Folic Acid
(& why you should avoid it)
How the most abundant food additive in our diet today affects Digestion, Anxiety, Depression, Brain Fog, High Blood Pressure, High Cholesterol, ADHD, Falling Asleep, Staying Asleep, Feeling Tired But Wired, Heartburn, Bloating, OCD, Allergies, and Post-Partum Depression.
Let's demand a real change.
Sign this petition to help get Folic Acid out of our food supply!
Want to help? Click here to share our flyer with more information!
How to Identify and Avoid
Folic Acid (Synthetic Vitamin B9)
Here's more information to help you decide for yourself if Folic Acid may be harming you and your family's health.
-
-
What is DNA?
-
What is the Methylation Cycle?
-
What are the Differences between Synthetic and Natural Vitamins?
-
History of Food Enrichment
-
What are the symptoms of excess Folic Acid?
-
-
Genetic Mutations and how are affected by Folic Acid
-
Is Folic Acid actually helping to prevent Neural Tube Defects?
Folic Acid and DNA Overview
What is DNA?
When we are conceived, we get a copy of DNA from each parent. Our DNA consists of 3 billion letters (in order). That’s about 1,000 encyclopedias worth of data! All those letters are divided into about 21,000 genes. More than 99.9% of our DNA is the same as every other human on the planet, but the approximately 1 million differences make each person unique.
Our whole DNA sequence is contained in the nucleus of EVERY cell in our body. We use sections of our DNA as recipes, to make proteins and carry out other cell functions.
What is the Methylation Cycle?
The Methylation Cycle helps us produce CoQ10, Glutathione, Melatonin, Epinephrine, Norepinephrine, Dopamine, Serotonin, Creatine, Cysteine, Taurine, and Phosphatidylcholine. This cycle also affects detox pathways, hormone production, and other facets of our health. Our bodies carry out the methylation cycle approximately 1 BILLION times per SECOND.
There are five main genetic mutations which have the greatest affect on our methylation cycle and lack of ability to process folic acid.
MTHFR, COMT, MTR, MTRR, and AHCY. 44% of people have the MTHFR Gene Mutation, which is the first step of the methylation cycle. This prevents the breakdown of Folic Acid (Vitamin Vitamin B9). 99% of people have this and/or other DNA Mutations MTR, AHCY, COMT, or MTRR which affect other parts of the methylation cycle
What are the Differences between Synthetic and Natural Vitamins?
Synthetic forms of vitamins are created in a lab, and often are just part of a whole vitamin. For example, Ascorbic Acid is just one of eight ingredients found in whole food Vitamin C. Often, synthetic forms need to be converted in an extra step in our body to be a usable form. Natural, whole forms of vitamins are found in foods, or in supplement form are derived from whole foods.
More information can be found here: https://www.drberg.com/blog/avoid-these-synthetic-vitamins
Vitamine B9 in its natural form is called Folate, and its synthetic form is called Folic Acid. Because of our genetic mutations, nearly every human has trouble converting Folic Acid to Folate. This results in an excess of Folic Acid in the system, which causes various health problems.
History of Folic Acid Enrichment
Why Should You Care? This affects YOU!
In 1993, the US Government started adding synthetic folic acid to foods. Folic acid is now the most abundant nutrient in the human diet. The bad news? About 44% of the population has a DNA mutation of the MTHFR gene, which impedes the breakdown of folic acid in the first part of the methylation cycle. But that’s just one of the five main DNA genetic mutations which affect the methylation cycle. Close to 100% of the population has at least one or more of these five mutations - MTHFR, COMT, MTR, MTRR, or AHCY.
What are the symptoms of excess Folic Acid?
