Why folic acid supplementation/food fortification (energy bars, cereal etc.) can be problematic if we have MTHFR deletions.

/www.youtube.com/watch?v=cWFPRI6X7P4&inf_contact_key=30aab23c6df2132c1a540c189895646f33499b9de8e26120377f0d2028093332

K has an MTHFR deletion, and I was supplemented with high prescribed doses of folic acid when I was carrying her. She was born with a bruise at the base of her spine which has only faded in the last couple of years. I think we are lucky that she didn't acquire spina bifida from my supplementation (which was prescribed to me to decrease just that risk).

RM - All 3 of my kids were born with a dimple at base of spine. My husband had a sibling die of Spina Bifida. I think we got lucky bc I have only 1 copy of a1298C. My husband has C677T, not sure if he is homo or hetero. But since I don't have it but all kids do they got it from him. The kids have one copy of both. I also took folic acid during pregnancy.

Girlie said...
rowing mom - I haven't had time to watch the youtube video you linked, yet.


So, would taking folate (instead of folic acid) be recommended?

It's worth your time to watch the video. He says "lots of foliage (green leafy vegetables) for folate". If you don't tolerate the oxalates you can supplement, but over supplementation can lead to problems as well.

I just glanced through the article.

They seem to equate folate with folic acid; likely not understanding that there is a difference. Who knows what they were actually measuring when they measured blood levels of "folate" and "B12". If the levels were high, the nutrients were likely not being metabolized properly, whatever they were.

Just thought I would post for the newbies who weren't up to speed on MTHFR.