Posted by Cobra on July 11, 2008, at 11:31:04
In reply to Re: DEPLIN L-methylfolate » Cobra, posted by Phillipa on July 10, 2008, at 20:40:41
No history of CVD or miscarriage does not mean you for sure don't have a MTHFR polymorphism. Depending on the specific polymorphism your parents may each be heterozygous (a milder polymorphism resulting in only slightly decreased enzyme function) and could each have given you the "bad" copy making you homozygous for the polymorphism and therefore more susceptible to the myriad of complications.
The only way to know for sure is to have a genetic test done. Many times the cheek scrape test is covered by insurance, and also can include other genes.
My personal feeling is that since 50% of people are going to have a version of the polymorphism and since the consequences are devastating in terms of both physical and mental health that taking some sort of l-methylfolate supplement is just a safe bet. Your body will use it, even if you live a 100% healthy lifestyle and do not have the polymorphism. But that is just my personal opinion and I am not a doctor.
Deplin is only FDA approved for enhancing the efficacy of anti-depressants and managing plasma folate, but in terms of those patients with MTHFR polymorphism it can do much more.
Hopefully in the near future genetic screening will become a part of all primary care physicians' routine patient care. The cost continues to drop, and for a huge percentage of the population it would mean a vast improvement in the quality of care.
So it's really up to you for the Deplin- it is extremely likely that it will help you. And from all the studies I've read there is really no drawback other than the cost of the supplement.
I think a good and cost effective option is to take Metanx as it also contains B vitamins. Also, I think everyone should take NAC, which is readily available at health food stores. Pamlabs makes cerefolin NAC which is the methylfolate, b vitamins and NAC, but I believe it is considerable more expensive than getting metanx and NAC separately.
If you have any more questions, or I wasn't clear about something just let me know.
poster:Cobra
thread:803728
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20080706/msgs/839258.html