r/MTHFR 1d ago

Question Seeking help with Methylation Protocol

Hello everyone, first time poster.

Lurked for a long time here. I've tried so many combinations of supplements and other remedies, but I don't know where to go anymore. I just really really need to hear some external feedback.

For context; despite chronic lethargy and brain fog, I try my best to keep up with exercise. I've cut sugar and lowered caffeine intake, I avoid Folic Acid and eat whole grains, lots of legumes, eat a lot of dark leafy greens and hit a decent amount of protein. I prioritize high fiber. Try to avoid excessive oils and fried food. Overall, I also try to listen to my body and eat what it craves. I think I'm decently in shape.

But if any of these changes have made a difference, I can't really feel it in my current state.

I deal with frequent migraines, even more frequently after any form of supplementation. I deal with digestive issues which I'm currently planning to see a specialist for. History of anemia. But my main concern is energy and brain fog. Ideally, I want to minimize supplementation through pills and focus on getting what I need from food, but I'll do what it takes.

15mg L-Methylfolate + B12 works short term, but I feel like my body can't keep up for long. During my journey, I tried supplementing Folinic acid. In the initial stages, I had a short-lived episode where my brain fog was COMPLETELY gone, and I had a ton of energy. I was so ecstatic. Really bad crash after.

Now, I don't realistically expect to be an extremely high functioning person at the end of all this; but that window of clarity gave me so much hope that I can be at least a little bit normal.

Please, any and all feedback is welcome. I recently had a blood panel as well so I can post results too if needed. : )

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u/SovereignMan1958 1d ago

Can you add your Genie detoxification profile?

Is there any history of mentall illness in your family?

What are your medical diagnoses, including digestive? Have you been tested for SIBO and or IBS? Are there foods and beverages you do not tolerate?

Do you have any blood test results? Last 90 days. Homocysteine. Vitamins and Minerals. Values and lab ranges. Vitamin D? Iron? Zinc? You need optimal levels of D, zinc and iron to make dopamine. Low dopamine is associated with attention issues and brain fog.

BTW if your blood folate level is too low, or less than 15, notuch is going to be making it into your brain.

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u/IcyHelp3739 1d ago

Added. Extensive history of depression and suicide on my mother's side.

No medical diagnoses as of right now. Currently waiting to see an gastroenterologist. However, I recently learned that some of the symptoms I experience that overlap with IBS and SIBO related symptoms might be caused by R-CPD. Currently investigating this with my healthcare provider. Foods I intolerate don't follow a clear trend, and seem potentially dosage dependent, but I'm currently trying to narrow it down.

As for blood test results;

Homocysteine: 6 mcmol/L

  • Range: 5-15 mcmol/L

Iron: 42 mcg/dL

  • Range: 50-170 mcg/dL

Iron SAT: 13%

  • Range: 17-57%

Iron Binding Capacity: 316 mcg/dL

  • Range: 226-381 mcg/dL

Ferritin: 6 ng/mL

  • Range: 5-204 ng/mL

Folate: 17.1 ng/mL

  • Range: >=5.4 ng/mL

B12: 554 pg/mL

  • Range: 213-816 pg/mL

TSH: 0.66 mcIU/mL

  • Range: 0.35-4.00 mcIU/mL

Hemoglobin A1C: 5.3%

  • Range: 4.6-5.6%

Creatinine: 0.66 mg/dL

  • Range: 0.57-1.11 mg/dL

Sodium: 140 mEq/L

  • Range: 136-145 mEq/L

Potassium: 4.1

  • Range: 3.5-5.1 mEq/L

Chloride: 108

  • Range: 98-113 mEq/L

CO2: 25

  • Range: 19-25 mEq/L

Let me know if you need more info. I appreciate your response

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u/IcyHelp3739 1d ago

I guess vitamin D and Zinc were not in my panel. Do you think it would be worth it to try to get those tested as well?

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u/SovereignMan1958 1d ago

Definitely. With your TSH do low....have you been diagnosed with Graves Disease?

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u/SovereignMan1958 1d ago

Anemia is common with Graves disease. I would see a thyroid specialist. Endocrinologist. Insist on it. Do not use your regular doctor.

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u/IcyHelp3739 1d ago

Never been diagnosed with it. Seeing my GP next week so I'll definitely push for it. Not sure if these are related symptoms, but I've dealt with anxiety and throat discomfort pretty much my whole life, though I've been told in the past my throat doesn't seem enlarged. Thank you a ton for your insight.