-
Digestion
-
Anxiety
-
Depression
-
Brain Fog
-
High Blood Pressure
-
High Cholesterol
-
ADHD
-
Sleep
-
Falling Asleep
-
Staying Asleep
-
-
Feeling Tired But Wired
-
Heartburn
-
Bloating
-
OCD
-
Post-Partum Depression
-
Allergies
.jpg)
What to look for in an Ingredient Label
Foods with less processed and artificial ingredients are generally more beneficial for our health. Folic Acid is present in foods which have the words Enriched, Fortified, or the term Folic Acid in the ingredient list, on the label. It might also be present in foods which do not directly specify which forms of vitamins are added to their product. Synthetic vitamins are cheaper forms of vitamins to produce. If the vitamin form is not directly specified on the label, assume it is synthetic. The term Enriched is limited to just one added ingredient: Folic Acid, a synthetic form of Vitamin B9.
What Foods are Enriched?
-
Grains like wheat, rice and corn
-
Cereals, bread, flour, pasta, cookies, and crackers (Look at your Cheerios, Oreos, and Cheetos)
-
Cheap synthetic multivitamins like Centrum
-
Prenatal Vitamins for use during pregnancy
-
Energy drinks, electrolyte drinks, protein bars, protein powders, and meal replacement shakes
Go look through your pantry right now if you are at home. Consider throwing away all the foods with Enriched or Fortified on the label. After just 3 days, your sleep may improve! Other folic acid symptoms may resolve after days, weeks or months.
What to Look for Instead?
Become a health detective and start looking at labels. You don’t need to change the types of foods you eat, instead change the brands of the foods you eat.
Avoid foods, beverages and supplements with “folic acid “, “enriched” or “fortified” in the ingredients.
Choose grains and foods which DO NOT have “fortified or enriched” in the ingredient list. Choose multivitamins which say “folate”. Avoid drinks, powders and bars which don’t specify which form of B9 is in their ingredients. Since adding synthetic folic acid is cheaper, companies may try to hide it.
Bottom Line
You might find that your sleep returns to normal within a few days of getting folic acid and enriched foods out of your diet and pantry!
Want to learn more?
Gary Brecka’s interview on Joe Rogan is a great place to start!
https://open.spotify.com/episode/3IPGysPyS1rrQDZD9pl2zG
How To Test Your DNA for mutations
Let’s break down how to read a DNA test. If you’ve gotten a DNA test from Ancestry or 23andMe, you can download your raw data from their websites in the form of a .txt file. If you don’t have a DNA report yet, then this is a good place to start. You can also choose to go by symptoms and not test, that’s fine too!
You can then upload your raw data into Genetic Genie Methylation panel. PLEASE, consider making a donation if you do, to keep this service free to everyone. It’s the best report I’ve found in ease of understanding. Some companies charge up to $600 for this test!
https://geneticgenie.org/methylation-analysis/
Understanding the Symbols
If you have 2 Normal Genes, it will show as a +/+. If you have a mutation from just one parent, this is called Heterozygous and will read as a +/-. If you have mutations from both parents, it’s called Homozygous and it will read -/-. Sometimes some genes are missing so nothing will be reported. The quality of your original DNA analysis may affect this. Here’s a couple of sample reports.
Bottom Line
The majority of people have at least 1 or more mutations of their methylation pathway.
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
DNA Mutations of the Methylation Cycle
(and how they are affected by Folic Acid)
Let’s break down DNA mutations a little further to see how folic acid can have an effect.
We will discuss MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, AHCY, and COMT mutations.
MTHFR Mutation and Sleep Issues
MTHFR is early in methylation cycle, so it may affect all the parts of the cycle if there is a lack of raw materials.
The MTHFR mutation is an inability to digest folic acid and convert to the active form of methylfolate. Folic Acid is the most abundant nutrient in the human diet. Much of our grain supply, flour, bread, pasta, cereal, rice and other processed foods are “enriched” or “fortified”. Folic acid in in the diet, in people with this mutation causes the brain to run at twice the speed, while the body is left behind.
Symptoms of MTHFR Mutation
1. Generalized anxiety with no specific cause or trigger. Probably noticeable on and off your whole life since about 1993. Anti-anxiety medications don’t work, and make you feel like a zombie.
2. Impaired intestinal motility, and inconsistent gut symptoms.
3. Intermittent gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, cramping, irritability; whether you have eaten recently or not.
