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What Are The Symptoms Of MTHFR Mutation?

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Posted on Fri, 24 Jul 2015
Question: What are the symptoms of MTHFR and why does methylated folate and B12 make me sick when that is supposed to fix the problem? Thanks!
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Answered by Dr. Archana Verma (6 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Methylfolate may lead to side effects

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to the HCM

I completely understand your concerns. MTHFR mutations lead to increased homocysteine levels in the body. High levels of homocysteine are associated with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, ischemic stroke, and atherosclerosis, migraines and mental disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression). Also, it's associated with pregnancy complications especially neural tube defects in baby.

Regardless of whether you have an MTHFR mutation in both genes or not, the treatment for elevated homocysteine is the same—dietary intervention and supplementation with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12.

So long as the homocysteine level is normal, MTHFR mutations do not significantly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke.

But Methylfolate does have side effects at times like:irritability, insomnia, sore muscles, achy joints,
acne, rash, severe anxiety,palpitations, nausea,
headaches, and migraines.

That's because if one takes methylfolate before inflammation is controlled, the methylfolate will worsen it.

If you experience any of the above methylfolate side effects, I highly recommend you discuss it with your physician and get your dose of methylfolate reduced significantly or stopped for a week or two before reintroducing it. Also the blood levels needs to be monitored regularly to optimize the treatment.

Hopefully this will help you.
Take care
Note: For detailed guidance on genetic screening consult a genetics specialist

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Archana Verma

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 1129 Questions

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What Are The Symptoms Of MTHFR Mutation?

Brief Answer: Methylfolate may lead to side effects Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to the HCM I completely understand your concerns. MTHFR mutations lead to increased homocysteine levels in the body. High levels of homocysteine are associated with cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, ischemic stroke, and atherosclerosis, migraines and mental disorders (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression). Also, it's associated with pregnancy complications especially neural tube defects in baby. Regardless of whether you have an MTHFR mutation in both genes or not, the treatment for elevated homocysteine is the same—dietary intervention and supplementation with folic acid and vitamins B6 and B12. So long as the homocysteine level is normal, MTHFR mutations do not significantly increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. But Methylfolate does have side effects at times like:irritability, insomnia, sore muscles, achy joints, acne, rash, severe anxiety,palpitations, nausea, headaches, and migraines. That's because if one takes methylfolate before inflammation is controlled, the methylfolate will worsen it. If you experience any of the above methylfolate side effects, I highly recommend you discuss it with your physician and get your dose of methylfolate reduced significantly or stopped for a week or two before reintroducing it. Also the blood levels needs to be monitored regularly to optimize the treatment. Hopefully this will help you. Take care