Methylation and Fertility

Question 1

Effect of poor methylation on fertility

Answer 1

• MTHFR ― an important folate-metabolising enzyme
  that is crucial for reproductive function. A common
  MTHFR polymorphism (C677T) results in reduced
  MTHFR activity leading to impaired folate metabolism and elevated
  homocysteine (→ poor egg maturity and egg quality, ↑ oestrogen).
• Polymorphisms increase the risk of adverse pregnancy
  outcomes including neural tube defects, pre-eclampsia (high
  blood pressure and fluid retention) and gestational hypertension.
• C677T polymorphism is associated with ↓ fertility in men, possibly
  through DNA hypomethylation and changes in sperm maturation.

Question 2

Folate testing

Answer 2

Testing: Blood testing. Low folate and high homocysteine
is a functional indicator of an MTHFR polymorphism.

Question 3

Folate Food sources

Answer 3

• Food sources: Dark green leafy vegetables, asparagus,
  avocado, Brussel sprouts, legumes and poultry.

Question 4

Folate Supplements

Answer 4

• Other recommendations: Methylated folate
  supplement. Avoid folic acid fortified foods (e.g., cereals).

Question 5

Vitamin B12 food sources

Answer 5

Food sources: Chlorella, nutritional yeast,
nori, kombu, fish, organic eggs, meat and liver

Question 6

Vitamin B12 supplements

Answer 6

A methylated B12 supplement /
a B complex. Supports HCl / pancreatic enzyme levels
Methylated B complex is often advisable

Question 7

Vitamin B6 food sources

Answer 7

Food sources: Whole grains, green vegetables,
sunflower seeds, pistachios, liver, turkey and fish

Question 8

Vitamin B2

Answer 8

B2 is an essential component of
the coenzyme FAD, which is a
cofactor for the MTHFR enzyme

Question 9

Vitamin B2 food sources

Answer 9

Mushrooms, spinach,
organic soybeans, beet greens, organic tempeh, almonds, avocados, liver, venison, eggs.