http://www.ei-resource.org/ 3751-535 http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-%11-nutritional-supplements/0%119/5%11methyltetrahydrofolate-(5%11mthf)-or-metafolin/ I have particular trouble with some supplements because one of my worst symptoms is hypersensitivity to toxics (because my stress glands are weak). I used to have my Cortef compounded locally to avoid the toxic fillers. My doctor also created a transdermal hormonal supplement that had perfumes in it that were almost life-threatening when my bood sugar is down. I don't know if many people/doctors/researchers take into consideration that aspect for the causation of side-effects. I am currently trying to use the Thorne 5-MTHF, and though they are listed as hypoallergenic, I can tell it is toxic by holding ut under my nose. If I take it, it has to be on one of my "good days" and I have to touch the de-capsulated powder to the tip of my tongue, and can only tolerate about one capsule over an hour's period with dubious results over-all. I'm trying to find an alternative supplier. ]]> Mon, 31 Jan 2011 20:28:00 +0000 3751-534 http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-%11-nutritional-supplements/0%119/5%11methyltetrahydrofolate-(5%11mthf)-or-metafolin/ I recently had genomic testing which revealed I was homozygous for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in both the C677T and A1298C variants of the MTHFR gene. This basically means that my MTHFR enzyme is very inefficient in the way it converts other forms of folate to the vital 5-MTHF form. As such I decided to try 5-MTHF supplements to essentially "bypass" this genetic block and ensure my body had enough 5-MTHF available to put into the methylation cycle. Important since poor methylation has been associated with both chronic fatigue syndrome and depression from which I have suffered for 20 and 15 years respectively. While in theory 5-MTHF is an essential supplement for me, in practice things didn't quite work out. I initially felt I was getting some benefit and experienced a minor "detox reaction" and brighter mood when supplementing at 500mcg/day. However it quite quickly became apparent that the 5-MTHF was causing significant digestive upset. My intestines felt very sore indeed and this subsided once I stopped taking the 5-MTHF. I have discovered that all methyl donors (TMG, SAMe etc) cause the same reaction. I have read that digestive upset is common with SAMe supplements but nothing about this with 5-MTHF or TMG so I am unsure whether others will experience the same problems with 5-MTHF or not. For those suffering from ME/CFS, depression, autism, or other illnesses in which methylation cycle deficits have been identified, and particularly those who know they have SNPs in MTHFR, a 5-MTHF supplement may very well help and therefore be worth a try. Just be aware of your 'gut reaction'! ]]> Wed, 26 Jan 2011 18:42:38 +0000 2244-332 http://www.ei-resource.org/treatment-%11-nutritional-supplements/0%119/5%11htp-(5%11hydroxytryptophan)/ I have suffered with insomnia for a number of years and have tried other over the counter remedies with no success. I have also tried the practical route of having a set bedtime, a hot milky drink, a relaxing lavender bath etc. My local health shop recommended 5HTP and it has made getting to sleep a lot easier. This was a big problem and I would start to get anxious as I went upstairs to bed knowing that I would have difficulty getting off to sleep. I feel so much better on 5HTP. I am obviously less tired but also my memory and concentration have improved. ]]> Wed, 18 Mar 2009 16:47:41 +0000