4. Depression
5. ADHD
6. OCD
7. Lay down exhausted, the body tired, and mind wakes up.
8. Allergies
Children and MTHFR Mutations
Kids have never known a time when their food hasn’t been corrupted with folic acid. Kids who have trouble focusing or succeeding in school might be affected by a MTHFR mutation. Try switching their sugary fortified cereals at breakfast for ham and eggs instead…within a week you may see huge, positive changes.
What supplements might help?
Methylfolate and other methylated B vitamins.
Want to learn more about MTHFR?
This short podcast with Gary Brecka will give you an overview.
What about MTHFR and ADHD?
MTHFR and Adrenal Fatigue:
https://methyl-life.com/blogs/mthfr/mthfr-adrenal-fatigue
.jpg)
.jpg)
COMT Mutation and Anxiety
COMT down regulates Fight or Flight neurotransmitters, which are known as catecholamines. Without the methylated forms of B Vitamins, the body cannot code for the enzyme to break down these raw materials.
Symptoms of a COMT Mutation
1. Estrogen metabolism impaired. May have mild abdominal band or extra weight in abdomen. Inability to clear estrogen causes water retention.
2. Mind wakes up when you go to bed and your body is tired. Environment quiets and your mind comes alive.
3. Perfectionism, OCD, very organized. Assume the worst about everything. When we lack organization in the mind, we crave it in the rest of our life.
4. People with COMT mutations are successful entrepreneurs but hate to be micromanaged. Reliable and thorough. You want this person on your team!
5. Sensitivity to texture and sound.
6. People can be overwhelming.
7. Fatigue
8. Addiction
9. Bipolar
COMT genotypes can be divided into Warrior and Worrier subgroups.
Warrior Subgroup
-
Generally have a higher IQ
-
Do better on tests
-
Better toxin elimination
-
Higher estrogen elimination
-
Higher incidence of ADHD
-
Higher pain tolerance
-
Normal magnesium levels
-
Normalized B12 and B9 Folate levels
-
Even tempered
Worrier Subgroup
-
Slower estrogen elimination
-
Estrogen dominance
-
Lower pain tolerance
-
Increased probability of addiction and anorexia
-
PMS worse in females
-
Enhanced response to stimulants
-
Red face after exercise
-
Decreased sweating
-
Lower magnesium levels
-
Lower intracellular B12 and B9 Folate
-
Prone to mood swings and mania
What to AVOID if you suspect a COMT mutation
Quercitin, Green Tea, Elderberry, Folic Acid and Enriched/Fortified Foods.
Avoid B12 forms Cyanocobalamin and Methylcobalamin.
Look for a B12 form with Hydroxycobalamin or Adenosilcobalamin.
What supplements might help?
1. Methylfolate and other methylated B vitamins.
2. TMG (Tri-methyl-Glycine): Helps convert homocysteine to methionine and can lower blood pressure.
3. DIM: Helps clear excess estrogen.
4. Melatonin, GABA, Magnesium, Theanine and 5-methyfolate at night to help with sleep.
5. SAM-e: If you fall in the Worrier subgroup this may be helpful. Please listen to this podcast before trying, SAMe doesn’t work for everyone.
Want to learn more?
This website does a great job of explaining COMT: https://www.xcode.life/comt/what-is-comt-gene-mutation/
Gary Brecka and his fiancé break down her COMT mutation symptoms here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/comt-gene-mutation-how-to-supplement-for-better-sleep/id1709740887?i=1000640509321
.jpg)
MTR/MTRR Mutations and High Blood Pressure
The symptoms of gene mutations MTR and MTRR are related. People with the MTR mutation have an impaired ability to metabolize homocysteine and convert to methionine. Methionine is the amino acid starting point for every building block in the body to make proteins. A buildup/excess of homocysteine in the body causes inflammation. Excess homocysteine irritates the endothelial lining of the blood vessels, which makes them inflamed and swollen. This lowers the internal size of the blood vessels, which leads to high blood pressure (Hyperhomocystenemia). A deficiency of Pyridoxine B6 and Methylated B12 will exacerbate this. MTRR regenerates B12 to be used again and again.
