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If you’re reading this today, you’re probably one of the few who see the term “MTHFR” and realize its significance – as opposed to thinking it’s an abbreviated dirty word.
And if your gene test revealed the MTHFR a1298c mutation, I bet you’re pretty frustrated.
I mean, you just want to know what the best MTHFR a1298c supplements are, and all you can find is information for the c677t mutants…I say that lovingly by the way – I am one myself after all.
When I saw this discrepancy, I wanted to create a guide for all of you dealing with the a1298c mutation.
We’ll discuss in depth, yet in a simplified manner what the health risks associated with this mutation are, its differences from MTHFR c667t – and most importantly – how you can use all this information to find the best MTHFR a1298c supplements for your unique genetic makeup.
If you haven’t ordered your MTHFR gene test yet, you can order one here.
If you ordered from somewhere like 23andme, Ancestry or MyHeritage but the results look like gobbledygook to you, you can have them analyzed by a professional & delivered in an easy-to-understand report here.
What is the MTHFR a1298c Mutation?
Just in case any of you are MTHFR newbies, let me give you a brief rundown of what it is and how this all works. You can also read a more general guide to MTHFR mutations here.
MTHFR is an abbreviated name for the gene responsible for the production of an enzyme that changes folic acid into an active form the body can use.
The long name for this critical enzyme is methylfolate reductase.
While it’s not my intention to give you a long gene lecture, it’s worth noting this sometimes mundane information as it forms the foundation for what we are discussing.
With that said…
The numerical number of the enzyme is the genetic marker for a specific MTHFR gene. The official genetic marking of the MTHFR a1298c gene is Rs1801131. And the copy of the MTHFR gene comes from your parents.
Your mother gives you one copy while your father gives you another copy.
This means that everyone has 2 copies of the MTFHR gene, which could be either normal or mutated. If you inherit a bad gene and a good gene, then you have what is scientifically known as a “heterozygous A1298C.”
If you inherit two bad copies from both your parents, you have a gene called “homozygous C1298C.”
The letters A and C in these numerical numbers represent the bases present in your body.
The “A” represents adenine while the “C” represents cytosine. These bases quite literally spell out our genetic code. When the MTFHR gene is normal, then you have a MTHFR A1298A gene. Heterozygous mutations are represented as MTFHR A1298C since they have one abnormal C and a normal A.
Homozygous mutations, on the other hand, are represented as C1298C since they have two abnormal MTFHR gene copies.
Therefore, if you have the MTHFR A1298C mutation, it simply means you have one good copy and one bad copy of the MTFHR gene.
Whew…still with me? Good! Now let’s talk about how an a1298c mutation makes you different from all the others.
How MTHFR a1298c Mutations Differ from MTHFR c667t and Others
Medical research over the years has put more emphasis on MTFHR c667t mutations and has nearly forgotten about those with the MTHFR a2198c mutation.
Despite this lack of information, there are a few key things you need to know.
As mentioned earlier, MTHFR mutations primarily differ due to the gene’s structure. Each differs from the other depending on the type of MTFHR gene you acquire from your parent.
Researchers believe there are maybe upwards of 50 MTHFR gene mutations, and most can be categorized into the following 3 groups
1- Homozygous: This condition occurs when both parents pass down mutant MTFHR genes to their children. This leads to either a 677 mutation or a 1298 mutation
2- Heterozygous: This condition occurs when one parent passes down a mutant MTFHR gene while the other passes down a normal MTFHR gene. This condition results in a MTFHR a1298c mutation.
3- Compound Heterozygous: This condition results when one parent passes down the 677 mutation and the other passes down the 1298 mutation. A double whammy if you will.
One of the major differences between a1298c and c677t mutations, apart from their gene makeup, lies in their inabilities.
MTHFR C677T mutations cause problems in converting folic acid into its active, bioavailable form – folate.
An a1298c mutation affects the change of methylfolate into tetrahydrobiopterin or BH4.
This part is important because BH4 plays a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters. That’s one reason a1298c mutations are often associated with physiological disorders.
Apart from these three MTHFR mutations, there several other rare and advanced mutations that exist. MTHFR a1298c mutation has been given more attention currently because of the diverse effects it has on the body. By now, I guess you are thinking of the various causes of MTFHR.
