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Original poster

MTHFR gene mutation

29 replies

LunaB · 13/07/2017 20:31

I've had a few miscarriages so went to see Dr Shahata at The Miscarriage Clinic who did a full blood panel and discovered (amongst other things) I have the MTHFR gene mutation, which means that I cannot absorb Folic Acid in its synthetic form (the form that's in all the preg vits etc.)...

To remedy this, Dr S prescribed an additional Folic Acid supplement of 5,000mg (in addition to the 400 in my Pregnacare vits) but I'm doubting this is the correct advice - as everything I've read states that it makes no difference how much Folic I pump into myself; my body and any future baby simply won't receive it.

SO, after all this reasesrch I've found that a bioavailable (pure) form of Folic Acid, called l-methlyfolate, could be the best solution as my body could absorb this form of the Folic.

Also, apparently this mutation also causes malabsorption of vitamin B12, so I found a different type of preg vits that in addition to containing the recommended 400mg of the l-methlyfolate version of the Folic Acid also contain a form of methyl-B12 which is supposed to help the body use l-methlyfolate...

Now obviously this issue isn't causing the miscarriages (it's something else), but the fact I can't absorb Folic Acid is worrying as it's so vital to conception and pregnancy.

Anybody else have any knowledge or advice on this issue!?

I'm confused and don't want to go against the doctor who's supposed to be helping me, but I just feel that I'm right!!

Smile
OP posts:
Original poster
LunaB · 14/07/2017 21:33

Thank you littlemimosa! I've found her terrific blog and it's what got me really doubting what my consultant was telling me!

I have joined some Facebook groups just now so hopefully I can pose my 2 questions and see what everyone says!!

Flowers
OP posts:
littlemimosa · 14/07/2017 21:13

Hi Luna, I have no experience of MTHFR and can't answer your questions but i know that this website www.wellnessmama.com has loads of info about it.
It's a wellness blog written by an American women (who has 6 kids!) and has the mthfr mutation. One of her posts is called 'What is MTHFR and how does it affect health and fertility'.
Just go to the site and do a search on it. Loads comes up. Hope this helps and good luck.

Original poster
LunaB · 14/07/2017 21:04

Thanks for the response!! I can't believe there isn't clear advice on this!!

I will ditch the Folic and start a really nice bioavailable pregnancy multi vit instead. I already take aspirin, vit d and Omega which is good.

I guess the main questions I need to find a response to from somebody ASAP are:

(1) If I take the meth folate version then can I just take the 400mcg as a normal person, or do I still need a mega dose?

(2) How long do I take it for - for the pre conception and until 12 weeks of pregnancy like a regular person? Or throughout whole pregnancy?

The answers to these questions are so vital to the future wellbeing of my next pregnancy!! I will find the answers!!

Confused stupid after all the miscarriages I've had I have to figure this out practically on my own!!

But anyway - CONGRATS to you! Wonderful news - and try to be excited! Best, best of luck Grin

OP posts:
Moose23IsHungry · 13/07/2017 23:34

Just typed a massive message and lost it.

MTHFR is not acknowledged in the U.K. But is in the US.

I have the same mutation (two copies). My b12, folate and thyroid were not bad but not perfect.

I'm now taking methylfolate (from amazon) 5MG. I threw out his folic acid.

I also take a b12 spray from holland and Barrett.

And baby aspirin daily. MTHFR is associated with miscarriage, blood clots and migraines so this helps to thin the blood. However please don't take this on my word. Do lots of research.

I just got a positive pregnancy test (not hoping for much at this stage due to past MC) so will test these things again shortly. I'll be interested to know if the supps have changed my levels.

There's MTHFR support groups on facebook but beware the anti vaxxers!!