SpaceManJim says
1) I actually have a full genetics panel, what genes/mutations should I look for, and at what values, to determine if I have some methylation issues?
=> MTHFR gene mutation and test required
The MTHFR gene mutation inhibits the body's processing of folic acid (B9) and other important B vitamins.
Some of the best multivitamins for MTHFR mutation are methyl folate (B9), methyl cobalamin (B12) and B6 (PLP), vitamin D3, and glutathione.
And choline (to help recycling homocysteine into methionine).
MTHFR gene = The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene contains the DNA code to produce the MTHFR enzyme.
Note: Not simply acid folic or folate but methyl folate. B9 and B12 have to be methylated.
The MTHFR gene codes for an enzyme that helps your body convert homocysteine in excess when eating proteins. People with high homocysteine levels suffer from low-grade inflammation (not perceived); they typically respond well to supplementation with vitamins such as B6, B12, and folate (B9). The form of vitamin and the posology must be taken into account.
Test price for gene test: +/ 150 $. Most insurance companies do not cover this type of MTHFR gene test, and may leave you with an $800-$1,000 bill.
Home test for 677 and 1298 MTHFR Gene Variants (C677T and A1298C).
See customer review here on amazon (I have no personal background) for the manufacturer : “MTHFR Doctors”. It seems OK.
https://www.amazon.com/Comes-Physician-Recommendations-Results-Interpretation/dp/B07DMVV76W
An MTHFR gene test is used to look for the two most common MTHFR changes called C677T and A1298C. It's possible to have one or both of these gene changes without having any health problems. An MTHFR gene test may be done alone or as part of a group of genetic tests.
Personal advice: useful test but not obliged to if you consider you can manage the problem by adapting the treatment, acting as if you were deficient.
Note that a methylation defect has an impact on thyroid and the whole metabolism.
Useful info (in French, translator needed): Méthylation définition
What is methylation? Very few people know it, when it is the keystone of a multitude of vital actions within our organization (metabolism).
https://www.nutriting.com/experts/methylation/
2) And secondly, do you have any further practical recommendations regarding my supplement usage?
=> Get informed on the side effects when taking high dose of a supplement.
Situation: Restore communication between the brain and the thyroid. Get rid of toxic derivatives resulting from a methylation defect. Find out about the why of how when you take pyridoxine (B6) (form and dosage, errors not to be committed).
1st step:
- Get rid of excess of homocysteine
- help methylation process
=> I can make suggestion on products if desired.
Mind excess oxalates. It interferes with sulfur and at the end with methylation. I take potassium citrates to neutralize oxalates from spinach or when I eat rhubarb or combine several sources like chocolate, coffee or one of the twelve bastards.
Figure: Aliments riches en Oxalates : 12 Salopards
3) Btw, prolactin is probably an issue for sure, I had minor childhood gyno, maybe even still a little bit now as an adult though much less so. I notice that I feel flabby on bloated in the torso region specifically after sexual activity, but reliably I can pop a B6 afterwards and reverse it.
=> I would take B1 to help to get rid of lactic acid and high level of No when having sexual activity. See beneath too.
Need to be anticipated or it will take 2 or 3 days to get rid of excess. Especially if you eat refined carbs. B2 B3 and particularly B1 are required to assimilate sugars.
B6 can help here to relax.
PLP is required for the synthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and GABA, and as such is involved in both neuronal excitation and inhibition. (1)
Administration of VitB1, B6, and B12 forte relieved symptoms of moderate peripheral neuropathy. (2)
Tips to relax and lower excess lactic acid:
Breathing in co2 (bag) slightly lowered it, nothing significant.
Walking around actually lowers it. 30’ low exercise levels.
Biotin 50 milligrams would lower it.
- doi: 10.3945/an.113.005207 2015 (no need to read further).
- https://doi.org/10.14710/dimj.v2i1.9549 M. Silviana, D. et al. 2021. “Therapy in Peripheral Neuropathy Patients” (no need to read further).
Note: I’d add some glycine and magnesium bisglycinate after a sexual event.
A shake with:
- Orange juice 150 ml
- ½ scope of bisglycinate of magnesium (a scope = 2.5 gr)
- 1 scope potassium citrate (2 ml = 1.25 gr)
- 50-100 m PLP (20-25 mg if brain-sensible, at the beginning). I took 100 mg PLP with TMG (tri-methyl-glycine).
Explanation:
- Collagen could help (glycine). 1 tsp with the meal or a snack with dark chocolate (if appreciated).
- B6 modulates the activity of GABA.
