MTHFR Polymorphism
Can you tell which patient has Folate MTHFR 677C→T Polymorphism?
Without a genetic test, neither can we. However, it is documented that 9% to 12% of the general population are TT homozygous affected*. These patients lack the enzyme activity* needed to fully metabolize folic acid. They get lower folate levels from folic acid supplementation and remain at a high estimated risk for NTDs and all folate related conditions.
Patients with the MTHFR Polymorphism cannot fully metabolize folic acid to its active form.
Another 44% of the general population is CT affected and cannot fully metabolize folic acid to its active form. Néevo® contains L-methylfolate, the active form of folate, which bypasses the MTHFR polymorphism and meets the distinct nutritional needs of patients with the TT C677T genotype.
Genotype Mean RBC(µg/L)
TT 252 (202-317)
CT 321 (296-347)*
CC 347 (321-372)
N=242 P<0.008 by ANOVA
*p<0.05 +p<0.005
In studies, the C667T allele polymorphism has been positively correlated with lower serum and red blood cell folate concentrations and an increase in the estimated risk of a neural tube defect.*
In a recent study of pregnant women, over half were identified with the MTHFR C→T polymorphism.*
Unlike folic acid, Néevo® is unaffected by the MTHFR C→T polymorphism.
*Molloy Anne M, Daly Sean, Mills James L., Kirke Peaders N, Whitehead Alexander S, Ramsbottom Dorothy, Conley Mary R, Weir Donald G, and Scott John M: Thermolabile variant of 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase associated with low red-cell folates: Implications for folate intake recommendations. The Lancet 1997; Vol 349:1591-93.
Néevo® is a medical food for use under medical supervision for the dietary management of impaired metabolic process in women under a doctors care who face high to intermediate risk pregnancies and are unable to fully metabolize or absorb folic acid.
L-methylfolate reduces homocysteine more effectively than folic acid.*
* Malloy A. et al. Thermolabile variant of 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase associated with low red-cell folates: implications for folate intake recommendations. The Lancet 1997; 349: 1591-93.