One of the Best Formulas For MTHFR - Also, Here's Some Other Tips:
"Updated as of 10/10/2022:
I have known that I have the MTHFR gene mutation for about 12 years now. Even after diagnosis, I was using a few other B-complexes which I though were o.k. for my condition, but I did not realize that the B6 was not methylated. Turns out B6 has to be in the form of Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate, NOT Pyroxidine, to be more bioavailable to those who have MTHFR and do not methylate properly. I never knew that until about 5 years ago; the doctor I tested with didn't explain that part.
After this discovery, I researched various B-complex formulas, and picked this one. I also wanted a B-complex that had methylated folic acid and that did not have a super high dose of methylcobalamin (B12), since my blood was testing high for B12 already. This formula fit the bill very well.
A few other tips:
1) The amount of methylated folic acid per capsule here is low (400mcg). If you only take one capsule per day, I would also recommend taking additional methyl-folate if you do not methylate. However, please first discuss with your chosen physician, if possible.
2) If you take B6 in its methylated form of Pyridoxal 5-Phosphate (a.k.a. P5P), you also need to take magnesium so that the P5P pathway will work properly. .Without at least some magnesium to work with, you may end up feeling tired and with lower energy, which is probably not what you want.
3) B6 - along with certain co-factors like magnesium, zinc, vitamin-C, and folate, is necessary for the production of certain neurotransmitters like GABA and norepinephrine, as well as for the conversion of tryptophan or 5-HTP into serotonin. So you may want to consider taking some of these additional co-factors to enhance your results with this product (only folate is included in this product, you would have to buy the rest separately). Also note: Tyrosine is also required for the synthesis of dopamine, but I have not tried taking that yet.
I believe I have been low in neurotransmitter production, and my nervous system has been a mess, due to a 12-year highly stressful job and the resulting sky-high cortisol levels (Thankfully, I am no longer at that job!). It's been getting better slowly now.....it takes time and it's also very helpful to decrease your sugar and simple carb intake (e.g. white flour).
4) B6 and zinc are both needed for the production of pancreatic enzymes and hydrochloric acid, so if you have low stomach acid / poor digestion, this may help. (Zinc is not included in this formula but you may wish to add it if you are looking to help your production of digestive enzymes)
In summary, this formula really helps with all the above, and it may help you too. Douglas Labs also makes a similar formula although it has some variation in it's mix. Best wishes to you.
Addendum, additional updates since 2017: I had started taking this Thorne Basic B once a day plus an additional 50mg -100mg of P5P back in 2017-2018. Sometimes I would miss a day of both, I'm not perfect :). Eventually I got more disciplined and was taking the Basic B twice a day. I felt that was working better for me. Overall I can say for sure that the combo has helped to calm down my nervous system. I even went through some serious surgeries and medical procedures (extremely stressful) in 2017 and 2018, and in the past I would be a nervous wreck 24/7 and would not be able to calm down. However, I no longer get that uncontrollable anxiety anymore, although there can be some days where I can still fall into a depressive state. Magnesium powder or capsules have also helped keep me calmer (at bedtime), and I have taken some Skullcap, Ashwagandha, and/or Passionflower at times to further calm myself down as needed.
Since 2018 I have also tried other methylated B-complex formulas like MethylPro, Douglas Labs, Pure Encapsulations, Nordic Naturals, and Metabolic Maintenance - just to experiment. However I keep returning to this one because it seems to work the best for my physiology. Together with the P5P, this has been like a lifeline for me. I hope it can work for you too if you decide to try it."
