Methylfolate, l methylfolate, 5-MTHF, Deplin or active folate are all a form of folate (b vitamin 9), names used to describe a form of folate that is used as a supplement (methylfolate supplement) for people who have been diagnosed with MTHFR gene mutations.
Additionally, individuals with certain MTHFR gene mutations may exhibit an increased risk for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and depression due to impaired neurotransmitter production.
Methylfolate anxiety is a form of anxiety that results from taking methylfolate supplements when they are not taken properly or should not be taken at all depending on the person’s other genetic factors.
People who have any history of mental health problems should not take l methylfolate due to the serious and severe side effects that they can cause including severe anxiety and depression including the risk of suicide in more severe cases.
What is Methylfolate?
Methylfolate, also known as 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF), is a vital form of folate that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions. It is the most bioavailable form of folate, meaning it can be easily absorbed and utilized by the body. Methylfolate is essential for processes such as methylation, DNA synthesis, and neurotransmitter production. This form of folate is particularly important for the production of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine—neurotransmitters that regulate mood, motivation, and cognitive functions. Ensuring adequate levels of methylfolate can support overall mental health and well-being.
The Role of MTHFR in Methylfolate Production
The MTHFR gene provides the blueprint for making the MTHFR enzyme, which is crucial for converting dietary folate into its active form, methylfolate. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, a process essential for maintaining proper folate levels in the body. However, mutations in the MTHFR gene can impair the enzyme’s activity, leading to reduced production of methylfolate and elevated homocysteine levels. This imbalance can contribute to various health issues, including mental disorders like depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of L-Methylfolate side effects
If you have taken 5-MTHF supplements (methylfolate) and have or are experiencing any of the following side effects or symptoms stop taking them immediately:
Methylfolate side effect list:
Anxiety
Severe anxiety
Depression
Severe depression or major depression
Panic attacks
Dark thoughts
Psychosis
Low mood
Irritability
Anger
Sadness
Increased health issues and or increased reactions
Sore muscles
Physical and or mental reactions
Reactions to food
Side effects or drug interactions from other medications
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Methylfolate is a form of folate that is crucial for mental health. It plays a significant role in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are essential for mood regulation and cognitive function.
Methylfolate is unique in its ability to cross the blood brain barrier, acting as a cofactor necessary for the synthesis of key neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Why Taking Methylfolate for MTHFR is NOT Good Enough
While taking methylfolate supplements might seem like a straightforward solution for those with MTHFR mutations, it is not always effective. Methylfolate can negatively impact undermethylators, a subtype of individuals who struggle with methylation. According to the Walsh Protocol, undermethylators may experience exacerbated symptoms when taking methylfolate, leading to a significant drop in mood or worsening of anxiety symptoms. Therefore, it’s crucial to approach methylfolate supplementation with caution and under professional guidance, especially for those with MTHFR mutations.
Why taking Methylfolate for MTHFR gene mutation is NOT good enough
People with gene defects such as MTHFR have greater needs to support their health, that goes well beyond just taking activated folate supplements. Often people have serious health problems when they are first diagnosed. This means that they won’t get the full benefits from just supplementing methylfolate supplements. Having the gene mutation means that you have a number of problems. These need to be supported in order to properly treat the condition including preventing serious disease and may have no need for methylfolate especially if you already suffer from mental health issues.
Individuals with certain MTHFR gene variants may struggle to convert folic acid into bioactive l-methylfolate, affecting their mood and response to antidepressants.
Most of our MTHFR patients have other serious health problems that require special attention. Taking just methylfolate supplements is a big mistake that often leads to many other serious health problems.
The MTHFR gene mutation causes serious imbalances in the body that are detrimental to a persons health. Often having the gene disorder means that you could have any of the following problems, that need to be resolved that methylfolate supplements can’t resolve:
Other vitamin & mineral imbalances
Amino acid imbalances
Problems with methylation
Problems with folic acid
Immune system imbalances
Problems with energy production
Heavy metal toxicity
Problems with homocysteine
Problems with neurotransmitters (Mental illness, depression, anxiety, ADD, ADHD, mood problems etc)
Infertility (hormone imbalances)
And many more (Click here to see the symptoms of MTHFR)
Methylfolate side effects & dose
If you have reactions to l methylfolate and or side effects, this is not usually the result of dosage, this is because l methylfolate when used by the wrong person can cause reactions with COMT and MAO genes located in your neurotransmitter cycle. Therefore taking any amount of methylfolate can cause side effects due to disruption of methylation and biopterin.
