Never heard of that but I did have a miscarriage/false pregnancy before I shortie. Both of my aunt's on my mom's had miscarriages & couldn't have kids.

I had a miscarriage and low on Vitimin B12. I take a supplement for the b's and folic acid. I know my grandma had fibro, of course, back then ppl just said she was lazy and whined too much. :(

Not me: no history of Fibro in my very large family, no miscarriage, no children with serious health issues, just the normal heart attacks from old age.

From what I can tell, you want to supplement with methylfolate if you have the MTHFR genetic mutation, rather than regular folic acid. IF you have one or more mutations in that particular gene, you can't process, use or even eliminate folic acid very well and it becomes toxic. With much of our food having added folic acid, this causes problems for those with MTHFR variations and explain why those who go gluten free sometimes do better, not because of the gluten free, but because the foods they switch to are no longer fortified by additional folic acid. A doctor that knows about this would be great to meet with. And, I plan to do some genetic testing soon through 23andme.com - I've also enjoyed reading Dr. Ben Lynch's research at http://mthfr.net/. This mutation could sure explain A LOT for many of us! Good luck!!

I'm with D. I had miscarriages but they weren't related to that. And in my extremely big family? I fly solo in FM, no heart disease beyond people being 80-plus years old and age-related stuff, etc. Interseting thought and may apply to some, however.

(And before anyone decides I'm in denial on the miscarriages, all three of mine were lost b/c of my epilepsy complications at the time, and 20 years does not make that any easier to discuss, thanks.)

Sorry if previous came off beyotchy, but it's a hard topic for me. Apologies.

Seriously thought this was a vent, sorry. Either way if the gene is responsible it's named right. I've had 2 miscarriages and also a family history of fibromyalgia. Haven't heard of this but also haven't been able to concentrate on new research lately like I liked to. Not sure that made sense but thanks for sharing this. I've also had to take B supplements and iron throughout my life due to low levels on blood tests. Not sure this applies but am for sure interested so thanks!

For those that have mentioned it, I am so sorry for your pregnancy losses and all the grief each one brings. :( From what I can tell, with this genetic mutation, there has been some success with getting the right kind of folate (a pre-processed folate) and infertility and having children. Unfortunately, I'll never know. No babies and no uterus. Stinks. Some of you can understand those feelings.

I have a number of health issues that this genetic defect (aptly holding the acronym MTHFR) would explain, with lots of family history of the same issues: fibromyalgia, migraines, chronic fatigue, depression, anxiety, obesity, infertility, miscarriages, and many, many more. It sure is worth looking into. I can't believe all the problems it can cause and how many people they estimate have it!! It is believed about 30% of the population has one mutation and 10% have two+. That's A LOT of people! These issues have left me in a place where I am no longer functioning. Many doctors haven't heard of the MTHFR genetic mutation (mine asked if it is from the alternative medicine world - well, it's a gene... isn't that considered Western Medicine... genetics?) Anyway, I think it is definitely worth looking into. I know I am.

There's a lot that goes into having a gene versus having it be expresed, so I think it's one of those things worth checking out if you can see a family pattern etc. Always worth it to ask the question.

BTW, I do love the name on this gene. NEver tell me us science nerds can't work in a little humor in the lab, hee-hee.

http://mthfr.net/mthfr-a1298c-mutation-some-information-on-a1298c-mthfr-mutations/2011/11/30/

1298C is the gene associated with Fibro- CFS etc...

They say 1/3 of the pop has this defect. One out of three people> thats pretty high- I would encourage anyone to take this test.

My doc tested me for this ( shes a FM/ CFS specialist) and I tested positive for the 1298C gene defect.
I now take methylated vits -- and methylated B's.... Big huge difference!

I can definitely see a pattern in my family but I am not sure how a vitamin alone can "fix" that.

Its not about fixing something with a vitamin... I can tell you--lol- Im the first in line to call bullsh** on "cures" like that...

If you are positive for the 1298C gene defect... it means that you have a limited ability to process Folic acid - b vits. etc... they must be broken down into "methylated" form... its not complicated-- its not about a vitamin per se... its getting it in a way that can be processed by the body--- for those that NEED it (gene)...

If you look up what they "do" the B's ... Crucial... the rest of the pop is fine...but those with the defect ... their ability to break them down and process can be cut by approx 50 to 70%...

This about the methylated form is VERY interesting. As I have said in other posts. My b12 has to be very high else I feel wiped out and in pain and I have suspected that it is because my tissues are not good at using what B12 is in my blood.

Are the methylated with prescription? Will look because if not, it would not hurt to try right away. Would it?

this is the first time I've heard of this. Thanks for bringing it up! It's always good to hear more ideas and information Thanks for sharing.

I do know my B12 levels are in normal range but very low normal in the 200-250's when the doc said, she preferred it to be in the 400 range. I take Bcomplex sublingual liquid, which I get at .WAlmart or Walgreens for about $6-$7. It helps a little bit.

I do not know if my mother had the defective gene, bu she did have 3 miscarriages and I, myself, and infertile. Tried 10 years and no pregnancies, even when we tried fertility medications. (not sure that is relavent or not) and my folic acid levels have been checked and have consistently been normal..

(please pardon the typos) I am really fatigued.
Just to clarify because of my typos:
My doc tested my B12 and it's low normal, therefore I do take a supplement, as she wants it to be in the 400 range

and I am infertile, so unsure about the MTHFR gene.