24/10/2024
In this article, there are 10 questions/answers about 5-MTHF. We've just launched this key product for you.
Maybe it's in one of your protocols. If so, it's helpful to understand what it's for, and if you're not taking it yet, you might like to know more, because it could be an important supplement for you.
If you're in a hurry, read the following questions and go to the answer that interests you by scrolling down, or, if you have a little more time, read from top to bottom :
What is 5-MTHF?
Why is folate deficiency a problem?
What is methylation?
Why can a 5-MTHF supplement be useful?
Why is vitamin B12 an essential ally of 5-MTHF?
What dosage?
How long can I take 5-MTHF?
Can I take 5MTHF at the same time as Santé Sauvage liquid B12?
When is the best time to take 5-MTHF?
Two schools of thought on the MTHFR gene mutation
- What is 5-MTHF?
5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) is the bioactive form of folate or folic acid (also known as vitamin B9). The body converts folate (from dietary sources) and folic acid (from supplements and fortified foods) into the bioactive* form known as 5-MTHF.
*The term “bioactive” refers to a substance's ability to have a direct effect on living tissue or body cells. In the context of vitamins or nutrients, a bioactive form means that it is in a state that the body can use immediately without needing to be converted.
This conversion is necessary because 5-MTHF is the form directly usable by the body for important functions such as DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation and methylation processes.
In some individuals, this conversion may not take place efficiently. For these individuals, taking 5-MTHF directly (via supplements) bypasses this conversion step and ensures that they obtain the usable form of folate.
The demand for methylation increases with pollution, certain drugs and stress, so poor methylation can lead to toxin accumulation. 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) can help people with chemical sensitivities by supporting detoxification processes and methylation.
2. Why is folate deficiency a real problem?
Folate deficiency can lead to a number of serious health problems, as folate is essential for key bodily functions. Without sufficient folate, the body cannot properly manufacture new cells. Folate is also essential for brain function and mental health, and a deficiency can lead to symptoms such as confusion, depression or memory problems. For pregnant women, folate deficiency is of particular concern, as it increases the risk of neural tube defects (such as spina bifida) in the developing fetus.
3. What is methylation?
In a nutshell, methylation refers to the biochemical processes within the body that maintain homeostasis
(homeostasis is the body's ability to maintain a stable environment despite external changes).
Methylation is therefore a crucial biochemical process involved in detoxification, inflammation regulation, neurotransmitter synthesis and gene regulation. 5-MTHF is a key player in the methylation cycle. Methylation problems (mainly under- or insufficient methylation) have been associated with heart disease, mood disorders, neurological disorders, detoxification problems and pain.
Methylation is essential for detoxification processes, particularly in the liver, where toxins and harmful substances are processed and eliminated from the body. When methylation pathways are impaired or inefficient, the body's ability to detoxify chemicals, heavy metals and other harmful compounds is compromised. The result can be an accumulation of toxins over time.
4. Why is a 5-MTHF supplement helpful?
Many people have difficulty converting folic acid (the synthetic form of folate) or even natural folate into 5MTHF, the active form needed for methylation. By taking 5-MTHF directly, these people can bypass the inefficient conversion process and ensure that their body has the active folate it needs for proper methylation. This can help improve energy production, mental clarity, mood and overall health in people affected by methylation problems.
5. Why is vitamin B12 an essential ally of 5-MTHF?
5-MTHF and vitamin B12 work hand in hand to ensure that crucial biological functions such as methylation and homocysteine* metabolism run smoothly, promoting overall health.
*Homocysteine is an amino acid produced by the body as part of the process of metabolizing another amino acid called methionine. Under normal conditions, homocysteine levels are regulated and kept low because the body converts it into other beneficial substances, such as cysteine and methionine, using certain B vitamins (such as B6, B12 and folate). When homocysteine is not efficiently converted, it can accumulate in the blood. High homocysteine levels are associated with an increased risk of : Cardiovascular disease, as high homocysteine levels can lead to inflammation and damage of the blood vessels. Cognitive decline, as high homocysteine levels have been associated with memory impairment and neurodegenerative diseases.
5-MTHF needs vitamin B12 in the biochemical processes that regulate homocysteine levels in the blood. High homocysteine levels are a risk factor for cardiovascular disease, so their combined action is essential for heart health.
To be more precise, 5-MTHF donates a methyl group (CH₃) to convert homocysteine to methionine, an essential amino acid (methionine is then converted to SAMe, another methylator, and vitamin B12 is also needed to convert methionine to S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe).
