Approximately 33% of Americans possess a genetic variant that hinders their ability to utilize folic acid, also known as vitamin B9 effectively. By supplementing with the metabolically active form of folic acid, known as L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate (L-5-MTHF), individuals may enhance their health and prevent premature death. Folic acid plays a crucial role in the methylation process, which occurs billions of times daily in the body and is essential for good health.
Although folic acid is synthetic in fortified foods and vitamin supplements, L-5-MTHF is the naturally occurring, metabolically active form found in certain unfortified whole foods.However, the absorption of folic acid from food is inefficient in some individuals due to the need to cleave it from protein carriers. Additionally, folic acid must undergo several biochemical conversions in the body to become L-5-MTHF, a process that is hindered by genetically inefficient enzymes in approximately 50% of Americans.
L-5-MTHF's significance
Supplementing with L-5-MTHF ensures that individuals receive the benefits of folic acid, regardless of their ability to absorb or convert it to the active form. For those with impaired folic acid utilization, L-5-MTHF supplementation can significantly improve their health.
L-5-MTHF is involved in DNA synthesis and repair, and low levels of this nutrient have been linked to childhood leukemia, colon and breast cancers, and precancerous conditions like cervical dysplasia. In a study involving smokers, high doses of folic acid and vitamin B12 reversed precancerous changes in lung cells.
L-5-MTHF also plays a key role in genetic expression, as methyl groups are used to silence certain genes in each cell. This process is crucial for good health, as most genes in the human body are not active. When L-5-MTHF is lacking, tumor promoter genes become active, leading to the development of cancer cells that are often deficient in methylation.
L-5-MTHF's significance goes beyond its function in promoting appropriate genetic expression, DNA synthesis, and repair. It also has a role to play in the metabolism of dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine, histamine, L-DOPA, serotonin, and estrogen. Depression is often linked to a deficiency in folic acid, which is not surprising given L-5-MTHF's involvement in the formation of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM or SAMe). SAM is the substance that directly contributes methyls to DNA, serotonin, and dopamine. SAM is frequently used as a remedy for depression and arthritis and is available in supplement form, much like L-5-MTHF. It is likely that people who react positively to SAM are really in need of L-5-MTHF. Given its lower price point, it makes sense to try L-5-MTHF before attempting SAM.
L-5-MTHF has a crucial role in the detoxification process of various substances, including environmental toxicants such as lead, mercury, arsenic, and tin, medications, and even some hormones produced by the body. Methylation is the process through which estrogens are detoxified, and insufficient levels of L-5-MTHF can result in the accumulation of these potentially harmful substances, thereby increasing the risk of various cancers such as those affecting the breast, prostate, and other organs. Additionally, conditions associated with an excess of estrogen, like uterine fibroids and endometriosis, may become more severe and more likely to occur. Other compounds such as histamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine are also eliminated through methylation. Inadequate L-5-MTHF levels can therefore worsen allergy and stress-related symptoms.
L-5-MTHF plays a crucial role in the detoxification of homocysteine, a byproduct of SAM metabolism. Similar to blood cholesterol, homocysteine levels in the bloodstream are directly linked to cardiovascular disease. Recently, a study was conducted on individuals who underwent balloon angioplasty to treat their clogged coronary arteries. Homocysteine levels were measured, and half of the participants were supplemented with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. At the end of the study, homocysteine levels and the degree of coronary artery clogging were reassessed. Findings revealed that the group receiving folic acid, B6 and B12 had lower homocysteine levels and less clogging of blood vessels. Elevated homocysteine levels are known to cause more than just arterial damage, but also lead to conditions such as heart attack, stroke, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral vascular disease, miscarriage, birth defects, depression, sensorineural hearing loss, osteoporosis, cancer, arthritis, dementia, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, and diabetes-related complications. It is unfortunate that a majority of people remain unaware of their homocysteine levels.
A new test can detect individuals with difficulty synthesizing their own L-5-MTHF due to the MTHFR genetic mutation. Major medical laboratories, including Vibrant America Laboratory, offer the test for $50.
It is not recommended for genetically-affected individuals to take plain folic acid since it does not provide any benefit and can lead to adverse health effects due to the build-up of unmetabolized folic acid. This can suppress natural killer cell activity, which is important in protecting against cancer and viral infections.
L-5-MTHF is reasonably priced at about $20 for a two-month supply, but taking too much can result in excessive methylation and unpleasant symptoms like anxiety. It is best to start with smaller doses, ranging from 200-1000 micrograms, and gradually increase as needed.
It is also important to supplement with additional nutrients that facilitate the healthy metabolism of folate and methylation. Methyl Care is a product that can help with this. Certain foods like raw leafy greens, beets, legumes, onions, soy, tomatoes, cruciferous vegetables, shitake mushrooms, seeds, eggs, liver, coco, curcumin, citrus juice, green tea, and berries can also aid in the methylation process. Various factors can influence methylation, including exercise, stress, hormonal imbalances, toxicity, certain medications, and intestinal flora.