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MTHFR MutationHave one or two copies of the MTHFR mutation?

Don’t know what to do?

Looking for what people call ‘MTHFR treatment’?

After working with 1000’s of individuals with this defect, I’ve developed a ‘MTHFR treatment’ which may help a significant number of people.

It’s not really a ‘MTHFR mutation treatment’ – it’s a way of life.

A treatment denotes something is wrong.

You’re not broken. You’re different.

 

UPDATE 6/25/2019:

I cannot believe it has been over 7 years since I wrote this original article on MTHFR mutation treatment.

In that 7 year span, I’ve learned a ton more – not only about the MTHFR mutation but about methylation, detoxification, sulfonation, epigenetics.

I keep on learning.

I just updated this article in depth.

This article is a great place to start. I didn’t hold back.

Do apply what you find here especially if it makes sense and resonates with you.

Should you still be confused, or want more information, the best MTHFR protocol is fully outlined in my book, Dirty Genes. In fact, it’s not just about the MTHFR mutation. It’s way more than that – and it’s a lifestyle guide – not just a book you read once.

It’s a lifetime resource.

Here is your full MTHFR mutation support – via my book, Dirty Genes:

A bit about Dirty Genes:

  • Published January 30, 2018
  • Over 330 customer reviews with over 90% 5 stars and 1% 1 star
  • #4 Bestselling book in entire USA
  • Wall Street Bestseller
  • Washington Post Bestseller
  • USA Today Bestseller
  • Amazon Bestseller in multiple categories
  • Barnes and Noble Bestseller
  • Many local libraries have it (ask yours)
  • Translated into 11 languages and counting
  • Fully discusses how to address MTHFR plus 7 other ‘Super Seven’ genes: DAO (histamine), PEMT (gallbladder, cell membranes, preconception), MAOA and COMT (depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, ADHD, addictions, carb cravings), NOS3 (cardiovascular), GST/GPX (detoxification via glutathione)

Dirty Genes is a fantastic place to start.

Where do you go to learn more about the MTHFR mutation?

Where do you go to get a deeper understanding of the MTHFR mutation treatment?

I constantly hear from folks that they want to see more visuals and be able to understand the deeper science so they can take action themselves. Most of their doctors are hurting them and they’re tired of it.

While a doctor is needed for acute and difficult cases, often times, with the right information and tools, you can help yourself immensely.

The Dirty Genes Course is one of those tools. This online course expands into the science and detail that a book cannot.

Learn alongside me as I guide you through the science, diagrams, case studies, stories, actionable tips, exercises and quizzes.

Access the Dirty Genes Course here:

Dirty Genes Course

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

UPDATE 3/16/2015:
Having written this article years ago now, I must let you know that if ANYONE – with or without MTHFR C677T or A1298C SNPs/variants/polymorphisms/mutations – whatever you want to to call them – should follow the lifestyle, dietary and environmental recommendations.

Regardless of MTHFR mutation or not, the recommendations for diet, lifestyle and environment need to be considered by all!

Now – the supplement recommendations need to be tailored to the individual – again – regardless of which genetic variants you have. Working with a physician trained in this area of medicine is key.

The recommendations of supplements are merely suggestions and ones that I may recommend to a patient or physician. They are not flat out must-haves nor must one take all of them.

I want to make it absolutely clear that while the MTHFR mutation may be common across a number of individuals, the outcome of supplementing with various nutrients can vary tremendously due to other genetic defects, dietary and lifestyle choices and environmental exposures.

Some of these recommendations require a full explanation. Due to the nature of this article, it is not possible to do so.

If the recommendation is listed, it is critically important.

Let it be known that the MTHFR mutation information presented below is for your information only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe in any way.

Use the information at your own risk.

Always seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Here are the common recommendations for supporting those with MTHFR mutations:

  1. Limit ingestion of folic acid in fortified foods as you cannot process folic acid well.
  2. Limit or cease taking supplements or drugs with folic acid in them. Talk with your doctor before stopping.
  3. Avoid folic acid blocking drugs such as birth control or Methotrexate.
  4. Avoid drugs which increase homocysteine such as Nitrous Oxide (most used in dentistry)
  5. Avoid antacids as they block absorption of vitamin B12 and other nutrients
  6. Begin understanding which of your symptoms may be related to the C677T MTHFR mutation.
  7. Measure homocysteine levels – properly!
  8. Inform your family members so they can also test for the MTHFR mutation
  9. Find a doctor who is knowledgeable about MTHFR or is willing to learn
  10. If you are pregnant, find an OB/GYN or midwife who is knowledgeable about MTHFR.
  11. Eliminate Gluten from your diet – especially wheat.
  12. Eliminate or reduce Dairy from your diet. If you must have dairy, use Goat milk.
  13. Sauna or sweat (epsom salt baths, sports, yoga) at least once to three times a week. Mention ‘Dr. Lynch’ to save $500
  14. Limit intake of processed foods
  15. Increase intake of whole foods and home-prepared meals
  16. Eat the Rainbow of colors from fruits and vegetables – daily
  17. Castor Oil Packs over your abdomen daily during times of pain, soreness, cramps
  18. Vegetable/Fruit Juice Diet with Chia Seeds during times of pain, soreness, cramps
  19. Limit intake of high methionine-containing foods if homocysteine elevated
  20. Filter chlorine from your drinking water, shower and bath.
  21. Drink at least two liters of filtered water daily mixed with effective true electrolytes.
  22. Eat smaller, but more frequent meals, throughout the day with some form of protein.
  23. Limit protein intake to approximately 0.8 grams protein per kilogram of body weight.
  24. Remove mercury amalgams and root canals with a trained biological dentist.
  25. Avoid cooking, drinking, storing and heating in any type of plastic container.
  26. Use an air purifier in your home and office
  27. Eliminate carpets from your home and install low VOC wood or tile flooring.
  28. Eat grass-fed beef, free range, hormone free and antibiotic meats and eggs
  29. Cook with electric stove and oven and remove gas stove and oven.

UPDATE November 25, 2014

PREVENT SIDE EFFECTS caused by methylfolate.

Read this article first before taking anything else, unless recommended by a health professional. Preventing Methylfolate Side Effects.

General Nutrient Recommendations for MTHFR mutations:

  • Methylfolate
  • Methylcobalamin
  • Betaine in the form of TMG
  • NAC
  • Glutathione
  • Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (vitamin B6)
  • Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
  • Curcumin
  • Mixed tocopherals (vitamin E)
  • Silymarin (Milk Thistle)
  • EPA/DHA
  • Phosphatidylcholine
  • Nattokinase
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin D3
  • Comprehensive multivitamin/multimineral
  • Probiotics

Typical Pharmaceuticals Recommended for the MTHFR Mutation
There are many pharmaceuticals commonly recommended for MTHFR mutations yet they are ill-advised as they contain inferior forms of vitamin B12, little or no vitamin B6 or the incorrect form of folic acid.

It should also be known that all pharmaceutical drugs below contain food coloring, dyes, anti-caking agents or other compounds that should be avoided.

  • Deplin 7.5 mg or 15 mg (don’t recommend this often at all – very rarely)
  • Cerefolin NAC
  • Metanx
  • Lovenox
  • Baby aspirin

Compare the drugs used for MTHFR mutations here

Prenatal Recommendations for MTHFR Mutations
A quality prenatal vitamin for those with MTHFR requires methylfolate and folinic acid – without folic acid. These prenatals are very hard to find.

There are quality prenatals out there that understand the importance of methylfolate and leaving out folic acid. This is awesome!

But having only methylfolate is not effective for those with methylation blockages.

Methylfolate is needed to:

  • bypass the MTHFR mutation
  • supports methylation

Folinic acid is needed to support:

  • DNA base production
  • DNA repair
  • ATP (energy) production
  • neurotransmitter formation

While methylfolate can turn into folinic acid, it’s not that easy.

Why?

There are many environmental issues that can slow the conversion of methylfolate to folinic acid – and the conversion of folinic acid to methylfolate.

So – use both.

What uses both?

Read the Prenatal Supplement Suggestions article for more information

General Supplements which Dr. Lynch Recommends for MTHFR Mutations
Before taking any supplements, read Dirty Genes. Many symptoms and general ‘issues’ may be reversed by lifestyle, diet and an improved environment. Dirty Genes walks you through them – step by step.

While the descriptions below are the general supplements recommended by Dr. Lynch, he never recommends taking them all right away.

Begin by taking the most important one first (depends on the individual) in a small amount for at least a few days to see how you respond. If you respond well, continue taking it and add in another supplement.

This way you can easily identify if a specific supplement or nutrient is giving you problems.

In general, those with MTHFR mutations have a decreased ability to produce methylfolate, increased cardiovascular risk, increased risk of blood clots, increased pain and inflammation and increased chemical sensitivity. Recommendations below support the reduction of these issues by increasing the body’s inherent ability to restore function through nutritional biochemistry.

Update June 2019:

It is HIGHLY recommended to start with:

These open up your biochemical pathways. This way neurotransmitters don’t get ‘stuck’ in your head giving you horrific side effects.

Over 99% of women are potassium deficient and 90% of men are potassium deficient.

Magnesium deficiency is very common as well.

Starting with potassium and magnesium via electrolytes is first. By starting here, side effects of B12 and folate are greatly reduced and general hydration improves. Without proper electrolytes, one is not hydrated.

The most comprehensive way to support potassium, magnesium and hydration is via Optimal Electrolyte.

If you do not tolerate a multivitamin well, this is a sign that you must proceed more slowly and work on healing your digestion and dietary intake and lifestyle habits first.

Many individuals struggling with MTHFR also struggle with what is called histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance is greatly associated with decreased MTHFR function and also imbalanced gut flora. If one is low in certain histamine-degrading strains of probiotics and higher in histamine-producing ones, then histamine intolerance occurs.

The second most important supplement to use, after Optimal Electrolyte, is ProBiota HistaminX.

This probiotic is designed to degrade histamine and compete against histamine-producing strains.

Before you jump into a multivitamin containing methylfolate, which I know you want to take as you have a MTHFR mutation, don’t start with this.

Don’t.

Instead, start with Optimal Start which is a multivitamin/multimineral combination that is free of folate and free of B12. These two nutrients are very powerful so it’s best to prepare your body for them. Optimal Start does this along side Optimal Electrolyte and ProBiota HistaminX.

