BFP after 13 months TTC and 2 m/c -- it looks like i was folic acid resistant - Page 2

[Holly TH]

Blueeyezz,

I do not think you need to worry about the folic acid in your Vitamin B complex.  Although it is not the ideal type of folate for a woman with MTHFR, it will not harm you or a pregnancy and any excess will be excreted in your urine.   It is true that you do need B vitamins.  The most important thing is that you are taking the active L-methylfolate which bypasses your MTHFR polymorphism.  

Obviously there is no way of knowing what caused your losses but the fact is you have a mutation that puts you at risk for folate deficiency.  L-methylfolate bypasses this mutation so you can be sure with what you are taking now that your folate status is adequate.  This is crucial while you are trying to conceive.  I am a little perplexed at why your doctors are unwilling to entertain the idea that folate deficiency might have affected your pregnancies but it is definitely not an uncommon attitude.  

I hate that you guys have had so many struggles and I am keeping you in my prayers.  Please keep us up to date.      

[blueyezz4]

Holly- thanks for the info! I guess the thing that worried me most was if the other folic acid could have been causing our infertility or troubles I didn't want to be causing any more issues. Thanks again and your prayers are much appreciated!

[shesaidboom]

Is MTHFR something that would be tested for in a standard infertility blood panel? 40% of the population is really a lot! I had no idea about the difference between folate and folic acid either. I've been taking folic acid every day for about 2 years now on the advice of my doctor and now fertility specialist. Can you get a natural folate supplement in a drug store? I'd prefer not to order online.

[Holly TH]

Nikki, 

The test is part of a thrombophilia panel or RPL panel.  It is true that 40% of the population has some form of the mutation. The more severe forms (homozygous and heterozygous) are much rarer.  L-methylfolate is a type of folate everyone, regardless of MTHFR status, can properly metabolize. It is 7 times more bioavailable than synthetic folic acid and increases blood folate levels more effectively.    I know some women have found Metafolin (brand name of L-methylfolate) at health food stores.  NeevoDHA is by prescription and is indicated for women with MTHFR.    

[bootsvalentine]

Subbing to this thread. I have been ttc about 17 months. My mom is + for MTHFR but I don't know whether hetero or homozygous. I am going to the RE for the first time this upcoming week, so we'll see.

Does the thrombophilia panel/RPL panel usually qualify as basic infertility testing? Or maybe my regular doc will have to do in order for the insurance to pay?

[Holly TH]

Boots,

Have you had any miscarriages?  Unfortunately, a lot of doctors are not willing to do testing until you have had several losses.  I would think that insurance would pay if your RE ordered it.