Today’s topic is going to be a bit more in depth and “science-y”. However, I think you will find it just fascinating, I know I do!
As women prepare to grow their families, often taking prenatal vitamins is a part of that preparation. Most vitamins have folic acid, which many people have heard about in relation to its prevention of neural tube defects, preeclampsia, and cleft palates. There are also a variety of B vitamins that actually protect genes and help produce healthy DNA which in turn produces a healthy baby. These B vitamins also play a big role in depression, anxiety, post-partum depression and chronic fatigue. Additionally, eating foods high in these vitamins is beneficial. These include sunflower seeds (vitamin B6); fish and eggs (vitamin B6 and B12); cheese (B12); beans and walnuts (vitamin B6 and folate); leafy dark green vegetables; asparagus and almonds (folate); and liver (B12, B6 and folate). So, what happens when we take a vitamin, or eat food that that has folate (B9), B12 or B6? During the digestive process your body will take these vitamins and send them to the liver where they are made into active versions of themselves. They are then ultimately used in the body in all the necessary pathways, organ systems and processes. This process is call methylation, which means a methyl group is added to each vitamin in order to make it usable. This is important for fertility because many of those vitamins directly assist in the conception and pregnancy processes.
When this system of methylation occurs naturally all is well, however, there is a genetic mutation affecting a little over 50% of the population that can affect this process. This gene mutation is called the MTHFR gene mutation and is stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, I know, I know, it’s impossible to say, that’s why we go with MTHFR. Many in the medical world refer to this mutation as the Mother F***er gene, and rightly so, this mutation may stand in the way of carrying babies, which is heartbreaking and downright maddening! Many women with this mutation have multiple miscarriages before finding out the main cause is this gene. Blasted Mother F***ing mutation…
People with this mutation have trouble methylating (activating) various B vitamins, including folate. This then means that though vitamins are taken in, they actually aren’t available and a B deficiency is the result. Pregnancy can exacerbate a B12 deficiency because high amounts of B12 are needed by the fetus, thus leaving the woman more depleted than she was pre-pregnancy and setting her up for post-partum depression.
So what is to be done to beat this destructive MTHFR? There are two crucial steps in addressing this gene.
- Get tested. If you have experienced difficulty conceiving, or have experienced multiple miscarriages or if you just want to be proactive about this and want to find out if you have this common genetic mutation, you can be tested! Here are some options:
- Order the MTHFER test through me for $90. I will walk you through the results and help you seek the solutions you desire.
- You may order online through 23andme for only $99. There are other genetic mutations that could be affecting your health and using the results from 23andme is a great way to look at the rest of your genetics.
- Ask your doctor to order MTHFR gene mutation testing through LabCorp. Many fertility clinics offer this test.
- IF you have this gene, then the great news is that you can simply take activated (methylated) B vitamins. These are vitamins that are already activated and are available for the body to use. However, be warned that it is possible to over-methylate, so I recommend that you consult with a professional when taking these activated/ methylated vitamins. I have enjoyed helping many women in their fertility process and would be more than happy to guide you as you seek the best solutions for you! This is what the supplement label should say when looking for active forms of important B vitamins involved in the methylation pathway:
-Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal 5′-Phosphate or P5P)
-Folate (as L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate or 5-MTHF from L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolic Acid)
-Vitamin B12 (as Methylcobalamin)
I hope this information has been useful and will help you on your fertility journey. I would love to be part of your support system as resource to help you take a deeper look and a more functional approach to your health. Please contact me with any questions or concerns, I’d love to talk about this with you!