After one or two months of using Optimal Start, you may consider transitioning to adding folate to your day.

If you feel great using Optimal Start, do not switch. Perhaps you’re getting enough vitamin B12 and folate from your diet.

Should you need to switch, the key is knowing which form of folate and B12 supports you best – and it may vary day by day.

You may actually discover you need to have a few different multivitamins in your home and/or office depending on the day or week.

Key tip: Consider choosing a multivitamin that has methylated B12 and folate and another that does not.

This way you can test them on different types of days.

They won’t go to waste as your biochemistry shifts depending on what you eat, what you’re exposed to and other factors.

Multivitamins that contain Methylated folate and B12:

  • Optimal Multivitamin
  • Optimal Multivitamin Plus
  • Optimal Multivitamin Chewable
  • Kid’s Optimal Multivitamin
  • Optimal Prenatal
  • Optimal Multivitamin Methyl One

Multivitamins that are free of folate and B12:

  • Optimal Start

Multivitamins that do not have methyl donors use folate as folinic acid and vitamin B12 as hydroxocobalamin:

  • Optimal Multivitamin Minus One

A bit more about the multivitamins:

  • Optimal Multivitamin line
    • Read the customer reviews thoroughly to learn how each one works for different people and you’ll find which one resonates well for you
      • choose from those that have:
        • methylfolate and methylcobalamin (typically those who have higher homocysteine levels);
        • no folate or B12 (for those sensitive to them – typically those who have low homocysteine levels)
        • folinic acid and hydroxocobalamin (typically those who have normal homocysteine levels)
    • all multivitamins are free of folic acid
    • comprehensive and well-absorbed minerals
    • B vitamins in quality forms
      • Optimal Multivitamin Methyl One
        • Ages 10 and up
        • one capsule a day – so easy to take
        • contains 400 mcg of both methylfolate and folinic acid
        • antioxidants of PQQ, SOD and lutein
        • very popular
      • Optimal Multivitamin Minus One
        • Ages 10 and up
        • designed for those sensitive to methyl donors – such as methylfolate and methylcobalamin
        • one capsule a day – so easy to take
        • contains 400 mcg of only folinic acid
        • contains hydroxocobalamin as vitamin B12 – no methyl B12
        • antioxidants of PQQ, SOD and lutein
      • Optimal Multivitamin
        • Ages 16 and up: consider 3 capsules with breakfast and 3 capsules with lunch
        • contains 400 mcg of methylfolate
        • iron-free
        • free of magnesium stearate, flavors, titanium dioxides
      • Optimal Multivitamin Chewable
        • Ages 4 and up: consider 1 tablet with breakfast and 1 with lunch
        • contains 400 mcg of methylfolate
        • easy delivery and well-tolerated
        • may give to younger children (2 and above) with doctor’s permission
        • 2 mg of iron per chewable tablet
      • Optimal Prenatal
        • useful for preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding
        • choose from 3 different forms: capsule, chewable and powder.
        • the Optimal Prenatal with Plant-Based Protein is the MOST comprehensive prenatal available. Highly recommend this one
        • contains 800 mcg of a blend of methylfolate and folinic acid
        • comprehensive B vitamins and chelated minerals
        • iron-free so add Optimal Iron Chewable if needed.
        • specialty nutrients to support neurological development and ease morning sickness
      • Kid’s Optimal Multivitamin
        • Ages 4 and up: consider 3 capsules with breakfast and 3 with lunch
        • smaller capsules easier to swallow
        • iron-free so add Optimal Iron Chewable if needed.
        • free of magnesium stearate, flavors, titanium dioxides
  • Liver Nutrients
    • supports liver detoxification
    • has NAC, Methionine, TMG, Cysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid
    • has 80% of 250 mg of active silymarin per serving
    • consider starting with 1 capsule per day WITH DINNER
    • always take WITH A MEAL – not a snack
  • Optimal Vitamin D Drops
    • each drop provides 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 in a base of extra virgin olive oil
    • provides support for healthy bones and hormone formation
    • supports healthy mood and neurotransmitter production
    • supports immune system
  • Optimal Fish Oil
    • provides clean, tested Artic fish oil
    • supports cell membranes, healthy brain and nerves
    • consider taking 2 capsules daily with a meal anytime of day

How much methylfolate to take?
This is the big question that is asked all the time.

To determine how much more methylfolate you need, it is best to start low and work up. This allows you to safely identify how much you tolerate without triggering very undesirable side effects.

A FIRM Reminder: It is HIGHLY recommended to start with:

  • Optimal Electrolyte,
  • ProBiota HistaminX and
  • Optimal Start (a multivitamin without any folate or B12)

These open up your biochemical pathways. This way your neurotransmitters don’t get ‘stuck’ and you get horrific side effects.

Methylfolate Recommendations for the MTHFR Mutation:
Once you have determined you respond well to the probiotics, electrolytes, multivitamin and fish oil, then you may proceed to slowly adding in methylfolate and methylcobalamin.

You MUST prepare before adding these B12 and Folate supplements.

How do you prepare?

As mentioned above:

  • Optimal Electrolyte
  • ProBiota HistaminX
  • Optimal Start

If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Pick ONE of the following:

  • Optimal Methylate Chewable
    • This one is the lowest potency – but don’t let that fool you. The combination of ingredients is stellar and effective.
    • Easy to break into smaller pieces.
    • I’d say this one is the best one to start with as it’s so low dose and impacts the entire methylation pathway gently.
    • The initial taste is good but the after taste is a bit ‘eh’ because of the choline. Just drink some water afterwards and you should be fine.
    • Break off 1/4 of a chewable, chew fully. Feel your head. If already clear and with energy, you don’t need anymore. If nothing felt after a few minutes, break off another 1/4 and chew that. At times you’ll need a full chewable or maybe even two. Other times, 1/4 will be plenty. Don’t overdo it or you’ll feel anxious.
  •  Active B12 with L-Methylfolate
    • provides 1,000 mcg of methylcobalamin
    • provides 800 mcg of methylfolate
    • sublingual tablet provides effective absorption of both nutrients
    • break the tablet into quarters and take 1/4 tablet upon waking for a few days.
    • if not well tolerated, cease the use. You have to back up and heal your digestion further and identify other issues before adding this in. Likely you need to apply the ‘Soak and Scrub’ as outlined in the book, Dirty Genes.
    • if well tolerated, increase to 1/2 tablet upon waking for a few days
    • as you tolerate it and feel improvement, keep increasing by 1/4 tablet every three days.
    • you should experience an increase in clarity, lighter head, improved energy and improved mood.
    • on days you feel already great – a clear head, good energy and good mood – do NOT take it
    • consider taking anytime you feel a foggy head, fatigue, lack of focus or altered mood.
  • HomocysteX Plus
    • provides similar nutrients as HomocysteX with the addition of riboflavin-5-phosphate and betaine as TMG.
    • provides further methylation support and homocysteine-lowering nutrients
    • consider taking 1 capsule of HomocysteX Plus upon waking for a week.
    • if not well tolerated, stop the use and return back to HomocysteX.
    • if improving after one week, consider adding in a 1/2 capsule of HomocysteX Plus before lunch for one week.
    • if well tolerated, consider taking a full capsule upon waking and a full capsule before lunch.
    • each week, if well tolerated and feeling improvement, keep increasing by 1/2 capsule.
    • it is not expected to increase beyond 2 to 3 capsules upon waking and 2 to 3 capsules before lunch.

Methylfolate Side Effects
These are common despite what physicians may inform you.

Common undesirable side effects of methylfolate must be identified.

  • headache
  • migraine
  • rashes
  • irritability
  • anxiety
  • joint pain
  • muscle pain
  • insomnia
  • depression

If side effects occur, then the amount of methylfolate you are taking needs to be taken under consideration and likely reduced. Talk with your physician before altering any protocol or supplement/pharmaceutical.

Many times one is not yet ready to take methylfolate.

There are other steps that must be taken prior to supplementing with methylfolate if these side effects occur.

If side effects occur, taking Niacin helps bind the excessive methyl groups which are likely causing the issue. Consider taking 100 mg or 1/5th tablet of Niacin if these symptoms occur. It is a good idea to have a bottle of Niacin on hand in case these symptoms occur from taking too much methylfolate. Be sure to swallow the 1/5th tablet of niacin – not chew or place sublingually.

Flushing is common from taking niacin in the most active form, nicotinic acid. This is not harmful and will subside in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Do NOT take a full tablet of Niacin. Begin by taking only 1/4 a tablet.

Cycling Supplements for Methylation Balance
Supplements and pharmaceuticals such as HomocysteX Plus, Optimal Methylate Chewable, Cerelin Forte or Metanx are designed to support methylation.

It is methylation that is severely disrupted in those with MTHFR mutations – especially homozygous individuals.

Methylation requires balance.

If methylation becomes excessive, side effects will occur as noted above. This requires adjustment in your protocol.

There is a need for routine adjustment as our bodies are dynamic.

If you feel the side effects above, it is recommended you notify your physician and have them make adjustments.

For example, these adjustments may range from:

  • stopping all methylation-supportive nutrients
  • taking these nutrients 4 days on and 3 days off
  • taking them every other day
  • taking them only in the morning
  • decreasing the amount taken every other week

General Side Effects
If you are feeling improvement consistently, then you are on the right track.

If you begin to feel heavy, tired, dry mouth, irritable, ‘toxic’, or otherwise ‘not right’, then something in your protocol needs to change.

These are all signs that one must listen to otherwise you are potentially increasing the circulation of toxins and not eliminating them properly.

These side effects can be eliminated quite quickly through fasting for about 16 to 24 hours or sweating it out via sauna – or both.

Drinking a glass of Optimal Electrolyte or taking some Niacin also helps offset many side effects.

Conclusion
Start your MTHFR journey by reading Dirty Genes.

It is the place to start. So many people have experienced tremendous results and above all – clarity and empowerment.

The above recommendations will help a many individuals who have heterozygous and homozygous MTHFR mutations.

Take it a step further by gaining access to the Dirty Genes Course.

