Having done 1000’s of consults for MTHFR and working with nearly triple that through email correspondence, I have seen a trend that must be made public knowledge.
I am seeing sometimes incredible improvement in energy, muscle health, decreased muscle pain, improved adrenals and decreased frequency of urination through a drink mix I’ve created for my clients.
Some MD made the Florida Gators a pretty famous drink. You may have heard of that corn syrup laden, food colored beverage called Gatorade.
I welcome you to try MTHFRade.
UPDATE: October 1, 2014
MTHFRade has worked wonders for many people so I made an all-in-one formula called Optimal Electrolyte.
Same ingredients as I recommended for years – but only better in taste and potency.
Easier to use now – just add one scoop – no buying 5 different things and mixing them together. With that said, it is also significantly less expensive than buying all 5 ingredients separately.
It comes in two flavors which taste absolutely incredible – kid approved (my kids). Berry and Orange.
What does Optimal Electrolyte contain?
As with any of my formulations, it provides solid amounts of well-researched ingredients which are needed to balance your electrolytes.
- Magnesium
- Potassium
- Sodium
- Creatine
- D-Ribose
- Niacin
- Taurine
end of update – original article below –
Dr Lynch’s MTHFRade consists of the following mixed in a 1 liter stainless steel water bottle:
- Filtered water
- Optimal Electrolyte: add 1 scoop or so.
- Optimal Vitamin C Powder: add 1 scoop (if wanting more support – not essential)
- Optimal Creatine: add 1 to 4 scoops per liter (if needing to support methylation)
Benefits people are experiencing from MTHFRade:
- Decreased urination (those who were urinating too frequently throughout the day/night)
- Improved energy
- Decreased ‘brain fog’
- Significantly reduced symptoms of chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia
- Increased hydration
- Ability to absorb critical nutrients easily
- Decreased dry mouth and dry skin
- Decreased muscle cramps
How to drink MTHFRade?
- Desk jockey? Mix in the morning and drink throughout the entire day. Keep this at your desk and take sips throughout the day. Do not drink all at once.
- Exercising? Mix prior to your exercise routine and take with you. This helps prevent muscle cramps, increases energy and performance.
- Sauna or Epsom Salt Baths? Mix prior to your epsom salt bath and take with you. Drink during your epsom salt bath – and afterwards to prevent electrolyte loss and improve the benefits of the epsom salt bath.
How does MTHFRade taste?
In my opinion, excellent. A bit sour, a bit salty, a bit sweet. My children even enjoy it. So far I’ve had no complaints.
Are there any artificial flavors, colors or preservatives in MTHFRade?
Need you ask that? Come on now. None. Absolutely none.
Are there are any potential side effects from MTHFRade?
Some may find increased gas initially. If this is the case, simply reduce the amounts of all the nutrients by half and then work up to what is comfortable for you.
Some may find their stools are a bit harder to pass if they add too much Electrolyte Concentrate. This makes sense. Find your balance. The recommended amounts are commonly well tolerated.
Some find they no longer crave the sugary drinks or energy drinks like they used to.
NOTE: Some may find themselves drinking more than one liter of this solution daily (I am guilty of this). Is this ok? Yes. Not a problem as long as your digestion and body welcome the nutrients.
I’m drinking it right now, in fact. How do you think I get through so many consults in a day plus all the emails? 🙂
Give MTHFRade a shot. Let me know how it has improved your symptoms after you’ve tried it for a week or so.
[…] Dr. Ben Lynch “MTHFRade is the MTHFR Drink Formula. Have Yours Yet?” https://mthfr.net/mthfrade-is-the-mthfr-drink-formula-have-yours-yet/2012/01/19/ […]
Dr. Lynch,
I am interested in purchasing the ingredients for MTHFRade on seekinghealth. I have two questions about the recipe. I know that we are supposed to do C+electrolytes+K but I am not seeing the vitamin K in the recipe. Is this something I should add and how much/what form do you recommend? I would also like to know about the importance of creatine as an ingredient. What are it’s benefits/can I leave it out? Thanks for your time, Marci
Is it possible to make this without vitamin c powder b/c my mother and I have hemochromatosis (on top of MTHFR ) and are supposed to not use vitamin C supplements due to it causing us to absorb even more iron (due to the hemochromatosis)?
absolutely – just a basic recommendation. Adjust as you and your doc see fit.
