A few years ago I was having recurrent miscarriages and was tested for a mutation in the MTHFR gene. That gene is involved with processing folic acid, and there are two spots, c677t and a1298c, where people commonly have mutations and can be associated with recurrent miscarriages. I was found to be heterozygous (1 good gene, 1 mutation) for the a1298c gene, which is thought to be the least problematic situation, but I began taking a low dose of folate anyway because it couldn’t hurt and might help. While considering starting the JOH supplements recently, I decided to review the supplements I am currently taking, and I looked into MTHFR again. This time I found lists of conditions associated with each of the mutations. I hadn’t seen that before. I was amazed when I looked at the a1298c list—there were many conditions there that were familiar to me and my family—including migraines, and on some lists I read about allergies and sensitivity to toxins. Here are a few links with some of those lists. http://mthfr.net/mthfr-a1298c-mutation-some-information-on-a1298c-mthfr-mutations/2011/11/30/ http://www.fitzeefoods.com/tag/mthfr-treatment/ http://www.freshideamama.com/mthfr-since-40-60-of-the-population-has-this-condition-and-it-is-the-underlying-cause-for-many-chronic-illnesses-shouldnt-we-all-be-getting-tested This started also sounding like conditions common to people with Meniere’s so I did a search on mthfr and meniere’s, and found the following study indicating a connection, though I do not understand the statistical measure: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23484733 I didn’t find anything about MTHFR on the new message board, and only one mention of it on the old one—just someone who mentioned he or she was homozygous (2 bad copies) for the a1298c location. I’m curious if others here are aware that they have MTHFR mutations or have heard anything about this. And I thought this may be of interest to some of you. I’m glad to be considering MTHFR again. I also saw on the lists of MTHFR-associated conditions, serious health issues that struck 3 of my 4 grandparents late in their lives. Perhaps addressing this better will prevent future problems for me and potentially some of my family members.
I was tested for this in March of this year - blood test revealed the MTHFR A1298C Mutation, homozygous. The doctor gave me a special vitamin B-12 complex and another supplement for calcium deficiency. I am due for another blood test to check the micro nutrient blood levels again in September.
My sister found out she had a MTHFR mutation back in March. I believe that means there is a chance I could have it as well as it gets passed on from your parents. She also found out that she has Factor V. Leiden as well which I could also have. However, she found out that she had both of these mutations because she went in for genetic testing because of infertility issues. I recently had a baby with no issues so I am not sure. I mentioned it to my GP when I was in for a check-up on Tuesday but she didn't seem concerned when I asked if I should get tested.
What are the main symptoms of this mutation? Would people know something is off without getting tested for it?
imasteeler, I'm curious if you noticed any improvement to your Meniere's symptoms when you started the B vitamin. RedBird11, yes it is passed from the parents. I had my first child no problem, so I don't think having a baby with no issues necessarily means you don't have it. Congratulations on your new baby! I think this is all very new. The connection to miscarriages has been known a bit longer, but the rest of it they are just learning about. Intrepid, I think the main reason people get tested is because of recurrent miscarriages. This web site seems to have the most information: mthfr.net. The first link in my original post has the info specific to the mthfr a1298c mutation. The naturopathic doctor that runs that web site believes that if it were known and treated more than it is, people could be helped. But I don't believe his opinion is mainstream. I have mentioned mthfr to a few doctors in the last weeks since this has come up, and they have all heard of it.
I've not seen any improvement that I can attribute directly to the B vitamin, but the dr said to give it 6 months. That was in April. Right after I started it, I began to have daily spins.... BUT, I had also tried to wean myself from my diuretic about the same time I started the new B vitamin - so I am sure that is what caused most of my problem. Once I got back on a daily schedule with the diuretic, my system started calming down again. In general, I've had a real struggle this year with fluctuating symptoms, and also had an entirely new experience with vertigo. No major episodes, but quite a few medium level occurrences that have come at seemingly random times. (I think) I've narrowed the cause of the fluctuating symptoms down to letting myself get somewhat dehydrated from time to time, so I've changed the timing of when I take the diuretic, and I've changed my daily exercise to work around the oppressive heat we have down here. But only in the last 3-4 weeks have I felt any better overall, at least as compared to last year at this time. As compared to Thanksgiving/Christmas and New Year's I feel much better now. Another month or two should tell the tale, also the updated blood analysis will reveal if I am getting any benefit from the different vitamin.