Dirty Genes Course

Immediately Actionable Information

“If you’re willing to put in the work to make the lifestyle changes, this course provides immediately actionable information. Dr. Ben Lynch connects the dots between the environmental and how genes express. I appreciate that there’s a PDF of the slide set that you can download to follow along, or for further research. The course in set up in sections that are manageable, followed by quizzes to ensure you understand the information. The bonus of access to the Facebook group is a valuable resource. Thank you Dr. Ben Lynch for putting your heart and soul into what you teach.”

Comments are welcomed below.

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Ken
10 years ago

This is a very easy to understand article, which is a boon when so many MTHFR articles seem extremely complex. Considering so many people suffer from some sort of MTHFR gene mutation it is important to offer information that people can digest and understand easily, very well done!

Crystal
10 years ago

Dr. Ben,

I am new to your site and was just diagnosed as homozygous for the C677T mutation. I am 33, but have been trying for many many years to figure out exactly what is going on with me. Since a child I have always slept at least 11 hours, but always remain fatigued. That was just the beginning of my issues. Even to this day I get at least 10 hours of sleep but never feel rested. About 3 years ago I tried the HCG diet. Within 3 weeks I felt like a brand new person and had energy and was actually able to stay up till 10pm. While doing that diet was when I discovered I had a gluten sensitivity. So for the past 3 years I have been GF. That has improved my stomach issues (including achy joints as a child and constant bloating). I also had a colonoscopy and endoscopy to test for celiac, but everything was negative. However, I should also mention I was already GF at that point and only ate gluten for 3 weeks before the test and I am not sure if that would be enough. I thought being GF would also help my fatigue, but it has not. So I just recently started seeing an endocrinologist. I thought maybe there was more to the food, so I have gone back on an all protein, veggie and certain fruit (low GI foods) no starch diet for the past few weeks. So far I haven’t felt much improvement. However, the endocrinologist is the one that tested me for MTHFR. My homocysteine level came back as a 10. The Dr. was going to put me on 15mg of deplin, but it wasn’t covered by insurance at all so instead he had me order 15mg of methlyfolate which I will be starting once it comes in. After reading all these posts I hope that isn’t too much to start out with. The Dr. said we would start there and then see if I can go down to 10mg.

There is a lot of information here and a lot I can relate to. For example, cervical dysplasia which I had many years ago and increased allergies too foods that now I have to carry an epi pen. I also should point out that for 17 years I was on the birth control pill. I stopped that 6 months ago, but just went on the paraguard IUD since there were no horomones.

Would you agree that I am going down the correct path? Do you have any recommendations since this is all new to me.

Amee
10 years ago
Reply to  Crystal

Dear Crystal: have you had thyroid and adrenal testing for your fatigue? FWIW, i have the same mutation and had a very bad reaction to 7 mg of folate. It seemed to increase my adrenaline, which was already high (probably due to undiagnosed low cortisol). You might want to start low and work your way up. Maybe it doesn’t matter if you don’t have high adrenaline like i did. You can buy folate over the counter starting at 400 mcg. Hope you feel better soon.

Crystal
10 years ago
Reply to  Amee

Amee,

Thank you for responding. I recently had my thyroid tested. All of my numbers appeared to be in range (TSH 93), but the Dr. put me on the lowest dose of levothyroxin anyway because he said my thyroid was slightly enlarged. He thought it may reduce that and improve my other symptoms. After one month I felt no different and there was no change in my thyroid size. Only my TSH went down to 40 something. So he increased the medicine to 50. In regards to Adrenal Fatigue I was put on a strict diet of only protein, veggies and fruits (all low GI scale) for the past 3 weeks in hopes that would help. I have stil not felt a difference. I was also tested for Hashimotos and that was negative. However, I read recently that because I have been GF for 3 years there is a chance that could have skewed the antibody test for Hashimotos. Someone actually recomended that I eat gluten again for a period of time and get retested. Do you have any history with that at all?

Amee
10 years ago
Reply to  Crystal

Dear Crystal: I strongly recommend you read about the thyroid issue on this website: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/
It will explain why TSH is not the right test and which ones are, and also how certain thyroid supplements are not the right supplements for many thyroid issues, and the issue of gluten.
I found it incredibly helpful and eye-opening and bought the book as a reference. I am not financially connected in any way to the website or book, it was just the best information I’ve ever found on my health issues and I have been reading a lot.

Crystal
10 years ago
Reply to  Amee

Dear Amee, Thank you for all of the recommendations. I am happy to say that my Dr. decided to take me off the levothyroxin and now I am just taking the methylfolate and methylcobalimin. I have definitely seen improvements in my fatigue level going way down and being more alert during the day. I would say I don’t really feel any side effects which is good. However, I am writing because I have read other posts and and I noticed Dr. Ben said he recommends lower levels of Methylfolate and if you are on a higher dosage something else may be wrong. I have been taking 15mg of methylfolate for about 2 months now and feel pretty good. Is it normal for a homozygous C677T individual to need these higher levels? Are there other things that I should be considering to get checked out. After being on the methylfolate my homocysteine levels decreased from 10 to 6.6.

Jennifer Lang
4 years ago
Reply to  Crystal

I know this is years later a d dont know if you will even see this. If your endo only tests TSH to check your thyroid you arent getting the whole picture. You need a full thyroid panel done. If you havent found it already, go to the Stop the Thyroid Madness website. They have a whole section on labs

5 years ago
Reply to  Crystal

You need to see a functional medicine dr and be tested for food sensitivities. There may be very ordinary foods that cause symptoms and they can be foods NO ONE would think to remove from their diet.
Just a few of mine- lettuce, white rice, white potatoes, apple, green pea (pea protein!), beef, turkey, lemon, vanilla, blueberries, gluten, corn. There are many more.

Karen Scribner
4 years ago
Reply to  Crystal

All people please stop eating wheat for a test when you know wheat is a problem. Cheek swab DNA can diagnose and medicare pays (for those on it).

Jason
10 years ago

Dr. Ben,

My wife has had several chronic conditions as long as I’ve known her including Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, migraine and other conditions. Recently she’s been practically fully disabled by knee joint pain that, according to 2 orthopedic docs, and a rheumatologist has not no explainable source. She’s been prescribed pain medications like Lyrica and Cymbalta (sp), and has been given high does of prednisone with note noticeable improvements.

One of the many tests performed by the doctors she visited was an MTHFR genetic test which identified that she has 2 copies of the C677T mutation.

Based on the reading I’ve done on your website, it seems like this could be contributing to her issues, but I have a couple questions:

1) Is there any plausible explanation for her recent deterioration and specifically knee issues that could be related to this gene mutation?

2) Do you have a specific recommendation on how to introduce the suggested supplements so that we can be sure they are having a positive impact?

Thanks in advance.

Jason.

Amee
10 years ago
Reply to  Jason

Dear Jason: I wonder if you have any mold in your house. I moved into a new house and months later starting having unexplained nerve pain as well as earache and muscle pain (went to many doctors). One doctor asked me if I had mold in my house and, while none was visible, an air test resulted in black mold. It turns out it was behind paneling in the basement, due to a crack in my basement wall where water was coming in. My pain went away the day after the mold was removed. Anyway, just a thought. For the fatigue and other issues, I wonder if she has had thyroid or adrenal testing? Migraines can also be caused by magnesium deficiency. Hoping you find answers soon.

5 years ago
Reply to  Jason

Hi – I have this mutuation and have terrible knees due to environmental allergy syndrome. I am now on gabapentin and it took away my inflammation there for the most part. Maybe something to look into. Best of luck!

Jamie
4 years ago
Reply to  Jason

i believe she could be suffering from long term low level effects of carbon monoxide. i was severely poisoned by CO with no help from the medical system. In fact, medical professionals are not trained to detect or treat the problem. The only way to truly tell would be to get an up to the second detector. I have learned that CO is everywhere in tiny amounts, which i cannot tolerate any of. If you have even 1-5ppm of co in your home, she very well could be suffering from carbon monoxide poisoning. I believe there are many people out there suffering from CO poisoning and doctors are instead diagnosing people with the same problems as your wife. Another way to tell is to blow into the detector even though it is for the air, it can still detect it in expired breath. unpoisoned Non smokers should always blow a 0-2ppm. People w the MTHFR gene such as myself and your wife should ensure their homes have 0 ppm of CO. A long term low level CO poisoning causes anywhere from 10-100 different symptoms. i had close to 75 or so, it also creates mild-severe unexplained pain in any area of the body, especially if that part has been previously injured. i hope this helps, i have been on a mission to enlighten people of this severe problem than can be prevented, especially since medical professionals are now being trained to ignore CO poisoning.

Becca
10 years ago

Hi Dr. Ben –

I was diagnosed Compound Heterozygous MTHFR and homocystinuria just over a year ago after having recurrent miscarriage (three). I have two very healthy boys ages 5 and 7 and both pregnancies were easy and uneventful. Both boys were born very healthy and have no health issues. My question is, what happened? Could the interventions I had with both of them during labor (epidural and pitocin) have triggered the MTHFR and homocysinuria? If i inherited this from my parents, why weren’t these conditions an issue with my first two pregnancies? I have a healthy medical history although I’m pretty sure I deal with bouts of mild depression/hormone issues.

Sadly since my diagnosis I have done very little to help my condition (I did at first, but I got easily discouraged and very overwhelmed with it all). I have actually gone the other direction and gained 15 pounds over the last twelve months and have ceased exercising. I do take my Seeking Health Optimal Multivitamin when I remember.

I read your response to Janet (she is comp het as well) and I have written down what you suggested she take as far as supplements are concerned and would like to start my own protocol too. Since we are both comp. het. everything you listed for her is alright for me to take as well, correct?

Please help.

Jenny
10 years ago

Hi Dr. Ben,
Wow it’s great to find your site and thank you for your dedication to this seemingly new area of study. I found I’m homozygous 677T and want to get pregnant. I’ve been on a long journey of figuring out what the heck has been going on with me. I have been untreated for hypothyroidism for too many years, which led to Adrenal fatigue. I’m finally tolerating T3 and I’m feeling better than I ever have. My diet is 90% organic, mostly paleo, no sugar, caffeine, dairy, gluten, or alcohol. I eat leafy greens and sometimes juice them. I have a far infrared sauna that I try to use regularly. I exercise and don’t eat processed foods. I’m starting to understand which supplements to take and I am working with a practitioner who is knowledgeable in MTHFR. My question is: what do you recommend along with the prenatal that is mentioned above? I take D3, fish oil, C, and I try to eat a little liver daily (I freeze and make liver “pills”). I started a Methyl Mate B yesterday which contains 66mcg of 5MTHF and I first felt very energized and then got a little anxious. I also had insomnia last night. Nevertheless, I do feel a vitality that I’ve only felt intermittently. Thank you for your feedback. I wish you were available for a consultation!

