Re: Folinic, Methylmate B Question

[Guest guest]

Hi, Dolores.

If a person has already built up their B12 status, then adding the folates is

the last thing needed to stimulate the methionine synthase reaction, which

appears to be partially blocked in ME/CFS. Here's why I think the symptoms

usually worsen temporarily when this is done:

When that reaction is stimulated, more of the homocysteine will be converted to

methionine, and less will be able to enter the transsulfuration pathway to

produce cysteine, and eventually, glutathione.

The result of this will be that initially glutathione will be decreased even

more, and this will exacerbate symptoms. Eventually as the methylation cycle

function improves, glutathione will rise, and the symptoms related to

glutathione depletion will lessen.

However, as the function of the overall sulfur metabolism improves, both the

detoxication system and the immune system will begin to function more normally.

This will kill pathogens and mobilized toxins which have been stored up while

the person has been ill. The resulting mobilization of toxins (prior to their

eventual excretion in the stools, urine and sweat) will also cause symptoms. As

the pathogens and toxins are eliminated, these symptoms will also lessen.

The potential increase in symptoms is the reason I suggest starting at lower

dosages and working up as tolerated.

Usually the 1/4 capsule will be enough of the folinic acid, in combination with

the methylfolate. Some people may need more, but most seem to do well with this

dosage.

Here is a quotation from the report on the clinical study of this treatment that

was carried out by Dr. Neil , M.D, and myself.

It lists the symptoms that were reported by the patients in the study:

" Various patients reported some early exacerbation of symptoms, which in most

cases was followed by a greater improvement in symptoms. Three of the patients

found it necessary to decrease their dosage frequency to every second or third

day for several days, until they could tolerate the full daily dosage schedule.

" Sixteen of 30 patients (53%) reported an initial worsening of symptoms,

beginning in most of these cases within 3 or 4 days, but in some cases beginning

at up to 2 weeks. Most of the symptoms were mild, and none of the patients

discontinued usage of the supplements during the first 3 months. The most

common side effects were gastrointestinal (pain, cramps, constipation, or

diarrhea), reported by 6 out of 30 patients or 20%; increase in pain, reported

by 4 out of 30 or 13%; and increase in fatigue, reported by 3 out of 30 or 10%.

Other symptoms, reported by one patient each, were a decrease in appetite, poor

sleep, weak legs, flu-like symptoms, and an increase in anxiety and depression.

" For those who experienced improvement, the time to self-reported improvement on

the protocol was an average of 5.6 weeks, with a range from immediate

improvement (which was rare) to as long as 8 weeks before improvement was

experienced. "

I hope this is helpful.

Best regards,

Rich

>

> I have never quite understood why we have trouble with these supplements. Can

> someone give me an explanation?

> I have been of R Van K Simplified protocol and have been working my way up to

> these 2 supplements over the last 5 mos............saved them for last as I

was

> a tad nervous about them.

> What kind of symptoms have people had that sometimes makes taking them

difficult

> or impossible? I have also seen posts here where people have had really

> wonderful reactions to them

> I would really like to know more about what exactly they address and what an

> individuals reaction may mean in regard to CFS and the methylation pathway.

> I started 1/4 cap of folinic acid as per the revised protocol 4 days ago, but

> only every other day for now.

> I have had a few odd newish symptoms lately but I'm not quite sure yet if its

> the folinic.

> In my notes I have down 1/4 cap 1x a day of folinic . Is this the dose we stay

> on or do we work up to a higher dose. Dolores

>