Are You Getting Too Much Folate?
Folate is an essential vitamin with many benefits from getting an adequate amount. However, excess folate from high dose supplements may have potentially detrimental effects.
Methylation Cycle
The methylation cycle is a foundational biological pathway that affects many aspects of your well-being.
In a nutshell, methylation is the donation of a methyl group that is needed for a variety of reactions such as DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, and detoxification of some toxins. A methyl group is a carbon plus three hydrogens, and this can be easily used in biological reactions. Many of the molecules that make up your body have a backbone of carbons and hydrogens, so adding another carbon plus three hydrogens (methyl group) can modify the compound.
Where to start:
- Check to see if you carry MTHFR variants that reduce folate conversion to methyl groups.
- Find out why high homocysteine can be a problem.
- Learn how slow COMT interacts with certain natural supplements.
- Vitamin B2, riboflavin, is also important here.
Members: Check out the Methylation Cycle Topic Summary Report for a quick overview of all your genetic variants included in the articles below.
Latest articles about the methylation cycle:
AHCY Gene: Tying together methylation and homocysteine
AHCY is a key gene in the conversion of SAH to homocysteine and in the regulation of the SAM/SAH ratio. It also plays an important role in the circadian regulation of gene expression.
Homocysteine: Genetics, High Homocysteine Levels, and Solutions
High homocysteine levels are strongly linked to an increased relative risk of cardiovascular diseases. Find out how your genes impact homocysteine levels.
MTHFR Mutation: What is it? How to check your raw data.
The MTHFR gene is important for how your body utilizes folate (vitamin B9) for creating neurotransmitters, detoxifying toxicants, and maintaining a healthy heart. Check your 23andMe or AncestryDNA data for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants.
MTHFD1: Folate and Choline
The MTHFD1 gene encodes an enzyme in the folate cycle. Genetic variants here can indicate a greater need for choline or folate in the diet.
Creatine: Boosting Muscles and Increasing Brain Power
Creatine is an amino acid used in muscle tissue and the brain for energy in times of stress. Genes play a role in creatine synthesis. Find out what the research shows about creatine supplements for muscle mass and cognitive function.
FOLR1 and FOLR2: Transporting Folate, Folinic Acid, and Folic Acid into Cells
Genetic variants in the FOLR1 and FOLR2 genes (folate receptors alpha and beta) can impact folate in the brain and in the immune response.
MTR and MTRR Genes: Vitamin B12, Homocysteine, and Methylation
There are several genes that can influence your absorption, transport, and need for vitamin B12. Some people need higher amounts of B12, and some people thrive on different forms of B12. Take a look at your genetic data to see if you should up your intake of B12.
COMT: How to Optimize Your Supplements for Your COMT Genotype
Some supplements interact with COMT variants to impact the rate at which neurotransmitters are broken down. Check your COMT genotype and discover how this may affect your reaction to different supplements or combinations of supplements.
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2), MTHFR, and Deficiency Symptoms
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is an essential cofactor for many biological pathways. Learn how to check your genetic raw data to see if you may need more riboflavin.
Folate Optimization: MTHFR and Fertility
MTHFR variants affect the conversion of folate into the active form. Learn how this can affect you if you are trying to get pregnant.
CBS Gene Variants and Low Sulfur Diet
Some clinicians recommend a low sulfur diet for people with CBS mutations. Find out what the research shows – and why that recommendation is not backed up. (Member’s article)
MTHFR: Going Beyond C677T and A1298C
The MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants get a lot of press, but they do not give the whole picture of the MTHFR gene. Additional variants are impacting the functionality of the enzyme.
MTHFR, depression, anxiety, symptoms and treatment
We are all genetically unique, and a common genetic variant in the MTHFR gene causes some people to be more susceptible to having low folate levels. This article explains the research linking MTHFR variants, folate, and depression — and gives you information on how diet or supplements may help.
Vaccines and the MTHFR mutation
A lot of people use the MTHFR variants as a reason not to vaccinate their kids. Is there any science to back this up? See what the research says.
BHMT: Genetic Variants that Impact Methylation
BHMT is involved in homocysteine methylation and impacts the methylation cycle.
Genetic links to infertility for women
Your genes may be playing a role in your infertility — and knowing which genetic variants you carry may help you figure out solutions to try.
DHFR and MTHFR: Folic Acid Metabolism
Methylfolate may be a better option than folic acid if you have certain genetic variants in the MTHFR or DHFR genes.
MTHFR and Migraines
The MTHFR C677T variant increases the risk of migraines. Learn how to check your genetic data and how to mitigate the risk.
Folate-rich recipes for MTHFR
Getting enough folate in your diet? We’ve collected some simple nutritional tools and recipes to get you on track.
Histamine Intolerance, MTHFR, and the Methylation Cycle
Genetics plays a role in how well your body breaks down histamine. Histamine that is out of balance with the body’s ability to break it down can cause symptoms that are collectively known as histamine intolerance. Discover how to check your genes that are involved with histamine levels.
Choline, An Essential Nutrient Impacted By Genes
An essential nutrient, your need for choline from foods is greatly influenced by your genes. Find out whether you should be adding more choline into your diet.
COMT Gene: Neurotransmitter Levels, Estrogen Metabolism, and SNPs
Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Dads matter: MTHFR variants in fathers affect miscarriage risk
Dads matter – in conception, pregnancy, and throughout life. It is easy to see how prospective moms need to clean up their diets, exercise, and sleep well before getting pregnant, but recent studies show that a dad’s MTHFR variants also affect infertility and miscarriage risk.
MTR and MTRR Genes: Methylation cycle and the need for Vitamin B12
This article explains where the MTR and MTRR genes fit within the methylation cycle. I’ll show you how to check your 23andMe or AncestryDNA raw data for the MTR and MTRR SNPs, and then explain how to optimize your diet for these variants.