[…] Learn the basics of methylation while identifying common genetic mutations, which may alter methylation processes – especially the MTHFR mutation. Other genetic mutations mentioned are COMT, MAO A and CBS. Learn how to identify candidates for MTHFR genetic testing along with understanding the basics of how the MTHFR enzyme is so critical to our biochemistry. MTHFR Protocol: https://mthfr.net/mthfr-c677t-mutation-basic-protocol/2012/02/24/ […]

Kristi
10 years ago

Hi Dr. Ben,

Thank you for helping so many. I was searching for the symptoms of C677T and found this page, but read on one of your pages a response you wrote to someone “Being heterozygous C677T MTHFR is a risk but not significant.”

I wasn’t sure after seeing that if I should approach my issues from the MTHFR diagnosis angle or not. My test says positive for one copy of the C677T mutation, heterozygous for C677T.

My Mom has history of a large meningioma. I have serious structural and muscle pain for 26 years, migraines, ringing in head, chemical sensitivity, brain fog and recently my GI became too painful for supplements, and more.

It looks like quite a process to recover via the protocol you have so generously posted, so it would be a shame to be barking up the wrong tree 🙂

Thank you so much.

[…] you find out you have MTHFR mutations, especially two genes, here is a list of helpful actions. (Please read Dr. Lynch’s full recommendation in the link if you do have mutations — it […]

10 years ago

Dr Ben:

I have a copy each of 677T and 1298C and have Factor V Leiden. Which part of your protocol should I use>

Tricia

Eric
6 years ago
Reply to  Tricia

I need to know that same thing as well

Patricia Jordan
6 years ago
Reply to  Dr. Ben Lynch

The protocol? Where is it?

Rebecca
6 years ago

Top of this page

Angie
10 years ago

I am homozygous C677T and I am avoiding folic acid, but do I have to avoid cyanocobalamin as well? I am buying non dairy milks and they have Vitamin B 12 added to them, they do no list what kind it is. Do I assume that it is the cyanocobalamin?

Thanks.

Naomi Stanley
5 years ago
Reply to  Angie

Yes. Switch to the methylcobalamin. I wreaked havoc on me for years.

barb
10 years ago

Dr. Ben – how can one make a Skype or phone apt with you – I am in Canada and our medical drs no nothing about this stuff. I have double mutation for C677T and none for the 1298. I have severe digestion issues, chemical sensitivities now at 49 and oral allergy syndrome. My diet is very limited since getting sick aug 2012. I had a hysterectomy in sept 2011 and by the next year anything I ate went through me and I went from 170 lbs to 106 (currently 112lbs 5’5 female). They did a colonoscopy/endoscopy and found lymphocytes but all looked good so diagnosed with lymphocytic colitis. Nothing worked to reduce my inflammation and I started becoming sensitive to even the water I was drinking. I had severe geographical tongue and still have patchy spots now and then even after just recently thinking to stop using fluoride toothpaste. I have histamine issues as well and recently discovered this after stopping yogurt/bananas/avacados/blueberries shakes I had 3x daily. My 6 bowel movements a day immediately stopped to 1 but I can’t eat anything but chicken and beef and bison and asparagus and green beans. all organic. I have tachycardia big time whenever I eat. So where do I begin?? I am on ketotifen for the histamine and entocort steroid for the inflammation and LDN for inflammation as well. What can I do to bring my health back? I am very sensitive to vitamins so don’t take any and haven’t in over 1 1/2 years. Also gluten, sugar free (except some coconut nectar or palm sugar in flourless peanut butter muffins) for over 1 year now. I am afraid to try any supplement. I do Epsom salt baths almost every other day for 15mins soak. I finally feel I have my candida under control. Where do I go from here??? Do you offer appts ?
thxs
barb from alberta, canada

Cathy
10 years ago

Hi,

I’m new to this site and all that it covers . . . Is anyone taking 5-MTFHR for Crohn’s Disease? My husband has Crohn’s but hasn’t been tested for mutations.

Thanks for any information you may have to share,
Cathy

Victoria P
10 years ago

After 10 or so years of symptoms, I was finally diagnosed with this mutation a month ago (I’m 20) and am still learning about maintaining it. My doctor gave me Active B12-Folate with 800 mcg of methyltetrahydrofolate and 1000 mcg of Vitamin B12 (methylcobalmin) and told me to take 2 a day right away.

Well that was a horrible day I have to say. I felt “not right” and had pressure in my chest and felt like I couldn’t breathe; not to mention quite a few panic attacks. I went down to one a day and weathered through it and am still only taking one a day. Now I’m just having the occasional chest pain and migraines and headaches and overall “not right” feeling.

Does this have any link to GI problems? Chest, skin, joint, and especially abdominal pains are the bane of my existence.

Steve Thompson
10 years ago
Reply to  Victoria P

I was diagnosed with MTHFR 1298C +/+ about eight months ago. My doctor recommended Thorne Methyl-Guard Plus, which contains 1,000mcg of methyl-B2 and 800mcg of methyl-folate. That had me sleeping about one hour a night and feeling like death.

He had no idea what to do next, so it was up to me to find out what was going on by experiment. I bought the individual components of the TMGP and added each one at a time. All was going well until I added the methyl-folate last.

To cut a long story short, I’ve been doing lots and lots of reading and supplementing with other vitamins and minerals and trying occasionally to add small doses of folate.

Some doctors (most doctors) have no idea about the intricacies of treating something like MTHFR. They were taught to treat in a way that links one symptom to one disease to one test to one drug. They were taught to remember lists of facts; they weren’t taught to think. You need to either find a doctor or alternative practitioner with detailed knowledge of MTHFR treatment.

I’d also suggest to not just treat the MTHFR defect. You need to do the 23andme.com test or the http://www.dramyyasko.com test to determine other defects in your methylation genes/enzymes.

barb
10 years ago

HI, no one seems to be managing this site??? there hasn’t been responses to anyone’s comments for quite some time???

Kimberly
10 years ago

Dr. Lynch,

I read that instead of taking glutathione directly, that it would be better to take glutathione precursors to encourage the body’s own production of glutathione. The reason being is the body is not readily absorbing the glutathione, but taking the precursors that encourage the body’s own production enables it to be absorbed. I’m wondering if you agree or disagree. And if you agree, is there a glutathione precursor supplement that you recommend in particular? Thanks!

(FYI, I’m compound heterozygous C677T and A1298C following a Paleo lifestyle with stage 3 adrenal fatigue which I’m currently addressing with Mary Vance NC, hypothyroidism NOT autoimmune on Armour 60, and Crohn’s disease not taking any medication, 2 miscarriages and wanting to try to get pregnant soon as I’m 35 so the glutathione is one thing much needed for my healing!)

Tara
10 years ago
Reply to  Dr. Ben Lynch

I bought the Liposomal Glutathione for my six year old son who has Autism. He is always low no matter what I do with supplementing precursors. His skin clears up and he focuses so much better along with clearer and more speech while taking the Liposomal Glutathione from Seeking Health. Thank you so much Dr. Lynch!

Kimberly
10 years ago
Reply to  Dr. Ben Lynch

Thank you Dr. Lynch. I had one other product recommended to me which contained the glutathione precursors by someone who was helped by it tremendously with regards to adrenal fatigue (they are also MTHFR), but I was wary of it for the soy lecithin it contained. Your comments have me feeling it is inferior even if it didn’t contain soy.

I was planning on starting the optimal prenatal vitamins. Do you recommend the prenatal protein powder over the vitamin capsules? I was comparing the product labels and they’re nearly identical for the components. My concerns with the powder are: 1) I’m Paleo AIP and the protein source is pea and rice which I generally avoid and haven’t tried reintroducing to see if I tolerate them (yet) and 2) the use of sunflower oil which is a highly processed vegetable oil high in Omega-6 and causing a host of problems in lab animals including reproductive difficulties (and likely humans). I know the liposomal glutathione is also made with sunflower. I realize sunflower is preferable to soy, but still undesirable.

Kimberly
10 years ago
Reply to  Dr. Ben Lynch

Thank you Dr. Lynch. I think I manage to keep my Paleo lifestyle quite varied and nutritious, even while following the AIP temporarily. I have protein and fat at every meal, and starch/carbs at most as well. In other words I don’t adhere to the low carb and low fat myths. It is obvious to my body that gluten and grains are not a friend as evidenced by the disappearance of bloating and weight from the mere removal of these products from my diet in August. My health issues will hopefully resolve now that I’ve gotten help to address severe adrenal fatigue and all its implications.

And I do agree we need balance in our fats, but I guess I just feel there is a better way to get Omega 6 than from a highly chemically processed vegetable oil. I’ll start with the capsules preconception and consider the powder if/when I become pregnant.

Thanks again.

Sandi
9 years ago
Reply to  Dr. Ben Lynch

dr. lynch,

a doctor recommended liposomal glutathione for me (tri-fortify orange). my ob did not ok it for pregnancy, but what about breastfeeding? do you know if it is breastfeeding safe?

thanks,
sandi

Amylyn Dan
4 years ago
Reply to  Kimberly

Hi Kimberly, I just found out this morning that I have the same compound heterozygous C677T and A1298C mutations. I have struggled with infertility for 1.5 years. Just fired my infertility specialist today because upon finding out about my mutations, his recommendation was to take more folic acid. I just wanted to ask, did you find success and get pregnant? What supplement regimen worked for you if so? Thank you in advance.