Some of the triggers of the MTFHR a1298c mutation are a bad diet, not taking supplements, and burdening the body with plenty of stressors like alcohol, drugs, smoking, high stress, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Genes may predispose you to certain things, but it’s your environment that determines whether those genes get turned on or off…but that’s getting into nutrigenomics, which will have to be a topic for another time.
That’s why I believe detoxing is so vitally important to overall health. We need to keep our interior environment as clean as possible, which can be done through significant lifestyle changes and active detox.
Only then can we give our bodies a fighting chance against the slew of toxins that threaten to shut down our systems each and every day.
As you have noticed the list is quite extensive and I am sure, learning about all this can be an intimidating experience. The above health risks also apply to people with the c667t gene variance. However, the risk for people with MTHFR a1298c mutation acquiring these diseases is lower compared to people with a c667t mutation. The reason for this is that the enzyme is less impaired.
What to Expect with the MTHFR a1298c Mutation: Signs and Symptoms
I know that you or someone you love are, unfortunately, all too familiar with MTHFR-related symptoms.
Still, I know many people simply want to know and even find reassurance in knowing that their symptoms are “normal” for this specific genetic mutation.
So with that said, the most common MTHFR a1298c symptoms are related to neurotransmitter issues. These can include anything from depression and anxiety to a learning deficit and behavior problems. Pretty much any symptom or condition related to mental health is quite possibly due to the a1298c mutation.
Other widespread symptoms associated with the a1298c mutation are nutrition-related. You aren’t able to use the nutrients you receive properly, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies, which can have a domino effect and lead to many other issues as a result.
A quick list of symptoms reported by those with the MTHFR a1298c mutation include:
- Muscle pain
- Delayed speech
- Insomnia
- Memory loss
- Hand tremors
- Brain fog
- Headaches
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
I mentioned before how there are 2 types of this mutation – homozygous and heterozygous. The specific type (along with your diet & lifestyle) will determine how severely you’re affected.
Those who are homozygous a1298c can expect around a 40% loss of function within their MTHFR enzyme. The heterozygous a1298c mutation, on the other hand, is slightly less severe with an approximate 25% reduction.
Recommended MTHFR a1298c Supplements
While you didn’t have any say-so in your genes, you most certainly can help determine how much they affect you.
And that power lies in your diet, lifestyle, and proper supplementation.
A folate-rich diet includes foods like beans and lentils, spinach, broccoli, oranges, asparagus, and avocadoes. However, due to nutrient depletion within our soils, today and your body’s already decreased ability to absorb nutrients from food, MTHFR a 1298c supplements are almost always necessary.
Since MTHFR mutations are so varied and unique to each individual, the perfect vitamins and nutrients for your gene type may not be the same as mine. That’s why I always suggest working with an MTHFR-literate doctor.
There are a few a1298c supplements, however, that are widely considered good for everyone with the a1298c mutation. Only in rare circumstances would they be contraindicated.
As part of an overall MTHFR a1298c protocol, it makes sense to first remove any roadblocks that disrupt the methylation process before actively supplementing. I always suggest getting a food sensitivity test because everyone has certain foods that increase their inflammation levels, which can slow the methylation process significantly. You can order an at-home food sensitivity test here.
Okay…let’s take a look at 3 of the best MTHFR a1298c supplements:
1. Methylfolate
Folate is obviously the star of the show when it comes to MTHFR mutations.
It’s important to note that folate is NOT the same as folic acid, which you’ll find in many multivitamins and standard supplements. Folic acid has to be converted into folate, which is the whole source of the issue with MTHFR mutations.
Having the MTHFR a1298c mutation, taking folic acid is not only useless, it can actually be harmful.
Methylfolate supplements, on the other hand, are essential as they enable your body to bypass its methylation defects. Methylfolate a1298c supplements are already methylated and therefore active and ready to be absorbed and used.
When it comes to how much to take, keep in mind that you’re functioning from a deficit of folate.
You more than likely need more than its Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). For non-pregnant adults, that’s 400 mcg folate, 600 mcg for pregnant women, and 500 mcg for lactating women.
The exact dosage varies from person to person, but the majority of a1298c mutations see improvement with a bare minimum of 1 mg of methylfolate per day, but
Look for supplements that contain 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) with little to no added fillers or preservatives.
