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SAM-e and methylation/MTHFR

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Posted 1/10/2016 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Guys,

I have just recently started my first treatment (homeopathic) and my depression and anxiety that was already bad has gotten so much worse. I posted about this a couple weeks ago and had several people recommend the supplement SAM-e.

My Dr. suspects I might have an MTHFR gene mutation because seem to be having a hard time detoxing and my depression and anxiety are so much worse. I am ordering the 23andme test to find out which ones. In the meantime he recommended I take Methylfolate and get hydroxycobalamin b12 injections.

So My question is- I read in another thread that if you have a hard time Methylating SAM-e might not be a good supplement for you. I am really looking for something natural to help with depression since I cant tolerate SSRI's. I have bought SAM-e but havent taken it yet.


So if I suspect a gene mutation should i not try SAM-e? Why would it not be suitable for someone with a MTHFR?

Post Edited (Sandra29) : 1/9/2016 5:57:03 PM (GMT-7)

Posted 1/10/2016 1:15 AM (GMT 0)
It really just depends on you, the mutations you're affected by. It could be good, could be bad, could just be useless.

People often make the mistake of thinking it's just MTHFR, or CBS, likely for good reason (they're the most serious or whatever), but they all play a part.

I wish I had the answers for you, but I don't. I've been going through this as well, trying to figure out how to correct the cycle, but it's a lot, and I'm in a very bad place right now. I really wish I could help.

If you can afford it, I'd see a knowledgeable doctor. If not, try to do a little research yourself about your mutations, when you get the 23andMe results back.

I don't know, you might be fine just supplementing those few things, and detoxing your butt off? Some people seem to be less affected by their mutations than others.
Posted 1/10/2016 1:52 AM (GMT 0)
"So if I suspect a gene mutation should i not try SAM-e?"

- there are hundreds of possible gene mutations, and they overlap to great extent. There are even some gene mutations that are treated with Sam-e.

And there are many explanations to Depression and anxiety, while looking at the many methalation maps.

Remember free radicals, detox issues from bacteria and fungas can also cause (more common here) changes in anxiety and depression.

Its not uncommon to have a combination whose treatment contradict each other. Its really trial and error. A Dr who knows this stuff just guesses more efficiently. The whole picture needs to be looked at, not just a couple genes.

That said, the true test is what it does for you, how you feel. In the end thats what a methalation Dr asks you.

To be on the safe side, you could just try 5-htp for now. You cant take that with Rx SSRI's or 5htp though. 5htp alone is harmless, and does not interfere with other meds like St Johns wart.
Posted 1/10/2016 8:26 AM (GMT 0)
Astro is right, a lot can be going on to cause your issues. I like 23andme because it's a tool that provides knowledge and knowledge is the key to us getting well.

Depression and anxiety often mean that your neurotransmitter pathway isn't functioning properly. That can come from mutations along the methylation pathway, it could come from pathogen issues, detox issues, or a combination of the three. Either way, serotonin doesn't seem to be produced in appropriate levels for you. If you have detox issues, SAMe could increase glutathione levels which would kill more pathogens and cause more issues. I would guess you need to detox more. You could take tryptophan in an attempt to increase your neurotransmitter pathway, but if you do this without increasing detox ability, you can suffer more. If you aren't sleeping properly, you could have melatonin issues and melatonin supplementation for a short time may be beneficial. It will take a knowledgeable physician in these pathways to get you back on course. I would change my diet if it were me and I don't even know what you are eating.
Posted 1/11/2016 4:42 PM (GMT 0)
I have started taking 5-htp so we will see how it goes. Thank you for the advice and opinions guys! There are so many layers to this onion! And trying to wrap your head around it all can be overwhelming.
Posted 1/11/2016 6:10 PM (GMT 0)
Health insurance usually covers the cost of MTHFR test. 23andme runs about $200, the last I checked.

I was recently diagnosed with homozygous MTHFR c677t.
I started taking methylfolate and feel much better. Here's a link to an MTHFR site...lots of good information about testing/supplements etc:

http://mthfr.net/read-this-first/2012/01/25/
Posted 1/11/2016 6:16 PM (GMT 0)
Kathie-

I already ordered the 23 and me test. Do you think I would be able to turn in the receipt to my insurance company? Thank you for the link I will check it out!
Posted 1/11/2016 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, turn it in! They might pay for a portion of it, especially if you're positive for MTHFR mutation.
Posted 1/11/2016 11:56 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Kathie!:)
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