That wasn’t braziliandude’s story.
Original story appears to be here. In any event, mods should extract these posts and create a new thread
Dear 23andMe Customers,
I’m writing to update you on our conversation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and how it impacts you.
If you are a customer whose kit was purchased before November 22, 2013, your 23andMe experience will not change. You will be able to access both ancestry and health-related information as you always have.
23andMe has complied with the FDA’s directive and stopped offering new consumers access to health-related genetic results while the company moves forward with the agency’s regulatory review processes. Be sure to refer to our 23andMe blog for updates.
We stand behind the data we have generated for customers. Our lab partner adheres to strict quality standards that are part of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 - known as CLIA. These are the same standards used in the majority of other health and disease-related tests.
You are among the first people in the world to ever get access to their genomes. You are genetic pioneers. Thank you for your ongoing support and we look forward to continuing to serve you.
Anne Wojcicki
Co-founder and CEO, 23andMe
I have a 23andme test kit which I received a while ago but never got around to mailing off. Fortunately they are still processing orders which were placed prior to the FDA notice so I’m going to send it off soon.
I just got the results of the Mitochondrial Function Profile my doctor ordered. I think some points might be relevant to this glutathione depletion discussion.
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Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was very low - this is an important antioxidant enzyme.
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Mn-SOD protects the mitochrondia - normal
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Zu/Cu-SOD provides general cell protection - very low
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EC-SOD protects the nitric oxide pathways - very low
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Cell-free DNA was very high - this is DNA from damaged cells, indicating a large number of damaged cells.
The guy who runs the lab said the high cell-free DNA was probably caused by the low superoxide dismutase. I guess this means cells are not being protected properly from oxidative stress, and are getting damaged.
He suggested running another test called “glutathione-S-transferase” to see if there are detoxification problems. I’m going to do this test in Jan.
Finally, after many obstacles, I managed to get the Methylation Panel tests done and here are the results from the lab in Holland;
AminoAcids in Plasma
Glutathione (oxidised) 0.57 µmol/L Range (0.16 - 0.50)
Glutathione (reduced) 3.4 µmol/L (3.8 - 5.50)
Derivates
S-Adenosylmethionine (RBC) 219 µmol/dl (221 - 256)
S-Adenosylhomocysteine (RBC) 56.6 µmol/dl (38.0 - 48.0)
FOLIC ACID DERIVATES
5-CH3-THF 9.0 nmol/l (8.4 - 72.6)
10-Formyl-THF 5.4 nmol/l (1.5 -8.2)
5-Formyl-THF 4.9 nmol/l (1.20 - 11.70)
THF 0.60 nmol/l (0.6 - 6.80)
Folic Acid 10.7 nmol/l (8.9 - 24.6)
Folinic Acid (WB) 8.2 nmol/l (9.0 - 35.5)
Active Folate (RBC) 356 nmol/l (400 - 1500)
NUCLEOSIDE
Adenosine 25.5 10^-8 M (16.8 - 21.4 )
If anyone can shed any light on them it will be greatly appreciated
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic … 892#p34560
propeciahelp.com/forum/viewtopic … 220#p75454
This guy claimed to have recovered by eating raw spinach. Does his recovery qualify to be due to adequate folate intake from spinach?
Lots of active-folate and Glutathione in Spinach. Hard to know for sure though.
could anyone give me directions exactly what type of folic acid and b12 should i buy?
thank you
mthfr.net/l-methylfolate-methylf … 012/04/05/
Those with MTHFR mutations scan labels, read websites or listen to their doctors rattle of conflicting terms for a nutrient they really need.
Understanding which form of methylfolate is best must be clear.
Why all the confusion?
Because there are so many different terms used for methylfolate.
By the end, you will understand everything you need to know about methylfolate.
More significantly – you will understand how to pick the right form of methylfolate.
Terms often used for methylfolate are:
Methylfolate
L-MTHF
L-Methylfolate
L-Methylfolate Calcium
D-Methylfolate
D-5-Methylfolate
Levomefolic Acid
Metafolin
5-MTHF
5-Methylfolate
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate
L-5-MTHF
L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate
6(S)-5-MTHF
6(S)-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate
6(R)-5-MTHF
6(R)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate
Quatrefolic
Are these forms of methylfolate all the same?
No.
Are any of these forms of methylfolate the same?
