L-Methylfolate Deficiency Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment | Methyl-Life - Methyl-Life® Supplements (2024)

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What are the symptoms of low L-methylfolate? ›

You may need to take folic acid supplements for at least 2 to 3 months. These may be pills or shots (injections). Eating foods high in folic acid and cutting your alcohol intake are also important.

Important: do not take regular folate (or folic acid) supplements with L-methylfolate, as they can prevent its absorption in the brain. Check your multivitamin to see if it contains folate. Most insurers do not cover L-methylfolate, but it is very affordable ($10-15/month) over the counter. What about folic acid?

The neurologic manifestations of folate deficiency overlap with those of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and include cognitive impairment, dementia, depression, and, less commonly, peripheral neuropathy and subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord.

However, not all studies on the subject have found that taking l-methylfolate causes a significant reduction in symptoms. In some people, l-methylfolate can cause side effects, such as anxiety or digestive symptoms. It is also unsuitable for those who take certain medications or have some health conditions.

Untreated folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia and pancytopenia. In addition, it can cause glossitis, angular stomatitis, and oral ulcers [2].

Research has shown a lack of folate in your body may increase your risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD is a general term that describes a disease of the heart or blood vessels, such as coronary heart disease (CHD).

Most people need to take folic acid tablets for about 4 months. But if the underlying cause of your folate deficiency anaemia continues, you may have to take folic acid tablets for longer, possibly for life. Before you start taking folic acid, your GP will check your vitamin B12 levels to make sure they're normal.

Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that cannot be used by those with a MTHFR defect and which can be very toxic. avoid any supplements with folic acid and only take L-MTHF forms, which are the methylated forms that my body can use. Also take a methyl-B12 which is supposed to help the body use L-MTHF.

What medications to avoid if you have MTHFR? ›

Foods to Avoid with MTHFR

Reduce intake of inflammatory foods such as sugar, gluten, refined grains, dairy, trans fats, and processed snacks. Those with gluten sensitivity and MTHFR can suffer a double blow as the symptoms of both can amplify one another. Gluten is also a major cause of inflammation in the gut lining.

All forms of folate are available OTC, even l-methylfolate, which comes as both OTC and prescription-only products. The prescription form is FDA regulated as a “medical food” (under the brand name Deplin).

Deficiency of folate may be asymptomatic or present with the symptoms of anemia, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Additional signs are weakness, sore tongue, headaches, heart palpitations, irritability, and behavioral disorders.

For women, one sign of not having enough methylfolate can be fertility-related issues. Low levels of methylfolate can impact the way the body deals with estrogen, which can cause hormonal imbalances. This can cause symptoms such as heavy periods, fibroids, endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Glutathione– as cells divide with more methylfolate, glutathione levels get depleted. Restoring levels can help significantly.

They are used to treat or prevent low folate levels. Low folate levels can lead to certain types of anemia. Conditions that can cause low folate levels include poor diet, pregnancy, alcoholism, liver disease, certain stomach/intestinal problems, kidney dialysis, among others.