Have you ever wondered how to find out if someone has a methylation problem? Well you have probably heard to doing saliva or blood tests to see which genes a person was born with. And that is certainly one way to figure out if someone has a methylation problem. Tests like that are valuable but they can be time consuming and a bit expensive as well. So I’d like to share with you a better and faster way to figure out if someone you know has a methylation problem.
First, allow me to quote one of my favorite pieces of research:
“Folate metabolism can influence the final form of any growing tissue due not only to its participation in nucleic acid synthesis, but also to its known function in regulating DNA and protein methylation.” – Bio Med Central Medical Genetics. 2011 May 26;12:75.
Folate, ie mother nature’s #1 methyl donor, can impact the final form of any growing tissue in the body! That is proof positive that the methylation cycle can not only afffect how you FEEL but it can also affect how you LOOK. In fact, as the video below explains, there are all kinds of physical signs that point to methylation problems.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNjU7V8-1Cs&w=640&h=480]Each of the following health conditions and physical characteristics suggests a methylation problem is at play:
- Epicanthal folds, hypertelorism, low set ears
- Neural tube defects of all kinds, incl. spina bifida
- Down’s Syndrome
- Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
- Klienfelter’s Syndrome
- Marfan’s Syndrome
- All other trisomies and anueploidies
- Cleft palate
- Austism spectrum
- Arnold-Chiari Malformation
- Short limbs
- Scoliosis
- Any midline defect present at birth
- Essentially all congenital abnormalities
Do you know anyone in your life who has some of the issues discussed in that video or listed in this article? If so, they need to work on balancing their methylation cycle and should be working with a professional who is knowledgeable about this type of health concern. You may find a practitioner in your area from MTHFRsupport.com.
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HI Dr. Rostenberg, I recently found out I may have the MTHFR gene defect. I am currently in the process of getting the genetic test results. My question is for my 15 year old daughter.. We discovered her scoliosis at age 13..she has two curves the thoracic being the more severe one. She also has the long fingers and is a very thin frame. I am planning to get the genetic test for her. Based on your research, it is too late for her scoliosis if we do find she has the defect too? Have you come across any cases where the scoliosis improved with supplementation and diet?
Thank you so much for your work!
Chanon Starnes
Hi Chanon,
I recommend the Clear Institute for all questions related to scoliosis. The Clear Institute is the leader in treating scoliosis once it has been discovered. She likely has a genetic component to her scoliosis and I can help you support her nutritionally to prevent other issues from showing up. The description of the long fingers, etc., are consistent with the “methylation” phenotype. Regardless of which genes she has, she can find an optimum balance and get better. For treating the scoliosis once it is already present in the spine, you need to reach out to the experts in the chiropractic field, the Clear Institute. For the genetic support and methylation support, I can help you with that directly. If you have any questions please contact my office redmountainclinic@gmail.com and 208-322-7755. Thank You. Dr. Rostenberg
Hi Dr. Rostenberg-
Do you do Consults? I am Homozygous for the MTHFR gene and my 11 year old was born with a Cleft Palate. I’m beginning to think this is related and want to learn more. How should I be supplementing my son? Also, I was in Pharmaceutical/Medical Sales for 10 years and this was never talked about in the OB/GYN community when I was working in it. Crazy to think that some Cleft Palates could be avoided if there was proper education.
Hi Kara,
Thanks for your comment. I perform consults all the time. We work with patients all over the country and from 20 different countries around the world. Cleft palate is a midline defect, which is heavily related to methylation imbalances during gestation. So from that point of view your son needs a high quality multivitamin with activated folate (I recommend Metagenic’s Phytomulti (2) per day). In addition he should eat organic as much as possible, and of course lots of green veggies! If I can be of service in any way to you or your family, then don’t hesitate to contact my office. 208-322-7755 and care@redmountainclinic.com.
Yours in Health,
Dr. Rostenberg
Chiropractic care reduces scoliosis significantly. Easier to correct the younger the person is.