Yes. The same forms are grouped together here. These forms are synonymous with each other:
L-5-MTHF = L-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate = 6(S)-L-MTHF = 6(S)-L-Methyltetrahydrofolate
Good forms which are well absorbed
L-Methylfolate Calcium = Metafolin = Levomefolic Acid
Good forms which are all well absorbed
D-5-MTHF = D-5-Methyltetrahydrofolate = 6(R)-L-MTHF = 6(R)-L-Methyltetrahydrofolate
Avoid these (learn why soon…)
Then what are the other forms of methylfolate?
The other forms of methylfolate may or may not be 99% pure biologically active methylfolate.
5-MTHF
5-Methylfolate
5-Methyltetrahydrofolate
How come these may or may not be 99% pure biologically active methylfolate?
These forms do not specify the L form (or 6(S) form) of methylfolate; therefore, you do not know what you are ingesting.
The forms of methylfolate not specifying L or 6(S) likely contain more than 1% of the D form of methylfolate.
What is the difference between D and L forms of Methylfolate?
In organic chemistry, one learns compounds may have the exact same molecular formula and sequence of bonded atoms but differ three dimensionally. These compounds are known as steroisomers.[1]
There are two common forms of sterioisomers:
Enantiomers:
mirror images of each other, such as our hands.
same physical properties
may have different biological effects
Diastereoisomers:
not mirror images of each other
rarely have same physical properties
have different biological effects
Methylfolate has stereoisomers in the form of diastereoisomers.
The forms of methylfolate that are biologically active are:
L forms
6(S) forms
L-5 forms
Metafolin
L-Methylfolate Calcium
Levomefolic Acid
Quatrefolic
The forms of methylfolate that are NOT biologically active are:
D forms
6(R) forms
The forms of methylfolate that may or may not be biologically active are the:
forms which do not specify L, 6(S) or trademarked name of Metafolin
5-MTHF
5-methylfolate
5-methyltetrahydrofolate
From the package insert of Metanx, a prescription drug using biologically active Metafolin[2]:
“L-methylfolate or 6(S)-5-methyltetrahydrofolate [6(S)-5-MTHF], is the primary biologically active diastereoisomer of folate and the primary form of folate in circulation. It is also the form which is transported across membranes into peripheral tissues, particularly across the blood brain barrier. In the cell, 6(S)-5-MTHF is used in the methylation of homocysteine to form methionine and tetrahydrofolate (THF). THF is the immediate acceptor of one carbon units for the synthesis of thymidine-DNA, purines (RNA and DNA) and methionine. About 70% of food folate and cellular folate is comprised of 6(S)-5-MTHF. Folic acid, the synthetic form of folate, must undergo enzymatic reduction by methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) to become biologically active. Genetic mutations of MTHFR result in a cell’s inability to convert folic acid to 6(S)-5-MTHF.
Metafolin® (L-methylfolate calcium) is a substantially diastereoisomerically pure source of L-methylfolate containing not more than 1% D-methylfolate which results in not more than 0.03 milligrams of D-methylfolate in Metanx®
D-methylfolate or 6®-5-methyltetrahydrofolate [6®-5-MTHF] is the other diastereoisomer of folate. Studies administering doses of 2.5 mg per day or higher resulted in plasma protein binding of D-methylfolate higher than L-methylfolate causing a significantly higher renal clearance of L-methylfolate when compared to D-methylfolate. Further, D-methylfolate is found to be stored in tissues in the body, mainly in the liver. D-methylfolate is not metabolized by the body and has been hypothesized to inhibit regulatory enzymes related to folate and homocysteine metabolism and reduces the bioavailability of L-methylfolate.”
Example of why all this is important to know
A supplement company has a supplement called, “5-MTHF”
Let’s say this supplement states it contains 10 mg of 5-MTHF.
One assumes this contains 10 mg of biologically active L-methylfolate.
Don’t assume.
The likelihood of it containing 99% of the biologically active form of L-methylfolate is slim to none.
Why?
Prescription drugs such as Deplin contain 99% active L-methylfolate as Metafolin. Deplin provides two potencies of L-methylfolate: 7.5 mg and a 15 mg
This much L-methylfolate is VERY potent and must be prescribed by a physician.
Merck does not allow any supplement company to provide more than 1 mg of their L-methylfolate in a stand-alone supplement. If L-methylfolate, as Metafolin, is included in a formula along with other nutrients, then a maximum of 800 mcg is allowed.
What amount of this 10 gram 5-MTHF supplement actually contains the biologically active L-methylfolate?
It is not known without requesting a lab report.
The likelihood of it containing a significant amount of the inactive D form of methylfolate is high.