For individuals with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), taking any amount of methylfolate can exacerbate symptoms due to disruptions in neurotransmitter cycles.
Methylfolate side effects and folic acid
Some people confuse methylfolate with folic acid. While both can cause anxiety, these supplements are very different. Folic acid is a man-made artificial version of folate, this supplement can inhibit the production of naturally derived methylfolate leading to many symptoms including severe anxiety and many of the symptoms listed above. Folate deficiency can lead to cognitive conditions like depression, schizophrenia, and ADHD, emphasizing the importance of adequate folate levels for mental health. Methylfolate is also a man-made supplement that is designed to bypass the MTHFR gene whose job it is to convert folate and or folic acid into active folate or methylfolate.
Why folate supplements can be dangerous
Every day people are diagnosed with MTHFR gene mutations. Often through a lack of information and or proper understanding of the complex nature of having the MTHFR disorder. People decide or are advised to take methylfolate, this can be a big mistake due to methylfolate side effects.
MTHFR gene mutations are complex and cause a wide range of problems in the body. Which is often unique to each individual. So it’s important to understand the risks associated with taking methylfolate supplements first.
Conflicts with methylation and methylation processes with other gene mutations.
Conflicts with other drugs, medications and other prescription drug interactions.
Complications with pregnancy and methylation production.
Can cause Methyl trapping.
Can cause problems with homocysteine.
The danger of Methylfolate
Taking methylfolate can cause a condition known as “methyl trapping”. This condition can cause a person with MTHFR to go into a deep depression. It can lead to suicide. So it’s important to know if you have been diagnosed with MTHFR. Taking activated folate or 5 – MTHF supplements is not always going to be the right thing to do. Seeking a professional MTHFR practitioner to help with MTHFR treatments is very important.
For individuals with treatment-resistant depression, methylfolate can sometimes exacerbate symptoms, making it crucial to seek professional guidance.
For many people who have been diagnosed with a gene problem, methyfolate can be a good treatment. However, there is a right way and a wrong way of doing so. For people who have recently been diagnosed with MTHFR, they need to understand that over time, their health has been in decline. That while taking active folate may be very useful for the condition. There are a number of other serious health problems that may need to be addressed in order to treat the condition properly.
Benefits of Methylfolate for Anxiety
Methylfolate has shown promise in alleviating anxiety symptoms for some individuals. By regulating the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, methylfolate can help stabilize mood and reduce anxiety. Additionally, it can lower homocysteine levels, which are often associated with anxiety and depressive disorders. However, it’s important to note that methylfolate may not be effective for everyone, particularly those who are undermethylators. Personalized treatment plans are essential to determine the best approach for managing anxiety symptoms.
The best way to treat MTHFR
Finding out that you have MTHFR gene mutations can be good news. This is because you are now empowered to improve your health. Knowing which gene mutations you have helps with treatments and the prevention of disease, including advice on diagnosis or treatment. Advice diagnosis or treatment is best provided by seeking a professional MTHFR treatment, this is best done not with a medical advice diagnosis, this is because a medical advice diagnosis is not optimal when the problem is, in fact, a nutritional problem not a medical problem. When you have been diagnosed with the condition it is best to consult with a methlyaltion practitioner.
These practitioners have the right knowledge to provide the right treatments for the condition and proper use of methylfolate and or folic acid. Learn more about treating MTHFR here.
Alternately you can do this yourself using the following professional MTHFR treatment ebook.
onal problem not a medical problem. When you have been diagnosed with the condition. These practitioners have the right knowledge to provide the right treatments for the condition. Learn more about treating MTHFR here.
Importance of Follow-up
Regular follow-up is crucial when taking methylfolate supplements, especially for individuals with MTHFR mutations. Monitoring homocysteine levels, mood, and anxiety symptoms can help assess the effectiveness of the supplementation. Follow-up appointments also provide an opportunity to identify any potential side effects or interactions with other medications. This ongoing evaluation ensures that the treatment plan remains effective and safe, allowing for adjustments as needed to optimize health outcomes.
Relationship Between Methylfolate and B Vitamins
Methylfolate is closely linked to other B vitamins, particularly vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is essential for converting homocysteine to methionine, a process that requires methylfolate. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can impair methylfolate production, leading to increased homocysteine levels and associated health issues. Therefore, ensuring adequate vitamin B12 levels is crucial when taking methylfolate supplements. This holistic approach helps maintain a balanced and effective nutrient profile, supporting overall health and reducing the risk of mental disorders.
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