Yes! Get your family into chiropractic care and the earlier you get your body adjusted, the more powerful and lasting the effects. I adjust my entire family and have been taking care of my children since birth. In a better world, everyone would get access to the amazing power of chiropractic care. Add to that the latest science of functional medicine, methylation and epigenetics and you have the opportunity to really help individuals reach the peak of the health and potential.
In Health,
Dr. Rostenberg
Hi Dr. Rostenberg,
Please can I ask if paradoxical vocal chords at birth would be considered a midline defect? My fiends son has just turned one and is still unable to breath alone unaided. They are waiting for his myelin sheath to develop on the vocal chords, despite him now being able to stand suggesting it is developing elsewhere in the body. Mother was vegetarian whilst pregnant and ate fish. As B12 and folate are required in the production of myelin sheath I feel the doctors should be testing for MTHFR and treating him as such?
Thank you
Katy
Hi Katy,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, in theory all midline defects are methylation-related. There isn’t a ton of research to confirm this, but from the research we have any tissue which malforms during gestation is related to methylation. Vocal cords are formed from the pharyngeal arches during development, which is a midline structure related to formation of the mouth, face, tongue, etc. All these tissues have known methylation-related problems, so its not much a stretch to see another part of the pharyngeal arch be impacted by MTHFR genes. If not already discussed, it may be of value to look at cranial/sacral and pediatric chiropractic. There may be malformations which are putting pressure on cranial nerves (Vagus N., Hypoglossal, etc.) or birth trauma which can also be improved by structural work. Hope that helps!
In Health,
Dr. Rostenberg
My little one has the sugar bug sign. She is 6 weeks old. What can I be doing now to ensure she grows up healthy and has no issues? We also are supplementing formula with breastfeeding and most formulas has folic acid and not folate, any recommendations there?
Hi Heather,
Thanks for your comment. The best formula is to use Metagenics’ UltraCare for Kids. It is a rice-based, non-GMO, hypoallergenic formula for children that is FDA-approved as a medical food. It is recommended for children 5 and older, but a much smaller dose of this can be mixed into water and used with younger children. This produce has helped a lot of my patients and we use it in our family as well. Hope the helps!
In Health,
Dr. Rostenberg
Dr. Rostenberg, I just found this website. I look forward to reading and watching the videos!
My 35 year old daughter has brain lesions that her neurologist and internist say are due to low b12 and folate due to her having the MTHFR gene mutation. I have been tested and I have the gene mutation as well. My dr said I’m just a carrier, it’s not affecting me. I have had and continue to have numerous health challenges. I did have to have most of my colon removed 5 years ago because it quit working. I have an identical twin sister who in the past few months started on b12 shots because her b12 level was 50. Another sister had her b12 levels tested and her levels are just 4 points higher than my daughters that has been on b12 injections for 9 months. I spoke to a different dr last week who said the MTHFR gene mutation variant we have is not known to cause many problems in people.Im confused. I don’t know if what my dr is telling me is correct.
Any suggestions that may be helpful to me and our family. I would appreciate.
Hi Dr. Rostenberg,
Thank you for the video presentation. Please clarify if methylation issue is a problem with absorption of the relevant nutrients? Thank you.
Peace and blessings,
Elka
HI Elka,
Methylation issues can be genetic or they can occur from nutritional deficiencies. Basically the gene problems cause nutritional deficiencies. And if someone has a poor absorption or a poor diet then the nutritional deficiencies will act just like a gene problem.
In Health,
Dr. Rostenberg
My daughter was born with hip dysplasia and yesterday her chiropractor told me her left leg is a little shorter than the right. Is this considered a symptom? Thanks
Kathryn
Hi Kathryn,
A short leg has many causes, such as hip rotation or issues in the spine. However there is a group of people who have a legitimately short leg where the bones are shorter on one side vs the other. This is related to methylation and biochemistry, although more research needs to be done to clarify this. Hope that helps!