If you’re just starting to supplement with folate, I recommend starting with THORNE 5-MTHF 1mg - Methylfolate (Active B9 Folate) Supplement - Supports... .
- Healthy Methylation: A breakthrough in active folate supplementation for healthy methylation*
- Positivity: Supports a healthy outlook*
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
And working your way up (usually about a 2-week process) to the Thorne Research 5-MTHF 5 mg.
2. Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Methylcobalamin or methyl-B12 is a crucial complement for the supplement methylfolate. The reason for this is that vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor for the folate in your body. Taking this supplement enables both vitamins to work together.
3. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) and Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B2 aids in the production of 5-MTHF, and vitamin B6 plays a key role in homocysteine metabolism – both of which are incredibly important for those with MTHFR mutations.
Even though you just found out about your a1298c mutation, you’ve had this mutated gene since birth. That means your body isn’t very familiar with active folate, so when it’s suddenly given a bioavailable form of the nutrient, there may be an adjustment period where you don’t feel well.
Just start slow with any MTHFR a1298c supplements you take and taper up. As a general guideline, I usually give myself 2 weeks to work up to the recommended dose.
Once you’ve been on 1mg folate for a while, a great all-around MTHFR a1298c supplement is the THORNE Methyl-Guard Plus - Active folate (5-MTHF) with Vitamins B2, B6, and... .
- Healthy Methylation: Methyl-Guard Plus supports methylation and promotes a healthy level of...
- Active Forms: Formulated with active folate (5-MTHF) and the active, tissue-ready forms of vitamins...
Last update on 2024-03-28 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
It contains not only methylfolate but the necessary cofactor B vitamins as well.
The reason I don’t suggest you start off with this one is that it contains 5 mg of methylfolate, which is a great therapeutic dose but a little too much for someone just starting out. Definitely want to work up to that amount.
I hope you have a better understanding of your MTHFR a1298c mutation and which supplements may be the most helpful to you. Whatever a1298c supplements you choose, make sure they don’t contain any hidden folic acid – only folate.
Any questions? Let me know in the comments!
Editor and researcher at Detox & Prosper. With years of experience creating a healthy home for my family, I now help others eliminate toxins from theirs! Read my story here.
SHEILA DORWARD
“This part is important because BH4 plays a crucial role in the production of neurotransmitters. That’s one reason a1298c mutations are often associated with physiological disorders.”
I think if you are associating problems in neurotransmitter production with any kind of disorder, I would have thought it would be with psychological disorders rather than physiological disorders
.Regards, Sheila Dorward
Jordan Mitchell
Good note!
John
Hello Jordan,
“Having the MTHFR a1298c mutation, taking folic acid is not only useless, it can actually be harmful.”
Are you referring to DHFR (which is completely unrelated to a1298c) and the breakdown of Folic acid spesifically?
There seems to be a lot of mixing of two different concepts out there, and I would like to see a convincing reasoning for why for example folinic acid should not recommended for a1298c?
a1298c does not slow down the conversion from folates to methylfolate, it slows down the conversion from methylfolate to Bh4.
So while Folic acid in general and for most people is not recommended regardless of a1298c, I see no reason why folinic acid can’t be beneficial?
Socopa Corretora
I’m excited to discover this web site. I wanted
to thank you for ones time due to this wonderful read!!
I definitely enjoyed every bit of it and i also have you saved to fav to
look at new stuff on your website.
Marianne
Thank you for this! My husband just tested and hes homozygous A1298C.
I’m ordering him the Thorne Methyl guard plus recommended above. Would with work for me as well, I’m Homo C667T. Thanks
Jordan Mitchell
I hope it helps you both!
Natalie ledbetter
Mthfr A1298C Heterogenous is this normal
Shawmarie
Hello, I read threw your article and I have alot more understanding of my a1298c gene, and I have a question?
Exactly how do you detox to prepare and what kind of detox do you do for your body to except the supplements for a1298c gene? And does other mutation genes effect this exceptance of supplements?
And I would like to add that someone told me to take a hydroxy b12 and I was taking it slowly and building up..but I noticed I started to get very sad. Will this happen if I start the supplements you have recommended here?