Tag Archive for: folinic acid

Folinic Acid and Autism

/in /by

The other news related to autism was talk about the potential benefits of a pharmacological form of folate called folinic acid, an active form of vitamin B9; it’s being described as a cure for autism. In fact, the new CDC administration is fast-tracking a change in label use for the drug so it can be prescribed more often. Here’s why I think that would be a mistake.

While doing background research on an updated webinar on pregnancy, I found a paper that discussed the potential impact of mutations of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene of the mother on the development of the baby. If the mother had both mutated genes, her body wouldn’t process folate very well, resulting in the over production of homocysteine as well as other issues. That could be related to the development of neurological disorders in their babies, including autism spectral disorders and ADHD.

Folinic acid is a pharmacological form of folate that has been prescribed for use with chemotherapy patients. Some forms of chemo block the MTHFR gene, and folinic acid helps ameliorate the problems related to the chemotherapy. It seemed obvious to me that it could potentially help pregnant women with the mutated MTHFR genes and thus maybe prevent the neurological disorders in the baby. That’s where it ended because there’s not enough research to suggest it will work. The research has to happen now. Simply changing the uses for the drug based on small studies and testimonials isn’t good enough without research to support it.

As far as a treatment for autism, the same holds true. We don’t know whether the impact is dependent on, or independent of, the MTHFR mutation. Perhaps in people without the gene mutation it wouldn’t be effective, or worse, detrimental in some way that is not apparent right now.

I hope reason rules the day, as exciting as the potential seem to be, but treatments should not be based on a few case studies or worse, solely on potential. We need at least some conventional proof.

Next week, I’ll turn to a couple of cooking topics to lighten things up a little.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

Quick Updates

/in /by

I’ve been doing background research for several projects that will be introduced in early 2025 including the annual Super Bowl webinar. It’s a long process because one thing often leads to another in a different direction. Here are some of the things I’ve discovered.

Nutrigenomics

Nutrigenomics is the study of how foods interact with genes in positive and negative ways; that’s one of the benefits of the detoxification system in our body. While it seems media and marketing focus on the exotic, based on several papers I read, I don’t let the day end without eating a cruciferous vegetable. Broccoli? Yes, and many more. The nutrients in cruciferous vegetables such as sulforaphanes help with our detox systems and help with single-nucleotide polymorphisms or SNPs for short. This should definitely be included in what you eat every day. This will be included with the Real-Life Detox revision.

The Folate Controversy

I’ve addressed the folate vs. folic acid issue several times. What may be better for people with specific types of SNPs is another form of folate called folinic acid. I’m going to update the ADHD and autism webinar and offer it in January. Using the results of the genetic test for the 5-methyl-tetrahydrofolate SNP may provide a more precise positive outcome with all forms of childhood and adult mental and cognitive challenges.

Aging with a Vengeance

There have been more publications on the benefits of vitamin K2. K1 is the vitamin that helps with blood clotting. K2 is beneficial for bone production, but recent research shows benefits for both brain and heart benefits. As you might expect, this year’s Super Bowl webinar on February 9 will continue the focus on living well as long as we can in Aging with a Vengeance.

That’s a recap of what I’ve researched so far, but the list of studies grows longer and longer. By the time the products are available, who knows what else I’ll find to help you attain the best health you can! Stay tuned.

What are you prepared to do today?

        Dr. Chet

References:
1. Clin Ter 2023; 174 Suppl. 2 (6):209-213
2. Int J Vitam Nutr Res (2022), 92 (3–4), 248–266