Natural Folate vs Folic Acid, MTHFR, and Why I Regret My Prenatal Vitamin

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares her regret over using folic acid in prenatal vitamins, which she believes may have contributed to her children's midline defects. She explains the difference between folic acid and natural folate, the potential link to the MTHFR gene mutation, and the importance of methylated folate for those who can't process folic acid. The speaker advocates for Seeking Health brand and the need for awareness and proper supplementation to ensure a healthy pregnancy.

Takeaways

• 🤰 The speaker regrets taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid for her pregnancies due to its potential negative effects.
• 🔬 The story discusses the importance of understanding the difference between folic acid and natural folate, particularly in relation to the MTHFR gene mutation.
• 🧬 Susceptibility to conditions like autism may be linked to the MTHFR gene mutation, which could be influenced by the intake of synthetic folic acid.
• 🐁 Studies on mice and rats have shown that excessive intake of folic acid can lead to the development of the MTHFR gene mutation.
• 🤰📉 Folic acid is crucial for preventing spina bifida and neural tube defects, but its effectiveness is compromised if the body cannot process it properly.
• 🍃 Natural folate, found in leafy greens, liver, and healthy meats, is recommended over synthetic folic acid for those who cannot metabolize folic acid effectively.
• 💊 The speaker advises pregnant women to seek out prenatal vitamins with methylated folate instead of folic acid to ensure proper nutrient absorption.
• 🧪 A blood test can determine if an individual has the MTHFR gene mutation, which affects how the body processes folic acid.
• 🚫 Folic acid can compete with natural folate for receptor sites, potentially preventing the beneficial nutrients from being absorbed.
• ⚠️ There is a risk that long-term consumption of folic acid can lead to a deficiency in the enzyme needed to process it, especially for those with the MTHFR mutation.
• 🌱 The speaker recommends Seeking Health brand and trusts their research and integrity in producing vitamins that are more aligned with the body's needs.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed in the video script about prenatal vitamins?

The main concern is the use of folic acid in prenatal vitamins, which may not be as beneficial as believed, especially for individuals with the MTHFR gene mutation, and could potentially lead to issues like midline defects in children.

What is folate and how does it differ from folic acid?

Folate is a natural form of the B vitamin found in foods like leafy greens and liver, which is essential for various bodily functions. Folic acid is a synthetic version of folate, often used in fortified foods and supplements, which may not be as easily absorbed by the body.

What is the MTHFR gene mutation and why is it significant in the context of the video?

The MTHFR gene mutation refers to a genetic variation that affects the body's ability to process folic acid. It is significant because individuals with this mutation may not properly metabolize folic acid, leading to potential health issues for their children, such as an increased risk of autism and other developmental disorders.

Why is folic acid considered essential for pregnant women?

Folic acid is considered essential for pregnant women because it helps prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida, a condition where the spine doesn't close over the spinal cord. It is believed to be so important that many foods are fortified with it.

What are midline defects and how are they related to folic acid intake?

Midline defects are birth defects that affect the central part of the body, such as the face and brain. They are related to folic acid intake because if the body cannot properly process folic acid, it may not be able to prevent these defects, leading to conditions like tongue-tie.

What is the concern with folic acid competing for receptor sites?

The concern is that if the body cannot process folic acid, it can accumulate in the bloodstream and compete with natural folate for receptor sites, preventing the natural form from being absorbed and utilized by the body, which could contribute to deficiencies and related health issues.

Why might some people have more folic acid in their blood according to the video?

Some people might have more folic acid in their blood because their bodies are unable to process it due to the MTHFR gene mutation or other factors. This unprocessed folic acid remains in the bloodstream, potentially leading to health concerns.

What is the recommendation for prenatal vitamins in the video?

The video recommends seeking health brand prenatal vitamins that contain natural folate or methylated folate instead of folic acid, especially for individuals who may have difficulty processing folic acid.

What is the connection between B vitamins and energy levels mentioned in the video?

B vitamins, including folate, are known as energy vitamins because they play a crucial role in energy production in the body. A deficiency in these vitamins can lead to low energy levels, and correcting the deficiency can result in an initial boost in energy.

How can one determine if they have the MTHFR gene mutation?

One can determine if they have the MTHFR gene mutation through a blood test, which can provide insights into their ability to process folic acid and may guide their choice of supplements and diet.

What is the speaker's personal experience with prenatal vitamins and their impact on her children?

The speaker regrets taking prenatal vitamins with folic acid during her pregnancies because her children developed midline defects despite her efforts to maintain a nutrient-dense diet. She believes that using the correct form of folate could have prevented these issues.