Liza
10 years ago

Hello all,

I had a pulmonary embolism back in Dec 2012 and learned that I am heterozygous MTHFR c677 – i have no idea anythinga bout 1298 b/c i don’t think i’ve ever been tested for it. I was on thinners for several months and am currently not taking anything – the doctors around here all kinda blow me off, saying “it’s no big deal” and I realize that having only one copy is less severe than being homozygous, but it was severe enough to give me a blood clot in my lung. I have chronic pain and cramping in my abdomen, back, chest, etc and no one can seem to figure out why, so I am wondering if MTHFR can cause that kind of pain. I honestly have no idea how to feel better so I think I will try to follow the protocol from teh above list (thank you for making such a great and easy to understand page!). I’m so frustrated that no one here, medical professional wise, can give me any information. One person I saw couldn’t even get the acronym for it right. Do you have any advice and can you tell me if pain like that can be related to this?

Thanks! Liza

Liza
10 years ago
Reply to  Liza

I forgot to also mention that I have fatty liver and my ALT and AST are always slightly elevated, not by much, but around 10-20 above normal. Can that have anything to do with this as well?

Jackie
10 years ago

Dr Lynch,
I have had a rough 9 months after taking Bcomplex100 (1day) and bcomplex 50 for 15 days…neuropathy, pins and needles started and then severe leg muscle pain that hasnt really gone away yet. I was told to stop all supplements my neurologist said it was from the b6 and it would take a long time to heal my damaged nerves of b6 toxicity. 9 months later I havent eat fortifed cereals, taken vitamins and my dr has been thinking it is thyroid due to pain, hair shedding, coldness etc. but all meds like armour havent really helped me either so I asked to be tested and Friday I found out I am C677T homo type. I ordered the active b12 and the L-5mthfr b12 it should be here this week. I started Krill oil today and low dose asprin, already take probiotics(womens 90 billion) I am trying to find a Dr to help me treat this around my area, but is a start? and do you think the bcomplex in Aug bascially poisoned my system since that is when all my pain started? would niacin help relieve it or help clear the toxins? thank you for your time. ps I have been tested for everything you can think of, and know all my vitamin levels,most are very low including b6
that I am scared of now.

[…] take an example from my DNA.  One of my SNPs is on the MTHFR C677T gene.  One of its main functions is to convert the amino acid homocysteine to methionine.  This […]

[…] side up: the motherfu*ker gene problem doesn’t appear to be that big a problem. Read this page about C677T (which also provides some sound management advice) and this page about the A1298C (these are […]

Tricia
9 years ago

2 1/2 weeks ago my doc gave me a 2 week sample of deplin 15mg. I am homozygous for c677t 2 copies. I can’t afford deplin so I bought Life Extension optimized folate 1000mcg and began that a few days ago. For 2 days now I’ve been dizzy and faint. There’s a roar in my head, a swishing and ringing in my ears. I’ve stopped taking all supplements and it hasn’t waned at all. I’m curious if my body readily accepted 15mg then went into shock by switching to the reduced dose in micrograms. I’m not sure if I should stop my folate or take 15 of them. Or it could be something else entirely. I also started taking AdreCorwith licorice root for my adrenals and it has the methyl Bs in it. Help.

Dawn
9 years ago

so much information. I am overwhelmed. I have recently discovered I am homozygous for c677t, although I have not, to my knowledge, ever had any related issues. I have always been healthy but have family history of various catastrophic vascular events. Since Jan of this year I have been battling a flare up of uveitis of unknown cause, and ran across this site because I suspect that in the next treatment step my doctor will want to try methotrexate.

My husband is also homozygous for c677t and had a stroke at 42 which was when we found out. That was 06 and his doctor has had him on Lmethylfolate calcium, 15 mg. I have begun taking it too with no noticeable effects, positive or negative. I am concerned about anything that could be a contributor to inflammation because of my uveitis. Our doctor seems to think the supplement is all that is necessary. husband also takes niacin, baby aspirin, and Crestor for elevated cholesterol. I do not supplement currently other than the methyl folate. our diet is on the healthier side of average but could definitely use cleaning up.

we have 3 kids ages 2, 4, and 7 who by default are all homozygous, no testing necessary. Oldest has ADHD, middle has chronic acid reflux, and youngest has recurrent eczema outbreaks on her hands and feet of a type unusual in children. I do wonder if any of their issues could be due to the mutation. It is primarily for them that I am posting as finding info on supplements for children and proper dosage has been difficult. thank you for the guidelines you have posted as they are the first I have seen that directly address supplements for children. their ped has never even heard of MTHFR and I have read elsewhere where parents were told not to bother until their kids were older. Seems to me that damage is already potentially occurring by then.

looking forward to exploring the site further. Thanks for your efforts here.

9 years ago

Dear Dr. Lynch,

Recently had blood work done for my husband. His results came back as homozygous T/T MTHFR677 and homozygous A/A MTHFR1298. The doctor we saw gave him metafolin 400mcg and methylcobalamin 1,000 mcg. He was told to take it twice a day. There were other concerning things on his blood work that he didn’t really touch upon. I’m nit sure the doctor knew how to address them. We would appreciate any feedback. 26 yo male

DHEAS levels (H) 572
Testosterone 334
Alpha-HB (H) 4.6
adiponectin (L) 9
Vit B12 (L) 321
RBC Folate 922
Apolipprotein B (H) 72
Ratio is (L) .47
Insulin (H) 11
25 hydroxy (L) 20
Proinsulin (H) 12
Fructosamine (H) 315.09
Hgb Alc% 4.9

Thank you for all you do.
Kris

Note: Both our young sons and myself are getting tested. Both our boys have high functioning autism.

Camilla
9 years ago

Hi Dr. Ben,
I am homozygous for the C677t allele in the MTHFR gene. How does epigenetics play into this gene mutation? Is it possible with good diet and lifetstyle to not have the gene expression or do I need to assume that the gene mutation will require lifelong supplementation of methylcobalamin, methylfolate and baby aspirin?
My doctor prescribed metanx with 3mg of methylfolate and 2 mg of methylcobolamin. I did not tolerate that dosage such that it made me very irritable. I now take half of Seeking Health Active B12 (400 mcg methylfolate, 500mcg methylfolate) and a baby aspirin daily – amongst other supplements like omega 3, vit D, COQ10, etc.
Thanks

Brenda A
9 years ago

Hello Dr Ben,
I have had problems with medications for most of my life, was found to have CYP450 disorder about 6 years ago but continued to have reactions to meds, even the smallest amounts. About 5 months ago I had reactions to everything including my thyroid medication.. had to be taken off of it. The reactions continued culminating in severe reactions to almost all foods 3 weeks ago. The only things I could tolerate were organic beef and chicken.. have been able to add organic rice cakes, watermelon and organic sweet potatos in very small amounts.
Found last Monday that I have Mthfr TT and was put on a plant based B12 with plans to add B complex etc. I started having serious welty rash, diarrhea and chills within a few days of starting the supplement. After checking with a nutritionist I found that all the plant based B12′s have brewers yeast in them and she said I should not have any of those because I need to be on low histamine and that is not tolerated, methylcobalamin was recommended but all the supplements I’ve found for that have folic acid and I’ve
been told that will do alot more harm than good, that its folate I need not folic acid. I’m feeling like I’m walking a tight rope..I’m was just starting to get my symptoms manageable from 6 months of reactions. I know I’m allergic to sulfa and nsaids.. have always had reactions to sulfite foods. My hypothyroid is untreated now for 5 months and was also diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Thank you for your help, hoping you can give me some clarification on which supplement is best.

PS, My daughter has been diagnosed with Mthfr (1 T) and they took bloodwork on my grandson as he has multiple allergies.

Liz
9 years ago

Hello Dr. Lynch.

Hetero c677t

I am a 21 year old female who has been on birth control for around four years now (bad menstrual cramps).
Although I am only 21, I had a stroke about three months ago. And was having non-epileptic seizures (dizziness) as a child. I just learned I have this mutation last week and so all of this is new. But I want to show by example how severe this can be. 21 with a stroke?!?!

Anyways, I have read a lot and I do not understand why reducing the intake of methionine is advised? Because the problem with the pathway is not being able to convert the homocysteine to methionine. And so it would seem logical that there would be lower levels of methionine and therefore we would want to increase our intake of it. Also, is metanx not as advised?

Brenna
9 years ago

Dr. Lynch- thank you so much for this comprehensive website. I am just getting introduced to this whole world and I feel quite overwhelmed, but these resources are helping to clear things up. I am fortunate to only have a heterozygous C677 mutation and no 1298 C mutation. However, I am homozygous for both COMT and MAO-A. I had a very bad response to starting with Methylfolate (in MethylGuard) likely secondary to the COMT mutation. I have done a lot of reading and have come up with two questions that would be very helpful to have you answer.

1) Dr. Amy Yasko seems to emphasize addressing Lithium levels before supplementing with B12. Is that really important? I’m hesitant to mess with anything that does not need to be addressed as I seem to be pretty sensitive.

2) With the addition of COMT and MAO mutations- is the hydroxycobalamin a better source of B12 than methylcobalamin? (I seem to be pretty sensitive to anything that has “methyl” in it- like I said, I’m new to this so maybe I’m oversimplifying).

My plan is to begin with the Optimal Multivitamin and move on from there, but I would love a little input as I want to avoid the roller coaster I was on when originally put on multiple supplements by my naturopath.

Thanks so much,

Brenna

Michelle
9 years ago

I have one copy of C677 and have a child born with a few defects before this was discovered. A recent miscarriage at 15 weeks discovered the MTHFR by chance really. A friend told me to get tested….not a doctor. Turns out my six year old has the same copy too. I am desperate to try for another child as the loss of my baby was after 3 years of IVF. Currently on the Seeking Health PreNatal vitamin you recommend, was taking baby aspirin but getting stomach aches/reflux. Is there an alternative thinner or what do u suggest I take each day? Can I over methylate on these prenatal as the label says to take 8 a day but I feel the last two in the afternoon cause me to crash and be very aggitated at night. I await your wisdom.

Lynn_M
9 years ago
Reply to  Michelle

Michelle,

Your agitation at night is an indication that you may not need the amount of methylfolate in 8 pills a day of the prenatal vitamins. With only one mutated copy of C677T, you’re still able to make a fair amount of MTHF, so you wouldn’t need as much methylfolate as someone with two mutated copies.

And with only one mutated copy of MTHFR, it’s less likely that is the reason for your miscarriage after 3 years of IVF. However, if the father has any MTHFR gene mutations, it’s possible the fetus could have had two copies of MTHFR mutated genes. You need to look at both your genes and the father’s genes to see if there are any other likely causes or mutations.