Remember, the D form of methylfolate is undesirable and actually may reduce the bioavailability of L-methylfolate.
What to do?
Two things:
Request a prescription from their physician to obtain drugs containing Metafolin.
Look for supplements specifying the amount of active L-methylfolate.
Drugs containing Metafolin are:
Metanx
Deplin
Cerefolin
CerefolinNAC
Neevo
NeevoDHA
Supplements with Methylfolate
One must carefully evaluate supplements specifying the use of Metafolin, Quatrefolic or the L form.
If the supplement does not specify on the label that it uses Metafolin, Quartrefolic or the L form of methylfolate, then it is not recommended to use without first inquiring directly to the manufacturer. A manufacturer may have named their product as 5-MTHF and use the pure L form of methylfolate; however, one must inquire to be certain.
Quatrefolic: What is this?
This is a new form of methylfolate that uses glucosamine instead of calcium to bind the L-methylfolate. Quatrefolic is also a quality form of L-methylfolate.
Key Points about Methylfolate:
Not all methylfolate is the same
The D form of methylfolate actually is undesired and should be avoided
The L form of methylfolate is the desired form
There are many names for the same thing. Understand them.
Supplements using the pure form of L-Methylfolate
Seeking Health uses purely the L-methylfolate as Metafolin.
very good post, thank you.
could you give me a link to the exact supplament you took?
B Complex
amazon.com/gp/product/B001CY … UTF8&psc=1
Methyl Folate
-was using-
amazon.com/gp/product/B005OE … UTF8&psc=1
-now using-
amazon.com/gp/product/B002R3 … UTF8&psc=1
Both are fine
Methyl B12
amazon.com/gp/product/B00ANA … UTF8&psc=1
Thanks.
And what benefits did you get from that?
Thank you vanish and to.robin for posting these results.
Lots of great, consistent data rolling in.
I hope that everyone with these results will use this as a platform to get answers from health care providers in their areas and start feeding back what they learn.
These tests are shedding consistent light on our state. There is probably a clinician of some sort that, given our background and this data, could probably help us.
I think the message is something like this:
"I’m from a patient group that is composed of men who took Finasteride/anti-androgen (etc), and have had persistent side effects… research into our condition is just starting up (maybe short citations on the handful of studies)…
A handful of us have made measurements into Methylation cycle metabolites and glutathione levels (both reduced and oxidized), given some research on the effects of Finasteride and oxidative stress genes (citations are available in this thread if needed).
What we have found is consistently depleted reduced glutathione (GSH), often high oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and low SAMe. We’ve also gathered genetic data in our group for specific SNPs based on previously determine sites of interest in the the Autism and CFS patient groups (MTHFR, BHMT, CBS, etc) - we do not have a significant sample size of genetic data yet. And we’ve found there that in our group to be highly mutated in suspected genes that would weaken our ability to perpetuate the methylation cycle and produce glutathione.
Given these findings, we’ve starting trying to learn from other communities, such as autism, where these measurements are suspected to be related…"
There is always value in getting help from someone who has seem a high volume of patients and is able to gather patterns on what works and what doesn’t. We just need the data to express what’s going on.
Interesting stuff. I just ordered:
Life Extension Optimized Folate (L-Methylfolate) (1000mcg)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B005CD3KCA/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Basic B Complex by Thorne
http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B001CYK13Y/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Should I add NAC?
An article on glutathione and how to increase it through food/sups, by Dr. Mark Hyman:
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/dr-mark-hyman/glutathione-the-mother-of_b_530494.html
"The Importance of Glutathione in Protecting Against Chronic Illness
Glutathione is critical for one simple reason: It recycles antioxidants. You see, dealing with free radicals is like handing off a hot potato. They get passed around from vitamin C to vitamin E to lipoic acid and then finally to glutathione which cools off the free radicals and recycles other antioxidants. After this happens, the body can “reduce” or regenerate another protective glutathione molecule and we are back in business.
However, problems occur when we are overwhelmed with too much oxidative stress or too many toxins. Then the glutathione becomes depleted and we can no longer protect ourselves against free radicals, infections, or cancer and we can’t get rid of toxins. This leads to further sickness and soon we are in the downward spiral of chronic illness.
But that’s not all. Glutathione is also critical in helping your immune system do its job of fighting infections and preventing cancer. That’s why studies show that it can help in the treatment of AIDS.(i)
Glutathione is also the most critical and integral part of your detoxification system. All the toxins stick onto glutathione, which then carries them into the bile and the stool – and out of your body.