PLP is used as a cofactor to synthesize and degrade GABA and modulate its activity. In this way pyridoxine administration facilitates GABA turnover.
PLP is the cofactor for the enzyme glutamate decarboxylase, which converts glutamate (the main excitatory neurotransmitter) into GABA (the main inhibitory neurotransmitter). - B6 can help increase progesterone and decrease estrogen, with adapted proportions. Mind this last point (with adapted proportions). Too much of a good thing is bad.
Source: B6 abaisse-t-il le niveau de dopamine?
Does B6 lower the level of dopamine? Pyridoxine has both dopamine improvement properties and dopamine blocking: on the one hand, pyridoxine (as dopamine) depresses the prolactin release of the pituitary gland; on the other hand, in oral doses of 10 to 20 mg, it quickly reverses the therapeutic effect of dopamine.
Source: Pyridoxine
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444537171013706
In Meyler's Side Effects of Drugs (Sixteenth Edition), 2016
https://www.sciencedirect.com/referencework/9780444537164/meylers-side-effects-of-drugs
Comment: Vitamin B6 is well documented for its role as a modulator of steroid hormones. Pyridoxal phosphate (PLP), the active form of Vitamin B6, may interfere with the action of the estrogen receptor (ER) by blocking the hormone-binding and/or DNA-binding site of the ER.
Source: PLP as Modulator of Steroid Hormones
PLP decreases estrogens and modulates DNA synthesis
Vitamin B6 Decreases Proliferation and DNA Synthesis of Human Mammary Carcinoma Cell Lines in Vitro. By Brandy Ellen Cowing.
*) Additional info 1:
B6 and molybdenum deficiency could both contribute to anxiety or insomnia. B6 lacks if excess sulfites or low-grade inflammation. When more vitamin B6 is consumed, for instance with arthrosis (anti-inflammation effect), this situation could lead to vitamin B6 deficiency. Deficiency of vitamin B6 blocks the metabolic pathway and leads to accumulation of kynurenine pathway intermediates.
See Chris Masterjohn for reference.
Excerpt (from CM):
B6 is needed to make melatonin and GABA, and to maximally suppress quinolinate. Molybdenum is needed to maximally suppress sulfite. Quinolinate stimulates excitatory glutamate receptors, and sulfite drives the generation of S-sulfocysteine, which does the same. Thus, B6 and molybdenum deficiency could both contribute to anxiety or insomnia.
*) Additional info 2:
Thiamine (B1) has also neuro-protective effects: Brain & Digestive System. There is a connection between the brain, the digestive system and the vagus nerve. Dr. Derrick Lonsdale calls this “dysautonomia and adaptation to the stress environment” when fuel is re-loaded.
Full post on this link (my forum), with explanations, figures, studies links and case reports if you want details and see how to manage in practice with high dose thiamin (B1) (How much and which kind of thiamine?).
https://mirzoune-ciboulette.forumactif.org/t2045-english-corner-anti-stress-neuro-protective-effects-of-thiamine-b1#29712
=> Neuroprotective Effects of Thiamine
Thiamine (vitamin B1) is essential for brain function because of the coenzyme role of thiamine diphosphate (ThDP) in glucose and energy metabolism.
Thiamine possesses “universal” anti-stress properties: B1 is mobilized in response to cellular stressors.
Mostlylurking has commented, on a previous post (in High-dose thiamine troubleshooting):
https://bioenergetic.forum/post/18941
“I think that the optimized cellular energy level that thiamine facilitates when working as a co-factor for several enzymes in the Krebs cycle restores the body's balance on the cellular level. Getting the body's energy level working on the cellular level as it is intended is neuro-protective. Think of it as restoring the electrical current that connects the body's cells so that they work in harmony.”
Note: There is a strict protocol when using high dose thiamine (B1).
Additional info (David Nazarian, M.D.)
Thiamine and Hormonal Balance: The Vital Connection
https://www.myconciergemd.com/blog/thiamine-and-hormonal-balance-the-vital-connection/
Excerpt: There is evidence that thiamine aids in maintaining normal thyroid function by lowering oxidative stress and enhancing energy metabolism. Additionally, thiamine is vital for maintaining correct nerve and muscle function, which can also aid in supporting healthy thyroid function.
A balanced diet with thiamine and other critical vitamins and minerals supports thyroid function.
Reminder: Do not take high dose thiamine without B2 (not necessarily every day).
*) To lower lactic acid:
Breathing in co2 slightly lowered it, nothing significant.
Walking around actually lowers it. 30’ low exercise levels.
Biotin 50 milligrams would lower it.