Michelle
9 years ago
Reply to  Lynn_M

The father has been tested and he carries no mutated copies of MTHFR. I find it to be a real coincidence that as soon as I took supplements for C677 (a Prenatal) I immediately got pregnant after 3 years of IVF. The previous 3 years of IVF to give birth to my eldest daughter when MTHFR was not even known resulted in her being born with severe birth defects. The fertility clinic and doctors have all run many tests with the outcome being “Unexplained Infertility”. Time will tell if I am on the right track taking these PreNatals and now Baby Aspirin I pray that the jigsaw pieces have finally been put together as I am not getting any younger and there is a small window here.

Lynn_M
9 years ago
Reply to  Michelle

23andMe tests for 59 SNPs of MTHFR, so you may have mutations in any of the other MTHFRs. And there are a number of genes other than MTHFR that impact the need for folate, B12, B6, and other supporting nutrients. You might consider the Metametrix UMFA test – for unmetabolized folic acid and MTHF, to make sure you’re getting the right amount of MTHF. There’s information about it at Dr. Ben’s other website Seekinghealth.com. The conventional folate and B12 tests measure all analogues, both the active and inactive, of those B vitamins, and you may have had misleadingly high results, not reflective of your true active level of those vitamins. I also like organic acid tests (OAT) as a general barometer of a number of indicators.

Dawson
9 years ago

I have this gene mutation and also have histamine issues. I was looking at the optimal vitamin but noticed red wine something in there, is this common to cause issues in others?? I am trying to figure out which one of your methylate pills would suit me best. I show only yellow on the gene mutation for this one. But I am also really sick with mold issues, histamine issues etc. So I am wondering if I need to look at a form of methylate? The vitamin one looked the safest. But I wasn’t sure.

[…] to learn and make changes. These days it’s hard to recommend a protocol but I started off with Dr. Ben Lynch’s MTHFR C677T protocol and this video. Eventually I found practitioners and supplements to help me and I found my […]

Pam
9 years ago

Hi Dr. Ben,
Thank you for your website and ALL your effort and research…..I have learned so much.

Through a blood test, it was identified that I have the A1298C mutation. Because I’m not responding well to my Doctor’s protocol, I wanted to get tested by 23andme.

I sent in my sample and received a message from 23andme that I did not have sufficient DNA amount in my sample. I retook the test – followed the instructions precisely. The second sample came back with the same results….Not enough sufficient DNA in the saliva sample! How do I increase my DNA in my saliva????

My Doctor is stumped….he has never heard of that before. HELP – I know I have other mutations – but how do I identify them if I can’t get my DNA levels up?

Thank you for your help.
pam

Steve Thompson
9 years ago
Reply to  Pam

Hi Pam.

I had the same problem, 23andme were unable to extract sufficient DNA from my saliva sample. They did refund my $99.

I then bought the Methylation Analysis from Dr Amy Yasko. It’s a dry blood spot test. Some experts I have read think that this is a much more reliable method for DNA testing than the saliva sample method. Remember that the Yasko test is designed specifically for finding genetic problems related to methylation while the 23andme test is a very generalised consumer health risk test. The Yasko test is more expensive and takes longer but my impression is that it’s more reliable and accurate. Just my impression, for what it’s worth.

Steve.

Michelle Gienger
9 years ago

I have recently found out that I have 2 copies of C677T and I wonder what other tests I need to get the full scope of the genetics behind my health issues and now my family needs help too. The 23andme site no longer does genetic health testing, or that is where I could have had us get comprehensive tests.

What can you recommend for testing, without a doctor’s order if possible? We don’t know doctors who have expertise in this and my doctor wanted me to take Deplin, so I needed a more natural approach…and found you.

Lynn_M
9 years ago

Michelle Gienger,

You are misinformed about 23andMe. They are still doing genetic health testing. What they are currently not doing for newer customers, because of orders from the FDA, is generating individual health reports about a very limited number of health conditions that a person’s genetic data would indicate a potential susceptibility for. These health reports never concerned methylation, and weren’t of much value to me, other than telling me I didn’t have certain very serious conditions.

What I have found to be very valuable is the raw genetic data that 23andMe generates. I initially used Genetic Genie to interpret my methylation and detoxification gene test results (about 70 SNPs), then I used the MTHFRSupport Variant Report to interpret another 170 SNPs. Livewello provides a similar service. Then I learned how to use 23andMe’s Browse Raw Data feature, and now I use Google Scholar to search directly for any genes or SNPs. If a person educates themselves, there is a wealth of information that can be learned from their raw genetic data.

I have read Dr. Lynch recommend 23andMe somewhere on these forums. No doctor’s order required.

Denise fazio
9 years ago

My 18 y/o daughter has the c677t mutation and was recently diagnosed with hyperthyroidism and iron deficiency anemia. What supplements would you recommend. I know she needs to proceed slowly with the methylfolate since she has exhibited side effects in the past. Thanks for your advice!

Joe
9 years ago

Hello, I am homozygous for the C677T and neg for A1298C. Working on “fine tuning” my new folate/B12.

My question is that I need IV Chelation to remove mercury and lead. Is there anything
the Doctor should know before starting this chelation on me????

Many thanks and thank you so very much for this awesome website!!!!

Cheers, Joe

Kristin735
9 years ago

I think my ND was a bit too aggressive with my therapy and I’d like some guidance with starting back up again. Question after background info.

I am C677T +/-, A1298C +/-. My chief complaints for seeking a naturopath was worsening chronic depression and nerve pain down both right arm and leg. I am hoping avoid adding any more antidepressants and ultimately get off Wellbutrin.

She started me several months ago on 3000mg fish oil daily and 5000IU vitamin D3. My latest D3 level was 77. At my most recent visit she started me on several supplements at once. Magnesium Glycinate 120mg daily, increasing 120mg each week up to 360mg. Mineral 650 by PE 2 daily for 2 weeks then 4 daily. Methylcobalamin 5000mg sublingual daily. Multi-B Complex by Integrative Therapuetics 1 twice daily. Deplin 7.5mg 1/4 tab daily, increasing by 1/4 tab each week up to 1 full tablet (choosing RX version was my choice in order for insurance to cover it)

I noticed no difference in my symptoms the first week or so. I had been fatigued before and continued to be fatigued. Then my fatigue started to get worse. I’d get up in the morning at 5 or 6am and by 9am I just wanted to take a nap. Of course I’m at work at this point. Caffeine couldn’t even lift me up out of the fatigue to the level I was at before supplements. I was feeling spacy, off balance, my thinking was sluggish and my energy was sapped.

I contacted her about this and made the decision to switch to OTC L-5-MTHF by designs for health 1000mg daily as she had no experience with the RX form and didn’t feel she could reliably predict what results I would have on that.

I then had my follow up appointment with her. My crushing fatigue had lifted the tiniest amount with the folate switch. We discussed my concern with the Kidney pain I had started to experience that was getting worse. She took a urine sample for culturing, CBC, CMP. The urine pH was off but everything came back normal on the labs. She had me increase the methylfolate to 2 daily for I week to then increase to 3 daily.

Lots of reading by me on the internet and I changed from placing the B-12 under my tongue to inside my cheek. I got an ah-ha moment when the crushing fatigue began not even 20 minutes later. That was 5 days ago. I stopped all B vitamins on that day and I am back to me pre-supplement self.

I’ve done lots of internet research and watched Dr. Lynch’s methylation You-Tube video.

I know I will be eliminating the B complex that I’m currently taking that has folic acid in it.

My question is this. The video implies that I should start back at zero supplements and start fresh. But at the end of the treatment cascade he mentions that we of course should have vitamin D, Krill Oil, etc in place also. I’m confused; what basics should I leave in place before starting the B vitamins again? The video says to start with methyl cobalamin but the website says to start with Optimal Multivitamin first for a heterogygous mutation. Which should I do first?

FYI – thinking of replacing my b complex and mineral complex with Optimal Multivitamin. Thinking of adding mixed vitamin E 400IU daily. Thinking of adding vitamin C 2000-5000mg daily (MTHFRade?). Thinking about adding Calcium Citrate 500mg twice daily to balance out the Magnesium I’m taking.

Thanks for reading through my ramble and for any advice you can offer.

Kristin735
9 years ago
Reply to  Dr. Ben Lynch

Ok, so b minus along with trace minerals instead of the Optimal Multivitamin. Skip the calcium . Already have magnesium on board. I’ll wait on the vitamin c for now.

But what about the timing of adding the B supplements. Should I just add them now along with everything I’m already taking or take away some or all of what I am currently taking before starting to taper up.

I didn’t have any problems following your current video as I am a pharmacist and have done quite a bit of online research . I found the explanations on the heartfixer website regarding the different enzymatic pathways to be helpful. I was just confused by the conflicting information. I realize this is an ever evolving protocol. I’m just trying to ascertain what your current recommendation is.

Thank you for getting back so quickly. It is very much appreciated.

David Cairns
9 years ago

In the video “MTHFR and Methylation Advancements_ Q and A with Dr Lynch”
Dr Lynch suggests starting cobalamin and Methylfolate at the same time. However his protocol starts them separately. I think he did this to avoid trapping, but he then says that this is no longer the case. Can anyone confirm.

In the same video he also suggest taking Folinic Acid, but this does not appear in the protocol.

9 years ago

For the past 14 yrs., I have consulted with a psychiatrist to overcome debilitating depression. Some anti-depressant have worked for short periods of time, but I have struggled more and more as the years pass by. Added to that, I seem to have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and IBS.
About a year ago I found a Naturopathic physician. Recently she tested me for the MTHFR mutation and tests confirm one gene mutation (C677T). Finally I see hope that I can reverse the downward spiral and find life livable. I am only just beginning on this path and hope the doctors I have at my disposal will be open to learning and applying all that you have discovered.

Olga
9 years ago

Hello! I just have been diagnosed for a1298c heterozygous mutant, I had 2 miscarriages, 1DVT , 2 pulmonary embolisms and have psoriasis and hypothyroidism also. My doctor told me this mutation is not as complicated as the 677 but still i had all this complications, this tests I send to the US because In Guatemala where i live they don’t do them, I’m worried that my doctor is not well informed to treat me, what should I do?? Help!

I think I inherited from my father, he died of colon cancer.