Would it ruin the effects of this mixture to heat it up, like a tang-tea? I sip tea all day long because I’m always cold, so I am imagining that would be easier for me once I start using this formula, if it’s possible.
Thanks.
hi Diana – not sure. Don’t boil it for sure – but having it warm is likely just fine.
Hi Dr. Ben … I just found out I have MTHFR mutation C677T and going thru your site to educate myself. Found your recommendation and recipe for MTHFRade. Was going to order all ingredients and then discovered the Optimal Creatine is no longer available and no dates as to IF or when it will be available. I was excited to hear about your formula and now I’m really let down because all the ingredients are not available. Can you tell us if and when the Optimal Creatine will be available again?
Thanks.
Hi Linda –
Yes – Optimal Creatine will be available in less than 30 days or so. Sorry about running out. We’ve a lot on the way.
We also have a new electrolyte blend coming in which I’m very excited about – will have creatine and some ribose and vitamin C already in it. This will be available in a few months time.
Hi Dr. Ben,
Are you concerned about d-ribose lowering blood sugar? I always recommend that my patient take it with food for that reason.
Have you had any problems with people taking it on an empty stomach?
Thank you!
Hi Teray –
Only issue I’ve noticed with D-Ribose on an empty stomach is it may cause loose stools if too much is taken in.
I have not experienced low blood sugar in people with it. You have any?
Will the electrolyte blend be similar enough that it will potentially be a good replacement for mixing this on our own?
Only in myself – I drank a combination of ribose and l-carnitine on an empty stomach once and felt that classically “low blood sugar” feeling (lightheadedness mostly). The same did not occur when I took it with food.
I don’t know if it was because of the drink itself, or just that I was already hungry, but I’ve always taken it with food or a smoothie ever since. The light-headedness effect has been noted by Dr. Steven Sinatra as well, albeit in doses higher than 10g.
http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2007/may2007_cover_ribose_02.htm
It’s good to know that this is not typical in your population. I may experiment on myself again and see what happens.
Thank you!
Try D-Ribose without the L-carnitine. The carnitine may have contributed to the light headedness.
I will try that. Thanks.
In the past had tried D-Ribose and , became to tired with an hour, had to take a nap (hadnt ck BP or BS which tend towards low till lately). Happened several times , so figured ribose is not for me or needed a conutrient with it.
In way past had tried ALcarnitine and also became weaker feeling, did research and found effects some thyroids. (677TT). Am just trying for more energy and brain power. Is L-carnitine different then ALcarnitine?
Hi Dr. Lynch
When will you be releasing an all-in-one mixture of this drink? Will it be available in Australia?
I have homozygous A1298C and also have an overgrowth of E Coli and an undergrowth of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus! I have suffered from dizziness and a weird neurological swimmy feeling daily for two years, it is not vertigo and it gets worse after eating any carbohydrate! I am basically eating organic chicken breast for breakfast lunch and dinner!
Does this indicate anything in particular to you, or should I just continue on with my methylguard plus, and continue with gut repair?
I am 39 weeks pregnant, but will be breastfeeding when they are born, and for as long as they want.
Is the creatine and/or d-ribose safe to take while pregnant or lactating?
Hi Jess –
Those nutrients are ok to take while nursing – but keep an eye on your baby’s symptoms – gas and diarrhea. D-Ribose can also cause some lightheadedness due to low blood sugar-like symptoms so be sure to take it after eating or close to a meal.
I’m wondering if it is ok to make up a large quantity and refrigerate it. How long will it last in the fridge?
[…] “MTHFRade” is the MTHFR Drink Formula. Have yours yet? […]
[…] Drink at least two liters of filtered water daily mixed with vitamin C and electrolytes. […]
How important are the quercetin, hespendin, rutin? Can’t use Seeking Health C because of the corn since my doc, Dr. Osborne says no grain.
