MTHFR and folic acid vs folate

allieb543 · December 2014

Hi ladies,

I have MTHFR and my ob prescribed extra folic acid (folgard generic) in addition to my otc prenatal that also has folic acid. I've been reading up on MTHFR and have come across a lot of info that says folic acid should be avoided and only folate should be taken vs the synthetic folic acid. Most of what I've read seems to indicate prescribing folgard is outdated and can potentially cause more harm than good, which is alarming.

I am going to call the ob to discuss tomorrow and make my prenatal specialist appointment as well, but I would love feedback and experiences from others on this.

Guennie · December 2014

I've never lurked here before but I saw the title of your post...I also have MTHFR, two mutations. I suffered several losses, all in first tri. After I was diagnosed with MTHFR I too started reading up and came to the same conclusion as you. My dr said I could take folic acid but I chose to follow my instincts and take only folate. I now have an extremely healthy one year old daughter.

Here is what I did. I took prenatals that were whole food sourced and contained folate rather than folic acid. I supplemented with 5-MTHF which is methyl folate and I also took active B-12 because it's needed as a cofactor. You can find all of these at a lot of health food stores or just order them online. I also took one baby aspirin a day.

You don't need the rx, I truly believe it's best to stick to natural formulations. I really hope this helps. Best of luck to you!!!

allieb543 · December 2014

Thanks so much for the reply! I am definitely going to order a prenatal with folate. Do you have a favorite? I'm looking at New Chapter and Vitamin Code Raw.

StacyJYay · December 2014

You can also ask your doctor for a prescription for Metanx. It's methyl folate at high levels. It very well may be covered by your insurance, too. Best of luck to you!
(p.s. I second asking your doctor whether a daily baby aspirin should be part of your regimen.)

soontobemomof6 · December 2014

I have MTHFR (compound Herero) but I'm managing it well so my homocysteine level is excellent so I don't need baby aspirin or gobs of folate (though my prenatal does have folate). I'm saying that bc I suggest you get homocysteine level checked- as that will help determine your risk for clots and how well you are processing folate/folic acid intake currently. Also im convinced b12 in high amounts is what helped me get my homo to a good level.

chicagobride_07 · December 2014

I have MTHFR and my doc prescribed Metanx. Insurance did cover this.

allieb543 · December 2014

Thanks ladies! I will check into Metanx. I am also homozygous factor v leiden so I'm already on daily baby aspirin and 40 MG daily lovenox shots. The MTHFR wasn't treated at all with my last pregnancy since I didn't know about it until 24 weeks, but thankfully I have a healthy 15 month old even though i just took regular otc prenatals with folic acid and the shots from 24 weeks on last time.

This time I have been reading up on it and have completely freaked myself out. I'm 10 weeks along now. My ob is out of the country but another from the office said to just keep taking the folgard. I am worried this is not the right path but struggling with trusting the doc right now.

daffodil428 · January 2015

I know i'm sort of resurrecting this post... but I'm in this same boat right now and am curious how it worked out for @allieb543let me know

I'm taking folgard and when asking his nurse to please talk to him about the prescription I was told "that's what the doctor always prescribes" unfortunately my MFM was not available the last time 2 times I was in the office so I couldn't speak with him myself... ugghhh... I'm debating being radical and taking myself off the damn pill and starting a supplement.

In any event I have an appointment with my OB tomorrow and will fight with him to fight with the mfm on my behalf.

allieb543 · January 2015

daffodil428 said:
I know i'm sort of resurrecting this post... but I'm in this same boat right now and am curious how it worked out for @allieb543let me know

I'm taking folgard and when asking his nurse to please talk to him about the prescription I was told "that's what the doctor always prescribes" unfortunately my MFM was not available the last time 2 times I was in the office so I couldn't speak with him myself... ugghhh... I'm debating being radical and taking myself off the damn pill and starting a supplement.
In any event I have an appointment with my OB tomorrow and will fight with him to fight with the mfm on my behalf.

Hey there! Sorry you are going through this as well. I have an appointment with the perinatal consultant next week and today I decided to take myself off the folgard. I just don't feel comfortable with it. I had the nurse check my chart and I'm homozygous for the mthfr c so I really don't want to risk all that folic acid my baby is probably not getting.

I'm waiting to hear back from my ob since she's been out of the country but I'm going to push for Metanx and take an otc prenatal with folate in the interim as well as 5-mthf otc. I like and trust my ob in general but just worry this isn't their specialty and there is so much outdated information and lack of knowledge for ob's since it's not their specialty. I'm hoping the specialist has more insight.

Thanks for resurrecting the thread and keep me posted!

daffodil428 · January 2015

I will! Thanks for getting back

I've gotta call my mfm doc. Monday.

k_kristi_r · January 2015

My mfm recommended only methofolate

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