Thalassemia Patients and Friends
Discussion Forums => Thalassemia Minor => Topic started by: karoloydi on May 18, 2010, 10:30:50 PM
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I just wanted to let you know that there is a better version of folic acid that can be more easilly absorved by the body.Its a bit more expensive than normal folic acid, but I think in people with our condition its worth it.
This is from wikipedia
L-methylfolate is the natural, active form of folate used at the cellular level for DNA reproduction, the cysteine cycle and the regulation of homocysteine among other functions. The un-methylated form, folic acid (vitamin B9), is found in leafy green vegetables. Synthetic folic acid works to replicate the action of folate, but must be broken down in a series of metabolic steps in order to become L-methylfolate. Approximately 10% of the general population (homozygous TT) lack the enzymes needed to receive any benefit from folic acid.[citation needed] Another 40% of the population (heterozygous CT) appear to convert only a limited amount of folic acid into L-methylfolate. They cannot fully process supplemental folic acid at RDA or higher dose levels.[citation needed] The remaining population do not have an MTHFR polymorphism and can fully metabolize folic acid.
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Its true! I switched to this and I really love it! I no longer get the fast heartbeat I was getting with Folic acid! :wink
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This is the type of useful information that is helpful to many people. Thanks for the info. I think everyone here should share what works for them.
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Also folic acid works together with B12. So when you increase folic acid you should also increase B12. You also need B12 because folic acid can mask symptoms of B12 deficiency.
Theres also a methylated version of B12 called methyl cobalamin, or methyl b12. The best one is the one taken sublingually.Theres really good info on methylB12 on this thread:
http://www.forums.aboutmecfs.org/showthread.php?188-B-12-The-Hidden-Story&highlight=hidden+story
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Actually I read that one of the key advantages of methylfolate is that unlike folic acid it does not mask the B12 deficiency which is another plus. I use the Solgar branded Folate -which sadly is not liscenced in the UK so I have to go to creative lengths to source it. I only take the RDA of 400 micrograms-. I was folate deficient BUT just 2 weeks on this amount put me in the mid range of normal and I continue to take it as I dont eat folate rich everyday and I am VERY anaemic...
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Has anyone noted any real world improvements taking methylfolate vs folic acid? More energy or higher Hb etc?
Or methyl b12 vs the normal cobalamin?
Im going to switch to 5-MTHF folate when im done with my folic acid. I expect to turn into superman overnight and anything else is a fail!! ;-)
Thanks!