These conversion processes require vitamin B12 as a cofactor. In the absence of sufficient B12 or 5-MTHF, the methylation cycle can be disrupted, leading to health problems such as fatigue, cognitive impairment and mood disorders. Both 5-MTHF and B12 are involved in the production of key neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine, which play an important role in mood regulation. Deficiencies in either of these nutrients can contribute to mental disorders such as depression or anxiety, as the synthesis and regulation of these neurotransmitters can be disrupted.
It is essential to ensure that you have adequate levels of vitamin B12 while taking 5-MTHF, so this is why we added the two bioactive forms of vitamin B12* to our 5-MTHF capsules. (Each capsule contains methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin in an 80/20 ratio. The content of the capsules is pink because B12 is characteristically bright red in colour. Its red hue is due to the cobalt ion at the centre of its molecular structure).
6. Dosage
One bottle of Santé Sauvage 5-MTHF contains 60 capsules. The recommended dose is 1 capsule a day. For pregnant and breastfeeding women, as well as for young women wishing to conceive a child, the recommended dose is higher. Consult your doctor or health care practitioner for dosage advice.
7. How long can I take 5-MTHF?
The length of time you can take 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) supplements may vary according to individual health needs, underlying conditions and the advice of health professionals. Here are some considerations regarding the duration of supplementation.
Short-term use: some people may take 5-MTHF supplements for a short period of time, from a few weeks to a few months, particularly to treat specific problems such as high homocysteine levels, low folate levels or to support detoxification during a particular health regimen.
Long-term use: Other people may need to take 5-MTHF for longer periods, particularly if they suffer from conditions that require ongoing support of methylation processes.
8. Can I take 5MTHF at the same time as Santé Sauvage liquid B12?
Because you need vitamin B12 for 5MTHF to do it's job properly, yes, you can simply adjust the dose of liquid B12 and continue to take it, making sure you consume enough B12. B12 is considered safe, even at high doses, as it is a water-soluble vitamin. The body generally eliminates excess amounts through urine, making toxicity a rare occurrence. Consult your doctor or healthcare professional for advice on dosage.
9. When is the best time to take 5-MTHF?
Try taking 5-MTHF in the morning with your breakfast smoothie. You can take it with food to improve absorption, or on an empty stomach if that suits you better. Many people find that taking 5-MTHF in the morning is effective in supporting energy and concentration, while others prefer to take it at another time, depending on their personal tolerance.
10. Two schools of thought on MTHFR gene mutation
There is debate as to whether altered methylation is due to mutations in the MTHFR gene or to toxic liver and environmental factors. One school of thought disputes the idea that mutations in the MTHFR gene are the main cause of methylation disorders, instead attributing the problem to liver toxicity or other environmental factors. Here are the two points of view:
MTHFR gene mutation perspective
The MTHFR gene is responsible for making the MTHFR enzyme, which plays a crucial role in converting folate into its active form, 5-MTHF. Some people carry mutations (or variants) in the MTHFR gene, such as C677T or A1298C, which can reduce the efficiency of the enzyme. This can impair the body's ability to convert folate into its usable form, resulting in altered methylation. Altered methylation due to MTHFR mutations can affect homocysteine levels, detoxification, neurotransmitter production and DNA repair, which can contribute to a variety of health problems. This view suggests that people with MTHFR mutations may benefit from supplementation with 5-MTHF (rather than folic acid) to bypass impaired enzyme function.
The viewpoint of liver detoxification and environmental toxins
Another school of thought postulates that altered methylation has more to do with environmental factors, in particular the burden placed on the liver by toxins, poor diet, stress and lifestyle factors, rather than focusing solely on genetics. The liver is the body's main detoxification organ, and methylation plays a role in the liver's ability to process and eliminate toxins. According to this view, methylation problems can result from toxic overload or a lazy liver, rather than a genetic defect. Accumulation of toxins, heavy metals or chronic exposure to environmental chemicals can inhibit methylation, contributing to poor detoxification, high homocysteine levels and inflammation. The focus here is on improving overall liver function through detoxification protocols, healthy diet and lifestyle changes, which can address methylation issues without necessarily focusing on the MTHFR mutation.
Our point of view
Environment, lifestyle and nutrition are key, and we can support our bodies:
By eating folate-rich foods and supplementing with a good clean 5-MTHF supplement.
By supporting methylation with B12, B6 and magnesium.
Managing stress.
By supporting liver detoxification (see this book for more information).
Would you like to receive more information like this?
Do let us know. Our email address is info@sante-sauvage.com
Of course the above information is purely for information purposes and does not replace medical advice. If you have symptoms or an illness, always consult your doctor before taking any supplements.