Symptoms of MTR mutation
-
High Blood Pressure
-
Inflammation
-
Untreated high blood pressure
-
May lead to high levels of depression and anxiety.
-
Fat accumulation
-
Cardiac problems
-
Fatty Liver
What to Avoid
Folic Acid and Enriched/Fortified Foods
What supplements might help?
-
TMG (Tri-methyl-Glycine): Helps convert homocysteine to methionine and can lower blood pressure.
-
Methylated B Vitamins
-
Extra B12
Want to learn more?
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5119914/
https://www.geneticlifehacks.com/mtr-and-mtrr-genes-methylation-cycle-and-the-need-for-vitamin-b12/
Gary Brecka discusses MTR/MTRR in this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qSBhVlOqIIo
AHCY Mutation and Depression
AHCY plays a part in the methylation pathway in breaking down methionine. An AHCY mutation might lead to a deficiency of SAM-e.
Possible symptoms of AHCY mutation
-
Depression
-
Arthritis
-
Fibromyalgia
-
Ischemic Stroke
What causes depression?
Depression may be linked to a lack of serotonin. Some drugs formulated to help with depression are called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). Because your body may not be making enough serotonin, then SSRIs, in theory, help you recycle it better. But why not address why serotonin is low in the first place? 90% of serotonin is made in the gut. And the gut is affected by a lack of methylated B vitamins. See the connection? By fixing the gut and restoring the proper pathways, serotonin production can get back to normal and relieve symptoms of depression.
What supplements might help?
1. Methylfolate and other methylated B vitamins. You need these to make proper amounts of stomach acid.
2. SAM-e: Please listen to this podcast before trying, SAMe doesn’t work for everyone.
Want to learn more?
Listen to Gary Brecka connect Depression with poor methylation:
Statistics about Mental Health Conditions:
Is Folic Acid really helping to prevent Neural Tube Defects?
Folic Acid was originally added as fortification to the food supply to prevent Neural Tube defects such as Spina Bifida and Anencephaly. According to the CDC, the incidence of these birth defects went from 5-10 cases per 10,000 births, down to 3-7 cases per 10,000 births.
In terms of absolute risk, this is not statistically significant. Please review the difference between absolute risk and relative risk on my blog here: https://www.vigeohealth.net/post/relative-risk-vs-absolute-risk
The CDC's website is full of relative risk numbers which are misleading.
Find the chart and more information here: https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6401a2.htm
A better way to lower neural tube defects in pregnancy is to provide expectant mothers with Folate, the natural form of vitamin B9. This will lower their risk of birth defects without causing other health issues, like the ones folic acid is causing for the population at large.
Conclusions about Folic Acid
Almost every single person may be negatively affected in some way by the presence of folic acid in our diets. This wasn’t a problem before 1993, when the government started mandating folic acid and enrichment in foods. In fact, we didn’t realize the implications of this until 2001, when the Human Genome project finished sequencing human DNA and made results and testing available to all of us. Now we have hundreds of studies and papers showing how detrimental this one food additive is to our health.
What can you do? Please add your name to our petition!
VOTE with your food choices. Check labels and buy products that are not fortified or enriched with folic acid. You and your family will start to feel better in a myriad of ways. In a week you will see your sleep improve. In a day, week, month or more, you will see other markers of health start to improve as well.
Share this flyer with friends and family.
Here’s a few graphs, which may be correlated with synthetic fortification of our food supply.
Sources
Associations of Depressive and Anxiety Symptoms with 24-hour Urinary Catecholamines in individuals with untreated high blood pressure
MTR and MTRR Genes: Methylation cycle and the need for Vitamin B12
Mtrr hypomorphic mutation alters liver morphology, metabolism and fuel storage in mice
Mitochondrial translation requires folate-dependent tRNA methylation
Journal of Clinical Medicine - Folate Insufficiency Due to MTHFR Deficiency Is Bypassed by 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate
Integrative Medicine – Case Report - Anxiety and Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Mutation Treated With S-Adenosyl Methionine and Methylated B Vitamins
https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/hydrogen%20cyanide
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1293728/pdf/jrsocmed00105-0046.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24494987/
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
