COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 200
Folate-Rich Foods: Liver, asparagus, and legumes are excellent
sources of folate4the natural form of vitamin B9 found in whole
foods. For those with MTHFR mutations, it's important to avoid
synthetic folic acid supplements, as they can bind to folate
receptor sites, hindering the absorption of natural folate and
potentially raising the risk of certain cancers.
Methylated Supplements: Consider bioavailable forms like 5-MTHF,
methylcobalamin, and pyridoxal-5-phosphate.
Lowering Homocysteine: Increase dietary choline (eggs, beef liver)
and betaine (beets) to naturally reduce homocysteine levels.
Detoxification and Stress Management: Hydration, antioxidant-rich
foods, avoiding heavy metals, and managing chronic stress all
support methylation processes. Certain medications4including
antacids, birth control pills, and methotrexate4can impair
methylation or deplete B vitamins. Long-term use should be
evaluated with a healthcare provider.
Exercise and Epigenetic Health: Consistent physical activity has
been found to positively impact DNA methylation, helping to
regulate gene expression and promote healthy aging.
Methylation testing4including homocysteine levels, organic acid
analysis, and MTHFR genetic panels4can provide valuable
insights for personalized health care planning.
Methylation supplements have become increasingly popular,
particularly within functional medicine. However, the science
behind methylation is still developing, and many individuals turn to
high-dose supplementation without the guidance of genetic
testing or clinical markers4an approach that can potentially
cause more harm than benefit.
Folate, the natural form of vitamin B9, is often confused with
synthetic folic acid, which can interfere with folate receptor
function and hinder absorption4especially in those with MTHFR
mutations.
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