[anya_xo]

Is anyone familiar with the mthfr reductase gene?

From what I read, symptoms are high homocysteine and low folate and confirmed by a blood test.

I was wondering whether it is possible to have this gene and stil have really high red cell folate levels? I take 800 mcg folate per day. I am wondering whether to get tested for this gene or whether it is impossible to have it if my folate is really high.

For those who are unfamiliar, here is a good summary:
http://www.medhelp.org/posts/MTHFR-Methyle...al/show/1376338

[Satay chicken]

Hi OP! I'm MTHFR Hetero C677T (one strand) my homocysteine levels are normal. I think the concern is if you are MTHFR Homo.

You can get a blood test to test for this.. I got mine at my clinic, not through a GP.

This post has been edited by Satay chicken: 26/04/2012, 07:41 PM

[franklymum]

Yes, it is possible to have really high folate levels with mthfr but from what i understand (i'm hetero for mthfr) your body is not utilising it properly - you need the active form of folate - folinic acid or calcium folinate. Dr Vera's make a Bcomplex called 'activated b complex' - this is what i take.
I had really high folate levels - over 2000 - this was one of the reasons both my doctor and my naturapath wanted to test me for this gene.
The genetic test is expensive but i would recommend it if you're ttc or have had a miscarriage or two. If you only have one strand it's really not a problem except for the poor utilisation of folate - the only thing i was told to do was get the active form which is absorbed much more easily.
Goodluck OP.

[anya_xo]

Thank you for? your replies.

How do I go about getting the test done? Is this something that a GP can order and bulk bill through medicare?

[clm1982]

I have Hetro MTHFR in 2 positions. I went and seen the genetic specialist before my DD was conceived (my mum found out she had this and was advised to get her daughters tested) and he advised to start taking 5mg of folic acid and 100mg of B6 and 100mcg B12 to conceive as it interferes with the absorbtion of these vitamins.

It was a simple blood test requested by the GP and didnt cost me anything.

During my 20 week scan i had to get a few extra things checked like blood flow etc.

I am now TTC #2 and had a miscarriage a month ago, i asked for my homocystine levels to be checked and they are normal so it may have been something else that caused my miscarriage.

Goodluck i hope you find the answers you are looking for.

[Sunshiney]

Yes, DH & I both got tested - just ask your GP to refer you for a blood test for MTHFR.

We both have a single MTHFR gene mutation. This means there is a fault in our genes which causes our bodies to not properly break down folate into the enzyme created when folate is metabolised. Apparently ~40% of the population have a single mutation and ~10% have a double mutation.

If you've had problems with the embryo not implanting (chem pregs) or multiple mc's, or if you have a family history of some of the other things it causes (Downs, autism, spina bifida, alzheimers, etc), I'd definitely get it checked out because it's such a simple test.

DH & I now both take a 5-hydroxytryptophan (5HPT) tablet which gives us the metabolised enzyme our bodies can't properly make, and I also take a Blackmores i-folic tablet to give me extra folate because a MTHFR gene mutation means you need much more folate than normal and a woman TTC needs even more.

[anya_xo]

Hi, thanks for your response. I will look into it.

Instead of taking a high dose of folic acid, have you looked into taking a more active form of folate called methylfolate (metafolin is one of the brand names of this).

You should read up on the internet about it. Apparently people who have MTHFR reductase absorb it MUCH better than folic acid. I am not sure whether it is available in Australia. I buy my supplements on the internet usually.