The April 2010 issue of Prevention magazine contained an article entitled Is Your Breakfast Giving You Cancer?, which has generated significant media and public concern regarding folic acid. The Prevention magazine article presents research that suggests that synthetic folic acid fortification of white flour, rice, breakfast cereals, nutrition bars, beverages, most multi-vitamins and many other nutritional supplements, has led to significant increases in cancer, particularly colon, prostate, and lung cancer.

Although folic acid has been associated with many health benefits such as reduced incidences of spina bifida, there are a number of research studies suggesting potential health risks of high intake of folic acid from fortified foods and dietary supplements.

How can a supplement that is supposed to be healthy for you be a problem? It comes down to genetics. Folic acid must be converted to its active form to be used by the body. One in three people have a genetic enzyme defect that impairs their ability to properly utilize folic acid and convert it to it's active form 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate). For these individuals 5-MTHF supplementation is a more effective method of folate repletion.

5-MTHF is an essential cofactor in the metabolism of the amino acid metabolite homocysteine. 5-MTHF also must be present in sufficient quantity for normal production of the neurotransmitters serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. These functions make 5-MTHF critical for both cardiovascular function and mood support.

Supplemental 5-MTHF is also being used in individuals who have been shown to have this genetic enzyme defect for a variety of conditions such as autism, ADHD, infertility, depression, anxiety, heart disease and cancer.

How do you know if you have a problem metabolizing folic acid? A simple blood test for MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) can determine if you have a genetic defect. There are more than 50 known MTHFR variants, but the two prime variants are called 677 and 1298, the numbers refer to their location on the gene. The routine lab test for MTHFR variant only reports on 677T and 1298C as these are the most studied.

Once a MTHFR variation is confirmed then a number of steps can be taken to minimize health problems due to MTHFR. The treatment of MTHFR related problems is primarily nutritional. Although folates are abundant in the diet, cooking or processing destroys these compounds making it difficult to get them in a therapeutic dose. The best folate sources in foods are green, leafy vegetables; sprouts, fruits, brewer's yeast, and liver.

Taking supplemental 5-MTHF can have significant benefits for people with these genetic variants needing therapeutic support.

Dr. Pamela Langenderfer is a licensed naturopathic physician and licensed acupuncturist. She is the co-owner of Lakeside Holistic Health, PLLC with locations in Coeur d'Alene and Liberty Lake. She can be reached at (208) 758-0568 or visit www.lakesideholistic.com for more information.