Hi Dr Ben,
In other articles you mentioned taking Vitamin C at least 30 minutes apart from Folate. How would taking vitamin C throughout the day impact the folate? As long as it’s “timed release” (not all at once), it’s okay?
can I take more than one scoop per day say, one in the AM and one in the evening?
Veronica – absolutely. I do – I take as needed and on some days I don’t take any. Just depends on how you feel and also the degree in which you feel fatigued or sweating.
thank you, I was curious because a full scoop helped today and I feel the need for a bit more tonight. thank you again 🙂
how much per day would be ok to give a 7 year old child?
Hi..is this drink diabetic (type2) friendly? Thanks.
Absolutely.
Note that it may support your blood sugar levels – keep an eye on that.
I also HIGHLY recommend using liposomal vitamin C in addition to the electrolytes for type 2 diabetes. This combination really helps blood sugar stabilization. Also a solid multivitamin is recommended as there is lots of nutrient use and oxidative stress in type 2 diabetes.
Thank you so much for the advice Dr Lynch.
🙂
Hi Dr Lynch,
I have been using this w/out B9 as a supplement, no matter which I use I feel terrible, but with the electrolyte drink it has helped! My question is, on my nutreval, I show high Taurine levels and PHE, is this okay to take? I feel better on it but wanted to make sure.
I DO have QDPR and SLC22A1 as well, so I cannot tolerate lecithins well or liposomal C 🙁
Hi Meg –
Yes – this is not much taurine in the electrolyte.
Also – is the high taurine in the blood or is in the urine? or both?
Taurine in blood is reflective on protein intake. If high, eating a lot of protein.
In urine, taurine is also reflective of protein intake – but if low in the blood and high in the urine, it is reflective – typically – of yeast overgrowth or pathogen in the gut.
[…] Drink at least two liters of filtered water daily mixed with vitamin C and electrolytes. […]
I’m compound heterozygous with fibromyalgia and had been having side effects (I assume from the methylfolate) of fatigue and severe pain. I also have symptoms such as chronic dry mouth and eyes, feeling the need to urinate as soon as I drink water. So I tried Optimal Electrolytes for the first time today – a little less than one scoop in a glass of water that I drank over several hours. I had no bowel issues prior to drinking this, but now I’m having really bad diarrhea. No gas, no stomach cramps, just sudden diarrhea. Any idea what’s going on?
Hi Victoria –
Sorry to hear about this.
My thought would be that your ability to absorb nutrients is compromised.
Evaluate your digestion with a comprehensive digestive and stool analysis by Doctors Data or a Nutreval by Genova. Have your docs order.
You can also next time eat a meal – then drink the electrolytes.
However, I do think your digestion is compromised and may need some healing.
Please stop it for now until you get your digestion sorted out.
Are there any SNPs or health issues where this drink would be contraindicated?
when I clicked on the link for the Electrolyte Concentrate one of the comments for this product is that is has sodium benzoate. In your information it indicates these are preservative free. Am I looking at the wrong product?
Annette, sodium benzoate is not listed as an ingredient in the Electrolyte Concentrate. You can ask additional questions at the bottom of the product page: http://www.seekinghealth.com/optimal-electrolyte.html
I’m allergic to citrus. Any alternative to the Optimal Vitamin C Powder? Thanks. The
My husband is MTHFR homozygous for C677T. I ordered the MTHFRade mix and it says one scoop per 8 oz. If you are recommended 1 liter a day…would that mean I would need two scoops or 2 liters a day would mean 4 scoops? What about Vit C?…its measurements is only for 8oz also. If so, can you buy it in larger amounts?
Hi Elaine – The recommended dose for the Optimal Electrolyte (formerly called MTHFRade) is one scoop per day, so you would not add additional scoops if you drink more water. If you exercise more or you activity level is higher, your electrolyte needs might be higher, but consult with your doctor if you are not sure. The most important thing is to pay attention to how you or your husband feels after taking the supplement and adjust accordingly.
