question re: Metanx alternatives
 

I happened upon a post by Mrs D yesterday. This was before I knew about this forum & before joining. It listed Solgar Folate, Jarrow Methyl B-12 and Now Foods P-5-P as substitutes for Metanx. I've been taking Metanx for about 2 yrs, but not originally for PN. A podiatrist prescribed it for a SEVERE foot itch that happened every 3-4 months but would be so intense I often scratched myself raw. I can hardly begin to describe the pain of this itch. Fortunately, the itch never occurred when I wasn't home because I'm not sure what I'd have done. The Metanx has basically stopped this. I've had the itch maybe a couple of times, but not nearly to the severity as before. Then several months ago I started having an occasional odd feeling in my feet and sometimes hands. No pain, just something not normal. Went to the doc and he referred me to a neurologist. After nerve tests, he said I have a mild case of PN and thought the itch had been the beginning of it. He prescribed Celebrex which I'm not taking. Since I have no real pain or disability from the PN, I didn't want to take something like this. I continued with Metanx. But the price is escalating like crazy, so I was happy to see the supplement alternatives. Went to a nutrition store yesterday and bought the B-12 and folate. The man there, who seemed VERY knowledgeable, suggested that instead of the P-5-P I should use Life Link Primage. Said studies on cats :-(( had shown that nerve damage repaired itself. Said it also helps with symptoms of aging, diabetes, etc. I don't have diabetes but have blood work done at least twice a yr to monitor it since my sugar level is between 106 and 110. I started walking nearly daily about 4 months ago so am hoping the next blood work will show that's been reduced. Sooooo, all of this is to ask -- mainly I'd like to hear from Mrs D -- what you think of this Primage instead of the P-5-P. Also, this guy suggested TMG so since it wasn't expensive, I bought it. Haven't opened any of these so can return the Primage or TMG if you don't think they're worth taking. I REALLY want to keep this itch away!!!

Hi, I work for Metanx and after reading your post the first thing that came to my mind was my dad saying "if it aint brook, don't fix it". The difference between Metanx ingredients' and all others is they are active. That is, when you take Metanx the L-methyl folate, B12, and p-5-p do not need to be metabolized to start working and this is where most of the benefit is lost. Many people cannot metabolize these ingredients' into active forms so they are useless. an example is to get the same amount of active folate from one Metanx tablet, you would need to take approximately 56, 800mg folate tablets. Go to the Metanx web site and see for your self and also check out the human studies that have been published. ** I hope this is useful information and helps separate why you have had such great success with Metanx and remember, what makes you well keeps you well. Good Luck.

Please post what is in Primage? I could not find it on the net.

Metanx can be done with OTC supplements... the doses would be different and have to be adjusted, however.

Metanx does NOT give directions to take on an empty stomach...because the methylB12 in it requires that. Also the folate is really high, and many PNers may not need that much.
Some studies are showing high folate may MAY increase colon cancer. This is not proved yet, but a worry still none the less.

P5P is still available OTC. But we do not know what the future will bring. NOW brand is enteric coated, which I believe Metanx is not. So Metanx does not assure GI optimum absorption, that I have seen. Granted it is a first time great gesture, but like many things in PN, it falls short IMO (esp for what you pay for it).

Before taking the Metanx.... did you have blood work done...? to show what your levels of B12 and folate were? This would have been helpful.

The price of Metanx keeps increasing. Yes, it's working fine, but I can't afford to keep adding more to my limited budget. When I started taking it, it was just over $30 at Costco. Now it's about $55 at one place I found and even more in other places. I need to find lower-cost alternatives.

reply to Mrs D on Primage
 

I'm not sure I'm doing this reply thing the right way. New to this. :-) I was given a printout on Primage. Says it's "a formulation containing two forms of Vit B-6: pyridoxamine and pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (P5P). (Ordinary vitamin B-6 supplements usually consist of another form, called 'pyridoxine'.) The P5P in our formula slows the body's conversion of pyridoxamine to other substances, thereby prolonging its activity." (Just tried to send this with a link to the printout but got a message that until I send 10 or more posts, I can't include a link. Is there another way, Mrs. D, that I can send this to you? I know, how about if I'm clever with it? Try this. *edit*

When I was buying these things, I asked if the Primage and the others were activated (I'd read on your previous posting, Mrs. D, and also been told by the podiatrist that this is important) and was told yes, they are. I know zero about these things so really need the help of people who know way more than I do. I took my last Metanx today so need to start on these supplements if that's what I'm going to do.

As to blood work, no, I was not given any before starting Metanx, but do get blood work a few times a year. On Mar. 28 my B-12 was 1142 (limits stated on the report are 211-911 pg/mL) so I'm sure the higher number is due to the Metanx. Folate was >20.0. Under "limits" on the report it says ng/mL, and I have no idea what that means. I was told at the nutrition store that an excess of B-12 is not harmful, that it's simply peed out.

Okay, I found the supplement you are describing.

I think the dose recommended at 300mg is too high and not necessary.
Even at one capsule, 100mg is high.

Most people don't need that much B6 in ANY form.

Here is an alternative example... one a day.
http://www.iherb.com/Now-Foods-P-5-P...blets/740?at=0
I believe the main action of Metanx is the methylB12 in it.
Folate is not that critical in PNers, unless they have the genetic mutation MTHFR... which is about 10% of the population.
The methyl folate then is useful for those people.
The activated B6 is useful for people low in B2 which is needed to activate pyridoxal kinase --which is the enzyme that activates pyridoxine.

Notice that P5P by NOW is enteric coated...that is for a good reason.
Take methylcobalamin (methylB12) always on an empty stomach. With that high B12 in Metanx I'd expect you to be higher than you are. But you are high enough for most purposes as it is. My B12 went up to 1999 (test max) on 5mg of methylB12 on an empty stomach, for 3 months of Puritan's Pride version...for pennies a day.

It is possible to do this yourself for far less $$.

You can always reach me via PM. I think you are active for this function now.

Correction
 

I misspoke when I said the neurologist prescribed Celebrex. It was actually Cymbalta. Both start with a "C." Sorry. :-( But nevertheless, I'm not taking it.