And lastly, it also helps us reach peak mental and physical function. Research has shown that raised glutathione levels decrease muscle damage, reduce recovery time, increase strength and endurance and shift metabolism from fat production to muscle development.
If you are sick or old or are just not in peak shape, you likely have glutathione deficiency.
In fact, the top British medical journal, the Lancet, found the highest glutathione levels in healthy young people, lower levels in healthy elderly, lower still in sick elderly and the lowest of all in the hospitalized elderly. (ii)
Keeping yourself healthy, boosting your performance, preventing disease and aging well depends on keeping your glutathione levels high. I’ll say it again … Glutathione is so important because it is responsible for keeping so many of the keys to UltraWellness optimized.
It is critical for immune function and controlling inflammation. It is the master detoxifier and the body’s main antioxidant, protecting our cells and making our energy metabolism run well.
And the good news is that you can do many things to increase this natural and critical molecule in your body. You can eat glutathione-boosting foods. You can exercise. And you can take glutathione-boosting supplements. Let’s review more specifics about each.
9 Tips to Optimize your Glutathione Levels
These 9 tips will help you improve your glutathione levels, improve your health, optimize your performance and live a long, healthy life.
Eat Foods that Support Glutathione Production
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Consume sulfur-rich foods. The main ones in the diet are garlic, onions and the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, collards, cabbage, cauliflower, watercress, etc.).
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Try bioactive whey protein. This is great source of cysteine and the amino acid building blocks for glutathione synthesis. As you know, I am not a big fan of dairy. But this is an exception – with a few warnings. The whey protein MUST be bioactive and made from non-denatured proteins (“denaturing” refers to the breakdown of the normal protein structure). Choose non-pasteurized and non-industrially produced milk that contains no pesticides, hormones, or antibiotics. Immunocal is a prescription bioactive non-denatured whey protein that is even listed in the Physician’s Desk Reference.
Exercise for Your Way to More Glutathione
- Exercise boosts your glutathione levels and thereby helps boost your immune system, improve detoxification and enhance your body’s own antioxidant defenses. Start slow and build up to 30 minutes a day of vigorous aerobic exercise like walking or jogging, or play various sports. Strength training for 20 minutes 3 times a week is also helpful.
Take Glutathione Supporting Supplements
One would think it would be easy just to take glutathione as a pill, but the body digests protein – so you wouldn’t get the benefits if you did it this way. However, the production and recycling of glutathione in the body requires many different nutrients and you CAN take these. Here are the main supplements that need to be taken consistently to boost glutathione. Besides taking a multivitamin and fish oil, supporting my glutathione levels with these supplements is the most important thing I do every day for my personal health.
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N-acetyl-cysteine. This has been used for years to help treat asthma and lung disease and to treat people with life-threatening liver failure from Tylenol overdose. In fact, I first learned about it in medical school while working in the emergency room. It is even given to prevent kidney damage from dyes used during x-ray studies.
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Alpha lipoic acid. This is a close second to glutathione in importance in our cells and is involved in energy production, blood sugar control, brain health and detoxification. The body usually makes it, but given all the stresses we are under, we often become depleted.
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Methylation nutrients (folate and vitamins B6 and B12). These are perhaps the most critical to keep the body producing glutathione. Methylation and the production and recycling of glutathione are the two most important biochemical functions in your body. Take folate (especially in the active form of 5 methyltetrahydrofolate), B6 (in active form of P5P) and B12 (in the active form of methylcobalamin).
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Selenium. This important mineral helps the body recycle and produce more glutathione.
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A family of antioxidants including vitamins C and E (in the form of mixed tocopherols), work together to recycle glutathione.
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Milk thistle (silymarin) has long been used in liver disease and helps boost glutathione levels.
So use these nine tips and see how they work to help you optimzie your glutathione levels. When you do, you will take one more step to lifelong vibrant health."
2 Likes
@droit:
Taking into consideration the latest studies which indicate altered neuristeroid levels in pds victims, do you think that there is a connection between oxidative stress and neurosteroid levels? I personally believe that these two are the main problem with pfs but both have to be fixed for a possible recovery. I found that taking folate,p-5-p and methylcobalamin helped me a lot but not in terms of libido or penis sensitivity. Whats your thoughts on this?
Be careful with Milk thistle, as it is a p450 inhibitor. There is an active thread started by mariovitali that asserts the decreased activity p450 cytochromes is one of the causes of PFS
Yeah, awor got pretty wrecked by milk thistle. Caused another crash and gave him a bunch of symptoms he didn’t have before.