Regarding Vitamin C, taking too much at once can cause loose stool, so it’s generally recommended to work your way up gradually to bowel tolerance. So start with the recommended dose and work your way up gradually. For specific product questions, you can leave question on the product page here: http://www.seekinghealth.com/vitamin-c-powder-optimal-vitamin-c.html.
Hope this helps!
Hi Dr Ben..I have asked this question somewhere else on the website but I’m not sure if that was the right place to go with it. I am C677T heterozygous & have suffered numerous health problems throughout my life.
I accidentally inhaled industrial strenght glue particles through our aircon system at work earlier this week. I immediately had throat irritation which progressed to burning skin, sinuses & chest, nausea & a high temperature. This was followed by aching bones & muscles, upset stomach & urinary discomfort.
Since there appears to be little awarenes of MTHFR issues where I am from, I’d like to find out whether the glue fumes could have played a part in why I am so terribly unwell and if so would you have any advice on what to do to get better?
Thanks & regards.
Kna
I
I suffer from MTHFR deficiencies and the accompanying sensitivity to chemicals and was exposed to rubber cement fumes for several hours about five years ago. By the next day my skin was itching and I was having trouble breathing.I went to the emergency room and was given a shot of cortisone which immediately soothed my itching and breathing problems. So, yes, it sounds as if you were having a reaction to the glue. Now I won’t go anywhere near chemical fumes. I’d advise you to avoid them as well.
Hi Dr. Ben – I am C677T and seem to be very sensitive to supplements (methylfolate included). Any thoughts why Optimal Electrolyte makes my head hurt? It hurts in somewhat similar way to after trying MethylProtect, but not as strong. I can take Magnesium supplements OK and consume plenty of dietary potassium. Can drink coconut water OK. Thank you!
Hi Dr. Ben,
I have MTHFR dysfunction and it is causing me many problems. I am running out of things to eat and have problems when I shower or wash my hair. I am also having trouble taking my medications. WHen I try methyl vitamin B or methyl folate it makes me really sick. I want to try the things you metion such as the Optimal Electrolytes but stevia messes up my mind really bad. Any suggestions?
Thanks you,
Shari Drexler
Hi Sharon – if you are having issues after taking methylfolate or methyl B12, you may be experiencing side effects. First, please find a doctor to work through this with you by searching the physician directory. Next, please read this article on preventing methylfolate side effects here. Please keep us updated!
I want to make this but I am intolerant to stevia leaf so can I just leave out the vitamin C powder?
Hi Teresa – Vitamin C is an important part of this recipe, so you might want to consider trying Optimal Liposomal Vitamin C that does not contain stevia (http://www.seekinghealth.com/liposomal-vitamin-c-seeking-health.html). If you have specific questions about that product, please contact the seekinghealth.com customer support.
Do you have a MTHFR drink formula without the creatine. People with high blood pressure are advised not to take creatine.
I noticed when I tried this supplement the d-ribosome seems to make my blood sugar drop quickly. I felt horrible. Any way to correct this? Thanks
Everytime I tried Ribose became very sleepy and slept for hours.
Hi Dr Lynch, the link for the electrolyte concentrate above (your list to make MTHFRade) does not work. I think there is a typo. Maybe there is no “e” after health?
Hi again!
Regarding the below list for the MTHFRade, can I just use your “Opyimal Elecrolyte” from Seeking Health? If yes, how many scoops of it. The link for the electrolyte concentrate does not work 🙁
“Dr Lynch’s MTHFRade consists of the following mixed in a 1 liter stainless steel water bottle:
Filtered water
Electrolyte Concentrate: add 6 to 9 capfuls per liter.
Optimal Vitamin C Powder: add 1 to 2 scoops per liter.
D-Ribose Powder: add 1 to 2 scoops per liter.
Optimal Creatine: add 1 to 4 scoops per liter.”
Hi Betsy –
Yep! You may take Optimal Electrolyte. I prefer orange personally. The recipe was put here years ago – prior to me formulating Optimal Electrolyte. Enjoy it!
Hi Dr Lynch!