Elly
9 years ago

Hi Dr. Lynch,
Can Thorne’s Basic Detox Nutrients supplement be helpful for methylation? It has many of the components that you discuss in your supplementation protocols but what do you think about taking them at the same time in one supplement?

Thank you,

Elly Lieppman
naturopathic medical student

Abbey
9 years ago

Hi,

I just watched your presentation on the Thyroid Summit, Dr. Lynch. Fascinating, thank you! I am heterozygous C677T. I currently take a prenatal by Thorne with 1mg methylfolate in three capsules. I take two capsules. I feel fine–not extremely different from before switching prenatals, but I did notice that I get a small migraine (much less severe and shorter than I usually get) each month since starting the methyfolate. I notice heart palpitations each day too. Nothing major but there. I also have hashimotos and am on the autoimmune paleo protocol to help heal my thyroid–which is working! I am very healthy and active, but also PCOS, which could be caused from the hashimotos. Anyway, I try to consume a lot of turmeric. I notice that I crave it. I also started introducing liver into my diet. I don’t like the taste but I feel amazing after eating it. There is something in it that I need. Do you think I need to either reduce the methylfolate I am taking or take another supplement to counter act this? If so, which one? Thanks for your time!

9 years ago

I just got blood work back indicating that I have C677T TT. I am so glad to have found your website! I am inclined to start with the active B12 as I am not chemical sensitive. Based on other blood work I am wondering how I should modify the basic protocol. The directly relevant additional results are:

Homocysteine = 8 umol/L
B12 = 1359 pg/mL
Vit D = 50
Omega 3s = 10.3% total, 6.2% DHA

So despite having C677T TT my B12 levels are high and homocysteine is optimal. I already take NAC, Milk Thistle, Turmeric, a cheap multi, ALCAR, choline (occasionally), vitamin C, magnesium/potasium, fish oil, and occasionally racetams. Most of this supplementation resulted from my concern over elevated liver enzymes in previous tests and a long term issues with focus and energy. Interestingly I have focused my attention on liver health and neurotransmitter support. It turns out this was the right track but I did not know about the potential genetic underlying cause.

FYI: I am a 34 year old white male, 30lbs overweight, a grad student (so I do a lot of sitting while researching).

Given that data, especially my homocytsteine and B12 levels how would you recommend I approach the protocol?

Thank You So Much!

9 years ago
Reply to  John

I also take vitamin D and Primal Defense Ultra probiotic. I don’t know if it is relevant or not but I also regularly supplement general MCTs and/or Caprylic Acid in my diet. I try to follow a diet based around the most natural, high quality whole foods available, avoiding grains, dairy and sugar (on about an 80/20 basis).

Danielle
9 years ago

Hi Ben, I’ve had severe CFS for 25 years (since I was 16) & sleep onset insomnia since early childhood. I’ve just had results of MTHFR testing (C677T & A1298C) & it showed hetero for C677T only. I started using Methyl B12 & Methlyfolate around 18 months ago as I strongly suspected I had MTHFR issues & within 3 days felt a lot more energy. I have been strictly gluten free for around 8 years, I am dairy intolerant so occasionally have sheep or goat dairy only, I rarely eat processed food. I do have lots of gut issues & hormonal issues. My thyroid test always come back “Normal” & my DHEA levels are flatlined so I take supplemental DHEA. I know I have improved with taking the methyl B12 & Folate but I am still thoroughly exhausted & am bed ridden when not working (I am a TCM practitioner). I have suffered an on-going infection for 3 years that comes & goes, that is undiagnosed & get “everything” that is going around. A lot of what I have recently read re MTHFR & CFS seems to suggest that C677T is not so linked with CFS, yet I feel so much better on the supplements. It took 3 days to feel improvements & if I ever forget to take it, or can’t due to being unwell, it only takes 2-3 days before I am right back at baseline energies. Can you enlighten me of why I improve with these supps if it isn’t linked to CFS, are there any other tests I should get done, & what other supplements I should add to try to get my life back? Thanks in advance, Danielle

Stefania
9 years ago

Hi Dr. Ben –

This is a great, comprehensive list of absolutely everything I have been wondering about since being diagnosed with homozygous C677T MTHFR. My doctor is always booked for months, and overbooked, so never has time to talk in detail about the questions that I wonder about every day. My brother, with the same mutation, was given 15mg of Deplin, so before I even saw my doctor, I started taking Methyllife L-methylfolate 5mg, increasing slowly to three times a day. When I went to my doctor, he gave me a B Complex vitamin with methylfolate (400mcg) to take twice a day. I thought it was weird that it was such a huge difference in dosage compared to what my brother was taking, and also a huge difference from what I then was taking on my own before seeing an endocrinologist.

This list does seem very long, and I’m in my early 20’s and cannot afford to take so many supplements. Which things do you think are most important? I also have very bad stomach issues, and my doctor tested me for Celiac disease which came back as negative. I see here that you say to avoid gluten, and I’m just wondering how MTHFR effects the body’s ability to process gluten.

I also was told that the average Vitamin D levels were between 70-80 units, and my test came back as 7 units, so I’m taking Vitamin D3 5,000-iu now. My lab tests came back saying that I was on the borderline of having hypothyroidism and elevated homocysteine. I got a prescription to be retested, and I saw your page on homocysteine, but I’m wondering how I should prepare differently for thyroid testing. I really would like to know one way or the other about both of these, and get them treated if there is even a chance that it could make me feel better.

I see that you’re very busy with lots of comments, so I hope you have the time to respond to me, but I totally understand if you can’t – I just have so many questions and it’s nearly impossible to get ahold of my endocrinologist for any decent amount of time.

9 years ago

Thank you for providing this most valuable information. My daughter is suffering greatly from this condition and has not been able to get help from doctors in our area. She reads everything she can find on this condition especially the articles you write. She already does some of the things you listed and will immediately start doing many of the others. You are helping so many people by offering your information and products. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!
Linda

Tammy
9 years ago

Hi Dr. Ben, I would like to try your Optimal Multi-Vitamin because I am homozygous c677t along with a bunch of other mutation of course. I have an IgG reaction to Bromelain and Garlic based on Elisa Testing both of which are listed in the ingredients. Since these are not an IgE allergy do you think it would be ok for me to take the Optimal Multi anyway?

Marcia Hempel
9 years ago

I wanted to thank you, Dr. Lynch. This website and your videos and podcasts have helped me and my naturopath to straighten out my supplements and get my health in much better shape. I’m heterozygous 677 and have been taking the wrong amounts of methyl vitamins for years. Your advice and knowledge and down to earth style have helped. Now I’m waiting for the results from 23 and me.

bri
9 years ago
Reply to  Dr. Ben Lynch

Hi Dr. Ben,
I have one copy of each 677 and 1298. I’ve had four miscarriages. I believe I’m pregnant now — only 7dpo, but a lot of signs. I’m taking your prenatal powder — 1 to 2 scoops per day, coq10 -4 capsules per day, plus the dha-, I take the L-5mthf on the days i only take one scoop of the prenatal. Do you recommend anything else to help sustain this pregnancy. Thank you for any insight.
Bri

David Cairns
9 years ago
Reply to  Marcia Hempel

Hi Marcia,

Would you be able to tell us the ‘amounts of methyl vitamins’ you were previously taking compared to what you are taking now?

Many thanks,
David

Marcia Hempel
9 years ago
Reply to  David Cairns

Hi David, thanks for your interest. Years ago, in my experimentation with vitamins, I had started taking B12, and since I do a lot of research always, into my supplements, I eventually started ordering methyl B12 because I had read it was better absorbed. One day I took 5 and felt so incredibly better that it was like night and day. It was some time before I started taking folinic acid, but again I had read that the folate form was better than the folic acid form. This all was before I knew anything about MTHFR. My testing for that was very recent, and now I know so much more than I did before. (I’m heterozygous 677, and I’m waiting for the results of the 23 and me test).

It’s kind of embarrassing to admit the quantities of B12 that wound up working for me, but my theory is that the B12 was masking my folate deficiency. I don’t really understand the way these things interact. But here is what I’m taking now: three Thorne Stress B complex a day, which has 100 mcg of B12 and 200 mcg of the 5-methyl folate. I’m taking some additional methylfolate in the 5-methyl form, and am still working on the amounts. I take about 4 a day at 400 mcg each (Jarrow), and I also still take folinic acid, about 4 a day at 800 mcg each. The methyl B12 I take in 5000 mcg capsules, and now I’m taking three a day. So now that you know what I’m taking currently for the methyl vitamins, I’ll tell you what I used to take. You have to realize that I’ve also been working very hard on my digestive problems that have been affecting my absorption, and I’ve made really good progress with that. Ok, so here goes: I used to take 8 folinic acid a day (@800 mcg), and 24 methyl B12 a day (@5000 mcg). Every time I took my vitamins (4 times a day) I would have to take 6 methyl B12, @5000 mcg. (That’s not a typo!) Every time I tried to cut it down, I would get a very sore tongue, and my fatigue would be worse. Then I started experimenting with the folinic acid, and that got up to as many as 30 pills a day of the 800 mcg pills. But it leveled the interaction between the two, I think, because I felt better, and I was able to back off on the B12 somewhat. And now that I understand overmethylation, I’m doing much better on my amounts. I really appreciated Dr. Lynch’s advice about waiting, if you feel ok!

