L-methylfolate is the active form of folate that skips the MTHFR step. Dr. Johnston explains how it differs from folic acid and points to a small glioma trial.
MTHFR is a gene that helps convert folic acid into the form cells use, and a large share of people carry at least one common variant. L-methylfolate is already in the active form, so it does not need that conversion step.
The video then points to a phase I trial in recurrent high-grade glioma, which Part 2 covers in detail.
What if something as simple as the form of folate your body can actually use could change the biology of one of the deadliest cancers in America?
34 years ago, the U.S. Public Health Service recommended that every woman capable of becoming pregnant consume 400 micrograms of folic acid daily, based upon evidence that folic acid supplementation substantially reduced the risk of spina bifida and anencephaly and other neural tube defects. The problem with that is most unborn children develop neural tube defects before the woman knew they were pregnant. So in March of 1996, the FDA issued its last rule and required enriched cereal grain products be fortified with folic acid. Things like bread, flour, rice, and pasta.
The problem with this is many Americans cannot metabolize folic acid very well, thanks to a mutation that's common called MTHFR. And unmetabolized folic acid may do more harm than good.
I'm Dr. Patrick Johnston. In nearly three decades of practicing medicine, I've used prescription-strength L-methylfolate, which is partially metabolized vitamin B9, mostly for the three primary indications for which the FDA approved it. Diabetic neuropathy, dementia, and depression. It's my primary go-to for depression in teenagers because it was the only one approved by the FDA that did not also increase the risk of suicide.
More than 40% of Americans have a mutation of one of the MTHFR genes that's necessary to metabolize B9 or folic acid. It's also important to methylate DNA when cells replicate. Folic acid is a precursor to so many things the body needs for immune response, hormones, and neurotransmitters. L-methylfolate bypasses this common mutation, so this study caught my attention.
Educational research summary, not medical advice. Talk with your oncologist and pharmacist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment or supplement.