Mthfr/genotype testing recommendations?

[Amy Witt]

Hi! I know I am homozygous for mthfr and am trying to learn as much as possible about my condition. It seems I really should start with a pretty comprehensive blood work up / genotyping. Has anyone gone through this testing via online/phone consult? I have no one locally and will need to use someone long distance. Several names have popped up repeatedly but I've never done anything like this before and spending this much money with someone I found "online" that I will never even meet makes me nervous. Any recommendations or ideas? Thanks!

[Pat Robinson]

With any type of diagnostic test, I ask myself, "What would I do differently with the information this test might provide?" Would it change what I am doing now? Is there something that the test would do to make one "better" in some way?

What information do you believe can be gained from having additional genotyping, what are the potential negatives of having the information? Cost, lack of insurance coverage and privacy are issues to consider also.

For MTHFR, the issue is synthetic folic acid impairs effective detoxification. So, we focus on optimizing our food folate: greens, beans, liver and legumes.

Here are some other MTHFR threads with more information:

http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/change
http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/mthfr-1
http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/folate-vs-folic-acid
http://heal-thyself.ning.com/profiles/blogs/glutathione-101
http://www.mthfrsupport.com/helpful-links.html

Pat

[Amy Witt]

Thanks for the reply!

I am still trying to understand all of the methyl cycle pathways and their effects on each other, should I not be so concerned about the other pathways? From what I've been reading it seems that it's important to see if any other genes are abnormal first and treat those pathways before addressing mthfr/detox.

I know about the food folate vs. folic acid issue, I just want to have all my ducks in a row before opening the detox can of worms!

I'm pretty sure I'm going to have the testing done, I am just not sure where.  I was hoping to hear some possible recommendations.

[Pat Robinson]

I believe most people use 23 and me: https://www.23andme.com/


Pat