In Health,
Dr. Rostenberg
Also, she has been having major digestion issues. Her ped wouldn’t do anything because she’s growing and thriving. However she is constantly miserable. I was thinking it’s milk protein allergy or intolerance. I have her on similar sensitive. But the problem just persists. I also wanted to delay vaccination but her ped talked me out of it and I caved at her 2 month visit. Needless to say I’m looking for a new ped who can address my concerns and won’t force me to poison my daughter. Any advice or opinion with the digestion issue? Also, I noticed it became much more chronic after those vaccines.
Its actually similac sensitive non GMO. Sorry auto correct.
Hi,
My son was born with a tongue and lip tie which we had revised. As he’s gotten older, I’m noticing a slight depression near his breast bone. It is not at the base of the bone, but directly between his nipples. From what I understand, both of these are midline defects. Is this reason to have him tested for the MTHFR gene?
Hi Marie,
Based on your description it sounds like an MTHFR-related issue. Getting it tested (via 23andme or AncestryDNA saliva testing) is the best way to know. Then you can address it and support his body with the nutrition that helps to optimize his genes.
In Health,
Dr. Rostenberg
Is it possible to have epicanthic folds, severe hypospadias and not have MTHFR? My 15 month old needs surgery for his hypospadias and I’m freaking about the anesthesia and possible MTHFR. I plan to get 23andMe testing done. But what age do you think it’s safe for him to go under anesthesia, with appropriate MTHFR anesthesia protocol?
Hi there,
My question, if you have a Mthfr mutation does that mean your under methlyated?Can you have Mthfr and be over methylated? Is it correct that under methylated requires B12 and should avoid folate? And over methylation requires methylated folate?
Many thanks
Kathryn
We too had digestive problems with Similac gentle. We asked the Pedi. If we could change to another kind. He said no. We did anyway. We put our newborn on a ready to drink called Lactose Free. Within 24 hours we had a happy thriving baby. We kept her in this and she just did great. She went from a crying, gassy, miserable baby to one that was just content.
Many people and many doctors greatly underestimate lactose intolerance. Sure made a huge difference for ours.
She digested the Lactose Free so we’ll get poop had absolutely no odor. You just had to check and see. Never seen this before with my children or anyone else’s either. She is a grandchild.
hello, thank you for your work.
my two children, 4 and 1, were born with the blue vein and that red mark on the lower back of their head.
i am just learninn abouth mthfr. they are relatively healtht, unvaccinated, and rarely get sick.
the only thing is, my oldest often complains that ” his legs are lazy” sometimes he gets really fuzzy and cranky and twists his legs in desperation. he also gets lots of mosquito bites in his feet and ankles.
I have been wondering if this is related, since I read that restful legs can be due to b vitamin deficiency.
I have heard of certain tests that can be done to know if he has the Condition.
we live in a rural area in Colombia with no access to good doctor. all of the ones I have talked to are clueless about this. they just want to talk about the importance of vaccinating.
do you take Skype or whatsapp consultation? I can pay via PayPal or credit card.
Thank you,
juliana
Hi Juliana,
Thanks for your comment. We can help you as long as you have a phone or internet connection. We work with patients from over 20 different countries via phone or Skype. Please email my office directly at care@redmountainclinic.com and my staff will help you set up your first consultation. We look forward to working with you and helping your family reach a new level of health and well being.
In Health,
Dr. Rostenberg
Hi Dr. Rostenberg,
A friend of mine, Dr. Lazar, psychiatrist, just recommended you. She went to one of your conferences and was very impressed.
I am writing to you about my son. He is 15 yrs. old, has ADD and is currently on adderall XR 20mg daily. For the last year he has been smoking marihuana, has done some alcohol, and recently tried codeine syrup. He has an addictive personality. He sees a psychiatrist for his ADD and he is not depressed.
Do you think that seeing you will be beneficial for him? I am a doctor in Family Medicine and I am very supportive of him. We live in Michigan but will be willing to travel and see you if you think you can offer him something. The other option was sending him to boarding school but of course that does not treat the underlying problem.
Thank you very much for your time.
Emilio Antunano
Hi Emilio,
Please check your email as I sent you a message directly to your yahoo email account.
Dr. R