concerned that if I have the gene then I'll be doing my body more harm than good.

So, my question: If I don't have the MTHFR genetic 'issue'....why would it be bad to take those supplements? Aren't they just easier on the body in general - regardless of whether we have the genetic defect or not?

Good explanation, Astroman

Also, I've read that for most people, taking regular B's aren't going to harm you but it's a waste of money if you can't process them effectively. However, taking methyl forms when you have problems processing the methyl forms can be disruptive an cause problems, unless you're at very low doses. Kind of like overloading your detoxing and we all know what that's like.

If in doubt or you're not ready to do the testing, I'd stick w/ hydroxy forms of Bs and see how you do, and increase doses slowly. Your body needs fewer processes to metabolize the hydroxy form.

p

Lymie Girl

If you have problems w/ hydroxy form, then you need the B12 within an even simpler process, supported w/ adenosyl.

Here is one of the most comprehensive discussions I've found online about the difference in methyl, hydroxy and cyan forms of B12:
forums.phoenixrising.me/index.php?threads/methylcobalamin-vs-hydroxocobalamin.22173/

p

okay, I guess I have it backwards.

I was thinking that those with methylation issues, take the methyl B12, Folate, B6 because it was easier to absorb - already converted in a usable form.
So my thinking was if we don't have a problem with methylation, then maybe it would still be okay - no harm done.

I have taken Methyl B12 for years...I have also taken Folic Acid - 1 mg for many years...no issues that I know of. Interesting thing is I started taking the Folic Acid before I got pregnant...and continued for several years because we wanted another baby. I noticed some of my digestion issues I had cleared up completely. So, I just continued to take it.
I stopped a few months ago because I was worried about the MTHFR gene and thought I shouldn't take it anymore.

I've got testing burn-out - the list seems so long - MTHFR, mold, metals, Candida, adrenals, thyroid....
I was planning the saliva test for adrenals and estro, progesterone in the next few weeks...

I just gave 10 tubes of blood this morning because of my raised liver enzymes....so done with it all!

Here is a copy and paste from Yasko. There is a lot of stuff that comes into play. One thing that supports my philosophy of divalent cation deficiency is that cobalt is used to make myelin nerve coverings and it is difficult to absorb in the GI tract. As the soils have now become more depleted of cobalt and since we often don't eat sea vegetables or organ meats, we may become deficient of cobalt. It is a major component of B-12 but if we can't transport B-12, we won't get any benefit from either. I believe that some of the key components to transporting proteins and key components like B-12 are deficient. B-12 must enter the cell and some must enter the mitochondria. If the transports aren't there, we don't see any benefit.


Dietary vitamin B12 (eg, hydroxocobalamin) is bound by IF secreted by the gastric parietal cells. The cobalt in hydroxocobalamin is in the 3+ state and cobalamin is abbreviated CblIII. The vitamin B12-IF complex is absorbed in the terminal ileum. Absorbed vitamin B12 is then transported in the circulation to the tissues bound predominantly to transcobalamin II (TCII). Cells use pinocytosis to take up TCII hydroxocobalamin. The pinocytotic vesicle fuses with a lysosome that degrades TCII and releases hydroxocobalamin to the cytosol (eg, lysosomal efflux of cobalamin). In the cytosol, hydroxocobalamin can be methylated to methylcobalamin to convert homocysteine to methionine. In this reaction, the methyl group is supplied by methyltetrahydrofolate and the reaction is catalyzed by N5-methyltetrahydrofolate:homocysteine methyltransferase. Folate deficiency can raise homocysteine levels but does not affect the concentration of MMA. On the other hand, vitamin B12 deficiency can elevate both MMA and homocysteine levels. Hydroxocobalamin can also be taken up by the mitochondrion. In the lumen of the mitochondrion, cobalt in the 3+ state is reduced through sequential steps to cobalt in the 2+ state producing CblII and then cobalt in the 1+ state producing CblI. Transfer of an adenosyl group to CblI via the action of adenosyl-transferase produces adenosyl cobalamin. This form of vitamin B12 is essential for the conversion of l-methylmalonyl coenzyme A (CoA) to succinyl CoA (see below).

Girlie- NO one can answer that accurately without your individual data..

Many people that never even heard of methalation take multi-vitamins every day- without dropping dead.

So much of this stuff is trial and error.

This is a long shot, but have you ever muscle tested or Applied Kinseology tested supplements with someone that does this regularly.? Many people are surprised by the accuracy.

I don't know if this will be helpful or not, but I have discovered that I process methyl B-12 a LOT better than the Cyano type. I've not tried the hydroxo B-12 supplements though.

My doc had me using Cyano type B-12 for injections, but they made me extremely tired (as in I couldn't hardly move off the chair) an hour after the injection, and it lasted for 2 hours. I did this for 1 month, then told her that I would rather use the Methyl supplements and double up on them. My B-12 numbers improved this way.

But, as Astro said - no one can tell for sure without testing.

Girlie,

Based on what I have read, I think it's a good sign that you have not noticed a bad reaction, but that does not mean that you're methylation pathways are working efficiently. Good luck with your vacation plans. Sounds fun!

GH and Traveler,
Great info! Thanks for sharing. I think everyone is so different and we all are up against different genetic issues / mutations. 23andme, here I come! I think that will give any of us the most info on what is going on. :)