Does Your
Family Carry the Genes for Depression and Cardiovascular Disease?
Are there
simple ways to reverse these disorders?
If one
carries the gene for impaired Folate metabolism due to a MTHFR enzyme
inactivation they may have risks for cardiovascular disease and depression.
It is high homocysteine levels that increase
the risk of heart attack and stroke.
The right
kinds of B vitamin 6, 9 (Folate) and 12 help the body to process and correctly
process homocysteine.
Besides
heart disease high levels of homocysteine can increase depression.
To help
manage depression lowering homocysteine levels with the methylated form of B6,
B 9 (Folate) and B12.
The major cravat
here is that the B-vitamins must be in the methylated forms.
Methylated
B6, B9 and B12 are not easy to find.
Check the
information panel on the forms of B6, B9 and B12 vitamins in the formula. Look
for these forms of: L-5-MTHFR of Folate/B9; Pyridoxal-5-phospate (B-6); Methylcobalamin
(B12); Riboflavin-5-phosphate (B-2) may be a necessary cofactor.
Only the
methylated forms of the B vitamins cross the blood brain barrier and are
bio-available for the human body to use.
This
information maybe life saving in regards to cardiovascular disease also help to
prevent possible fatal drug sensitivity to Methotrexate (used in cancer and
autoimmune disease treatment).
Those with
some of the MTHFR genetic mutations should avoid alcohol because alcohol may
increase their blood homocysteine levels and decrease their Folate levels.
The correct
forms and does of B Vitamins maybe depending on the advice of your well
informed genetic savvy health care provider:
B-9/Folate-L-5-MTHHF or L-FTHF 400-mcg to 15
mg.
B-12-Methylcobbalamin
from 500mg
B6-Pyridoxal-5-phosphate
25-mg
B2- Riboflavin-5-phospate
2.1 mg
The above
listing is some helpful guidelines based on your reports and other supplements
and medications.
Those
interested in MTHFR genetic testing might check with Life Extension for the costs of doing the MTHFR /COMT testing
($111-$175). 1-888-895-4764.
Other less
expensive tests are the Urine MMA test ($50)/Homocysteine Blood Levels test
($65). Many online labs may provide
these tests direct, however you may wish to determine how much of an
explanation of the lab report is available or what sources like the internet
can provide for an understanding of the implications of the lab reports.
