I have many parents and adults contact me stating that they are aware of their methylation problems because they have a MTHFR genetic variance (C677T or A1298C). And many of them assume, through marketing persuasions as well, that they or their child should be taking an active form of folate either as folate, methyl-folate, 5-MTHF or folinic acid. This is not a safe assumption and may increase seizure activity. Understand that folate (in any form) supplementation may increase seizures. Allow me to explain.
Understand that taking any form of folate may increase seizures.
Methylation is considered to turn on and off genes, build neurotransmitters (our calming mechanisms in our bodies), process hormones, build immune cells, produce energy, protect our nerves and build and maintain cell membranes. It occurs every second of every minute of every day and our bodies do it naturally; unless there are disruptions. Disruptions typically come from infections, toxins, compromised immunity, imbalances within the digestive, detoxification pathways, etcetera. I refer the importance of methylation in my blog “Methylation and Seizures” ( YES, there is an association!).
Yet among many individuals that are expressing in neurological symptoms, they are potentially at risk of OVER methylating or UNDER methylating. It depends on bio-individuality, as to how the body responds. William J. Walsh, PhD, is a brilliant practitioner that worked with over 30,000 patients with conditions ranging from psychiatric to neurodevelopmental. Through his work we can now identify when a client is over or under methylating. Using a whole blood histamine test, which can be done through two of the prominent labs used in the U.S., an elevation can suggest under-methylation and a lower result can suggest over-methylation. Essentially, histamine has an inverse relationship with methylation.
The course of treatment for over-methylating individuals is very different from under-methylating individuals. Likewise, Dr. Walsh identified that there are certain personality traits that are associated with under-methylators: OCD tendencies, seasonal allergies, strong-willed, competitive in games and sports, ritualistic behaviors, poor pain tolerance, chronic depression, etc. Over-methylators may exhibit high anxiety, dry eyes and mouth, non-competitive, low libido, talkative, obsessions without compulsive actions, sleep disorder, food and chemical sensitivities, absence of seasonal allergies, antihistamine intolerance, adverse reaction to SSRI, antidepressants, etc. Please do not consider if you are under or over methylating based on these symptoms alone. The simple blood test for whole blood histamine is inexpensive (less than $100) and can be useful in determining with a qualified practitioner. I do offer this blood test through my website at Nutrition for Seizures.
Under-methylated persons may get worse when given any form of folate. Likewise, over-methylated persons may increase in symptom if given methionine or SAMe. It’s critical to identify which type of methylation your body is currently expressing to identify the best possible treatments. Supporting methylation imbalances through protocols vary and are dependent on a thorough health history and additional testing that identifies stressors that contributed to the imbalance in methylation.
Bringing much light,
Lynn