My husband is homozygous for the C677T MTHFR mutation. I would buy Optimal Electrolyte, but it contains Niacin (which is on the list of things he should avoid). I am planning on ordering the original MTHFRade recipe ingredients and mixing them myself in order to avoid the Niacin. 🙂
QUESTION: Which electrolyte concentrate do you recommend?? (The link above no longer works.)
Thank you so much for being an invaluable resource. I would feel lost and hopeless if it weren’t for this website!
Hi Sierra –
I recommend Optimal Electrolyte. I formulated this based upon my clinical experiences with those struggling with MTHFR and general electrolyte issues.
Hi, I tried a d-ribose supplement years ago as I faced severe chronic fatigue (also hypothyroidism, hypokalemia, low magnesium and compound heterozygous for the mutations,C677T and A1298C )…one dose made my tongue swell. I don’t tolerate corn, and understand d-ribose is corn based. I bring this up because your electrolyte drink contains it, which makes me hesitate to try it. I think I may be experiencing the bell curve you write about with regard to my daily 5 mthfr dose after one year.
Hi Shaye –
If you reacted this poorly to ribose, yes, I’d be cautious as well.
There are different qualities of supplements but I’d still be cautious.
Consider using E-Lyte electrolyte concentrate. It doesn’t taste good but it doesn’t have any garbage in it or ribose.
What does the berry flavoring of the electrolyte drink consist of? I have Histamine intolerance and many other restrictions.
I recommend the Orange flavor instead. You may email my support team
I am sensitive to taurine and niacin, do not feel well when I take them. I would like to make this on my own – do you have the individual products available? I saw your neutralize Na:K was close to a 1:1 ratio, but in your electrolyte drink its closer to 4:1. Thanks for your help.
Dr. Lynch
How long does one take the MTHFRAID for? I am heterozygous for C677T and know I have an electrolyte imbalance as I get dizzy when standing up.
Thanks,
Jamie Kahon D.C.
Hi Jamie –
I personally take it nearly every day.
Two things I’d consider:
– Optimal Electrolyte – orange is my favorite. Drink once daily or as needed.
– Adrenal Cortex – 1 capsule with breakfast as needed or directed by your health professional
Both help your electrolyte levels.
Hello, I’m wondering if the 75 mg of inositol hexanicotinate in optimal electrolytes can significantly deplete enough methyl groups to require a supplementation with additional methyl donor (can MSM do the trick?)?
Thank you
Hi Massimo –
The 75 mg of niacin in there is not going to deplete one’s methyl groups especially if they are consuming a healthy diet and some basic supplementation.
We are reducing the amount of niacin in Optimal Electrolyte now to about 35 mg as some people were not tolerating it well.
I have the CBS, COMT, and MTHFR gene mutations. Can I have this drink and how much do you recommend I drink daily? How would I begin inorder To make sure I tolerate this well? I do pee like crazy, have dry skin, eczema, and always stay dehydrated, but drink water nonstop.
I would really really love to give this to my 7 year old son, but he is very seriously allergic to malic acid (like epi pen allergic) and citrus (citric acid). How can I find something that will safely to work for him? Is there some kind of recipe I could try? He has latex food syndrome and has upwards of 50 genuine allergies, so I have to be very mindful of ingredients. Thanks you!
Hi Samantha – I highly recommend working with someone to evaluate his digestive system as it may be containing harmful bacteria. This is called a CDSA and can be ordered from Doctors Data by your doctor.
I have both MTHFR mutations, and am seeing a doctor who reviews my bloodwork regularly and recommends a variety of supplements, as well as 5,ooo mcg of methylcobalamin with folic acid. In everything I’ve read, it sounds as if methylfolate is needed, and that the methylcobalamin sometimes is taken along with it. My symptoms fluctuate, although blood tests reveal improvements in many areas. Is it unusual to be treated with methylcobalamin but without the methylfolate?
It isn’t unusual no – but if you feel incomplete, then you may need additional support.
The best place to start is by reading, Dirty Genes.
This way you aren’t guessing which supplements you should be taking – and you’ll reduce frustration. 😉