I now understand that some of my symptoms were overmethylation (I feel embarrassed to say!; like “duh”), and the other part of this puzzle seems to be zinc and B6 (P-5-P). I’m still adjusting things, but I have Solgar 50 mcg P-5-P pills and I’m taking it throughout the day, usually 2 at a time, and the difference is really astounding. From what I’ve read, some people’s bodies don’t hold onto their zinc and B6 very well, and it goes through them quickly, especially if they drink a lot of water. Zinc is another thing that I’ve been taking a lot of through the years, and I had B6 in my B complex before, but it wasn’t P-5-P, and it wasn’t very much. So this part of the puzzle has me very, very happy. Since starting the extra P-5-P (and I’m also experimenting with taking zinc citrate instead of zinc methionine), these are the things that are improving: my anxiety, my irritability, my energy level, my eyesight, my sleep, my concentration, my brain fog. As you can tell, I’m a person who takes a lot of supplements, and I also take fish oil, evening primrose oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, E, D and C, chromium and vanadium, calcium and magnesium, selenium, probiotics (as bifidus), acetyl-carnitine, CO Q 10, choline, and every time I eat I take between 10 and 15 Doctor’s Best Betaine HCl. Lots of betaine.The Betaine is absolutely critical for me. My digestion really depends on it. I do not eat any grains at all, or carbs, or dairy, or sugar. I’ve been gluten free for quite a few years now. I have to be careful about the amount of fructose I eat. Right now I’m happy to say I’ve been eating spinach, and romaine, and kale regularly(thanks to Dr, Lynch’s advice and my better digestion) and I can even eat one strawberry a day (that’s a big treat for me; as I said, my digestion is so sensitive.) Carbs and dairy make me dizzy. It’s probably leaky gut. I also use quite a bit of l-glutamine for my stomach, and a little creatine. I used to eat a lot of nuts, but the phytates seem to affect my digestion negatively, so I only eat them occasionally now.

I could go on, but I guess that’s enough for now! It’s kind of lonely doing this. I have had a couple of good naturopaths helping me, but really I’ve been on my own mostly. It’s nice to talk about it. The information Dr. Lynch has given, and all of you here, has helped a lot. Thanks. And thanks for reading all this!

Marcia Hempel
9 years ago
Reply to  Marcia Hempel

I also take taurine.

Jill
9 years ago
Reply to  Marcia Hempel

Marcia,
Thank you so much for your detailed information. I have a question. Did you originally start with methylcobalamin (B12) to see how it worked and then add in the methyl folate? Dr Lynch’s article says to do that but I know it’s an older protocol and not sure what changes might have been made. I’m homozygous for both COMT and MTHFR 677. I was working with a couple of practitioners. In the end I was on about 25 supplements and feeling worse everyday. A couple weeks ago I stopped everything. Slowly I’m adding things back in. Right now I’m on a basic multi vitamin from Xymogen. With that I’m taking selenium (I have hashimoto’s also). I took SAMe and MethylAssist from Pure Encapsulations but I stopped today as one of them was not making me feel good.

I’m going to go on NuMedica’s gut healing protocol. Though I’ve been gluten free for 7 years and grain free a couple of years I never did anything to heal the damage. So I’m starting that as soon as I get it.

I’m just curious if in the beginning you added in the methylcobalamin separately and later the methylfolate.

Thank you so much!
Jill

Tammy
9 years ago

Dr. Ben,
My son (he’s 28) was just diagnosed-he’s heterozygous for both C677T and A1298C mutations. He’s battled with depression for years and is also now suffering from body pains. I’ve read your articles but this is new to be and very confusing. What supplements do you recommend he start with?
P.s. Thank you for all the information you have provided on your website.

gloria
9 years ago

Hi Dr Ben,
I also have pyroluria, as well as mthfr… I must avoid copper in supplements. Does this ‘optimal multivitamin’ contain copper?
I’m having trouble finding a multi without it. I don’t know why, as pyro and mthfr often go hand in hand.
I have 2copies of 677, and one of 1298.

I can’t begin to say how sick I am of pfaffing with food! I have zero interest in food and hate cooking. I am so weary of it all, but persevere. I can’t be the only one who is having trouble finding supplements to bolster their nutrient intake because of disinterest in food.

I take all my supplements seperately, and the bottles are taking over the house. Any multis that you are aware of with no copper?

Kristin735
9 years ago
Reply to  gloria

Gloria,
Not sure if anyone got back to you on this. I have found copper free multivitamins in my research from both Seeking Health (Children’s Optimal) and Pure Encapsulations (several from of their Nutrient 950 line). Both brands contain the 2 forms of B6 recommended for pyroluria as well as methylfolate and methylB12. The Seeking Health one also has adenosylB12. Hope that helps.

I’d be interested in any info you have linking pyroluria and MTHFR. Can you provide links for any pages you found useful?

Jill
9 years ago

Does anyone know how Dr Lynch’s protocol has changed since he first posted this? Does he still believe one should introduce methylcobalamin before methylfolate? Any help would be appreciated.

I’m homozygous for both COMT and MTHFR C677.

Thank you!
Jill

David Cairns
9 years ago
Reply to  Jill

Hi Jill,

I also posted the same question a few weeks back but unfortunately I never heard anything.

My understanding was that by introducing these separately you would avoid methyl trapping.

However there is definitely a Dr Ben Lynch video on YouTube where he says that he needs to revise his protocol as he now suggests to take them together. I think the video that mentions this also features Ameer Rosic (but I could be wrong on that as there are 6 Dr Ben videos that I know of totaling about 9hrs!).

If you do find out then please do let us all know as I am currently working on improving my gut, diet and liver and then finally I will once again try the B12 and Folate)

Cheers,
David

Jill
9 years ago
Reply to  David Cairns

David,

Hi. I actually saw your post. I thought I’d try it myself to ask again. I wish we knew which video to look at. I was wanting to watch one of his videos where you had to pay to watch. It was $350 for a practitioner, and $150 for others. That’s not an option for me.

I’ll tell you where I am at. I am seeing a functional nutritionist who is extremely knowledgeable and has healed herself of almost exactly the same things that I have. Though she can order functional tests, she had me see a functional MD so he could order further tests. They are very much in line about how to deal with all of this…and everything that I was taking (supplements) was on Lynch’s protocol. I had some different ones also, but much the same.

What happened was that the more supplements I was adding, the worse I felt. Until the point where I felt so toxic, and had so much body ache in my neck, back and shoulders, and strange headaches that I stopped everything. Within a day or two I felt much better.

Now working with my functional nutritionist, she’s told me which supps are critical to get back on first. I am now introducing a new supplement every two days. If I feel ok, I add another one.

A piece of the puzzle that I think was missing is that I have to heal my gut first. I’ve been gluten free for 8 years and grain free for about 2 years…but I never repaired or replenished my gut. And since about 80% of our immunity lies in our gut…I think it’s a big factor. I’ve ordered NuMedica’s gut repair program. I’ve researched this a lot and feel good about starting this. I was at the Institute of Functional Medicines conference in Feb and spoke at length to one of their nutritional consultants. If you’re interested it’s NuMedica’s Gluten Sensitivity Support line. It has some amazing products in it. I also ordered methylcobalamin lozenges from them. I’ll start those after i get my gut underway.

I can’t tell you how much better I feel since I stopped everything and am now just adding things in slowly.

There’s more info I can give you if you’d like to connect with email. Don’t want to go on and on here. jilenore@yahoo.com.

David Cairns
9 years ago
Reply to  Jill

Hi Jill,

Please do keep us updated on how you progress and any ‘must haves’ that you discover. I expect there hundreds if not thousands of people in the same boat.

There are a lot of similarities between your path and my own. As soon as I learned that I had C677T I looked at the protocol, ordered everything and started. After 5 days I stopped as the pounding 24hr headaches were no longer bearable. Since then after watching videos by Dr Ben, Neil Rawlins and Richard van Konynenburg I have a much better understanding of how the gut is linked to all of this.

I have also come across the ‘toxic overload’ of taking too many supplements (even though they are recommended). Even today I have just had to cut out the 4 most recent ones and I will try reintroducing them.

I have tried many things over the past 4 years and have also been prescribed the most dreadful things (Epilepsy tablets and Anti-depressants), I was even told I had ‘Mad Cow’s Disease’ (CJD).

Some things have helped but as you say you need to introduce things slowly and one at at time. But every now and then I slip up and have to back track. Usually with a bad headache

The best result I have had in the last 4 years (although not perfect) is too begin a Candida / SCM type diet. One thought my ND had is that I have systemic Candida. So I have cut ALL sugars (even fruit), grains, dairy, pork, and starchy veg. I can tell you it has been tough….and boring, but until 3 days ago when I added some simple supplement and vitamins into my regime, things had been looking much better. I pretty much went for 3 week straight with no brain fog, confusion or loss of balance. SO there is absolutely a link to diet.

p.s I will take a look at the NuMedica’s Gluten Sensitivity Support and also send you and email

Cheers,
David

David Cairns
9 years ago
Reply to  Jill

Hi Jill,

I thought it would take ages to look through all my MTHFR videos but as luck has it I found it in the first 5 minutes.

The YouTube video you want is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bcn5LB-E-Fg
“MTHFR and Methylation Advancements_ Q and A with Dr Lynch”
Uploaded on 17 Jul 2013

Go to 14:35

Quote “I would be utilizing both at the same time”

In a slightly earlier video dated ’12 Apr 2013′ Dr Lynch talks about taking B12 first

“Folate Metabolism and MTHFR: An Introduction ”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mwn7RjSx3zM#ws

(A great video by the way)

Cheers,
David

Jill
9 years ago
Reply to  David Cairns

David,

I thought I’d let you know that I think I found a very good protocol for healing the gut. I’ve been on it a couple of months, going into my third and can definitely tell the difference. Also, though I rarely if ever eat corn, as it used to give me headaches, a couple weeks ago my kids had some non GMO popcorn. I have to say I ate quite a bit for a couple of days consecutively and I never got a headache. I believe this is because my gut is healing and can handle the foods it once couldn’t. That being said, I won’t eat corn anyway.

The product line is from NuMedica and it’s called their Gluten Sensitivity line.

If you decide to take it please let me know how you’re doing.

As for the other info, I am now working with an amazing naturopath who went to the methylation conference last year. Everyone in her office did. We’re doing some more testing. I’ll let you know where we go with the supps. When I showed her my supps (27 bottles I brought into the office), I did have a bottle of sublingual B12. I do believe she said to start with that. But my multi vitamin that she likes (Nutrient 950 without iron from Pure Encapsulations) does have some of both Bs.

Again, let me know if you decide to do the NuMedica line as I have a bit more info about how to take it.

Best,
Jill

Heidi
9 years ago

Wow what a great website! I’m still reeling from all of the information. My ten year old daughter is homozygous for MTHFR C677T (as well as VDR Taq ,MAO-A R297R, MTRR A664A, BHMT-08, and CBSA360A). I’m heterozygous, and just trying to figure out what all of this means. My daughter has had years of pain, stomach issues, chemical sensitivities, food sensitivities, etc (as have I). Thanks for all of this information so I can try and help her more.

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