Genes DNA Methylation
Spina bifida, Down syndrome, recurrent pregnancy loss are not what any parent ever wants to hear. But did you know that methylation, or rather impaired methylation, is a key driver in these (and more) conditions?
So what is methylation?
Chapter 6 of my book explains the biochemistry of methylation, albeit in a very basic way to enable those without a degree in science to understand this rather complex process. For the purpose of this article, here are a few of the main functions that require proper methylation:
· DNA synthesis (building) and repair
· Cell replication and repair (growth and healing)
· Neurotransmitter synthesis and metabolism (mental health)
· Hormone regulation, fertility, sperm function
· Epigenetics (how genes work)
· Telomere integrity (associated with ageing).
So when it comes to making a healthy baby, pretty much ever step requires good methylation – beginning with healthy sperm and egg right through to that child’s health for life.
You may have heard of, or have been tested for, MTHFR – which is one of several genetic polymorphisms or SNPs (pronounced ‘snips’) that affect methylation. This SNP relates specifically to how folate, also known as Vitamin B9, becomes activated so the body can utilise it. Folate is essential when it comes to DNA replication which happens inside every single new cell that is formed in your, and your baby’s, body.
Research published in the late 1990’s examined the link between low folate levels in pregnant women and the development of neural tube defects (including spina bifida) in the foetus. Many foods (in Australia and New Zealand) are fortified with the synthetic form of B9, folic acid. Although a more stable form of this vitamin, it must be converted into folate which is then converted into 5-methyltetra-hydrofolate or 5-MTHF (which is where the name of the SNP comes from). Don’t worry about all the unfamiliar sounding terminology, please just understand that the form of B9 which is added to flour and cereals is synthetic and must be converted before your body can use it.
Too much folic acid is can block the enzyme required to convert it into folate. This enzyme [DHFR] only deals with 200mcg per day. The quantity of folic acid in fortified foods appears to be tolerated by most adults, but supplementing with folic acid prevents proper methylation and blocks active methyl folate in the body. Unfortunately, many of the medically recommended brands of pregnancy multi-vitamins or folic acid supplements contain the synthetic form.
A trend that is becoming ever more evident since food fortification began is that elevated levels of folic acid in the blood, mostly due to over-supplementation of synthetic Vitamin B9, appear to be blocking the conversion processes leading to increasing incidence of the MTHFR (and other related) SNPs. A further concern relating to food fortification is that toddlers, infants and children are also consuming these foods, often from an early age. It begs the question, “what impact is this having on our children’s methylation”?
The activated form of Vitamin B9, methylfolate, is used by the brain and placenta, and is essential for DNA methylation and neurological health. It has, therefore, been linked to the development of autism, ADHD, anxiety, other mental health disorders. Excess synthetic folic acid has been identified as a major factor in gestational diabetes.
If your body can’t make methylfolate then you can’t make DNA, eggs, or sperm for a successful pregnancy. The inability to methylate DNA is a major reason for sperm breaks and nonviable eggs either of which can contribute to early pregnancy loss.
In chapter 10 of my book, I give the example of a patient who carried these, and other, methylation SNPs but was not aware of this prior to her first pregnancy and gave birth to a child with Down Syndrome. Once she understood the importance of methylation and how to manage SNPs, she went on to have two more healthy children.
Test yourself and your partner well before you are ready to start trying to conceive. Read my previous article, https://dagmarganser.au/blogs/f/you-dont-know-what-you-dont-know.
Consult a qualified fertility naturopath who can advise you on which tests are beneficial and explain the results to you. Once you know what you didn’t know, you can take positive steps to overcoming potential problems.
Knowledge is power and understanding what is, or is not, happening inside your body is the first step towards a successful pregnancy.
