Folate Blood Level Accuracy
 

I'm concerned that I may not be utilized the folate that I'm taking in folic acid form. My blood serum is near 20 but I've read this is not an accurate predictor of how the body is using the folate. I've read the same is true with magnesium.

I'm considering getting genetic testing done through 23andme.

Should I switch to a methylated folate? Any experience on these topics?

I doubt 23andme does the allele analysis you would need to find a genetic folate problem. Most targeted DNA tests for these rare conditions cost $400 to $4000. The broad 23andme tests only indicate carrier status and only for 35 conditions.

What symptoms are you thinking could be the result of ineffective folate absorption ?

Methylation errors are one set that 23andme reports.

Taking methylfolate instead of folic acid, is not a big deal.
It just costs a bit more money. Methylcobalamin and methylfolate are readily available OTC now.

Don't exceed 800mcg of the folate however.

Some doctors use high dose methylfolate (Deplin) to treat
drug resistant depression.

MTHFR.net also does this test.
MTHFR Mutation | MTHFR Gene Mutation | What is MTHFR? - MTHFR.net

mrsD,

I looked at the 23andme reports and did not see the methylation error. Is it hidden as part of a different condition ? I did not see anything about the SLC46A1 gene.

My understanding is that the OTC DNA tests were severely restricted by the FDA a few years ago. The prohibition was to not provide health explanations of the SNPs reported.

That has been changed recently, but I don't know in what regard the change liberalizes the reporting.

Here is a good PDF however...explaining the MTHFR polymorphisms in detail: It also explains the testing etc.

http://www.seekinghealth.com/media/M...tion-Basic.pdf

If a person suspects a DNA error but doesn't want to go thru the testing and personal research of the reported SNPs, they can just take the methylfolate and methylcobalamin... Neither is RX and not dangerous to self monitor.

I found this on Page 21 of the link.

MTHFR Genetic Testing is available through:
•Spectracell
•Quest
•LabCorp
•Baylor Research Institute –excellent out of pocket option if insurance does not cover
•23andMe -(provides only raw data which must be interpreted. Interpretation done by MTHFR Support – Raising Awareness, One Doctor At A Time)

Frequently Asked Questions – MTHFR Support

Look on the left for 'Practitioners, Consults and Interpretations' for info about finding a practitioner to do the interpretation..

Promethease (Promethease) does a good job of annotating raw 23andMe SNP datafiles. It is cheap ($US5 per run).