Megaloblastic anemia
Abnormally large red blood cells that don’t function properly: fatigue, weakness and shortness of breath.
UPCOMING EVENTS: GENETIC TESTS AND GUT MICROBIOME – 9 SEPTEMBER 2024
MyFolate genetic test
Folate metabolism: key to your cellular health
MyFolate analyzes genetic variants that determine how your body metabolizes folate (vitamin B9), an essential nutrient for DNA synthesis, cellular repair and disease prevention.
Non-invasiveSaliva sample, painless and suitable for anyone of any age
Once in a lifetimeYour genetics don’t change: the analysis is performed only once
20 daysResults after the sample is received at the lab
The folate pathway
Why does your genetics matter for folate metabolism?
Folate (vitamin B9) is essential for DNA synthesis, cellular repair and cell division. But each person’s ability to metabolize it depends on their genetics.
Genes such as MTHFR encode key enzymes in the folate metabolic pathway. Variants in these genes can reduce the ability to convert folate into its active form, causing a functional deficiency even with adequate intake.
MyFolate identifies these variants to personalize supplementation and help prevent diseases associated with deficiency.
Consequences of deficiency
Diseases associated with folate deficiency
A genetically compromised folate metabolism can increase the risk of various conditions, from anemia to pregnancy complications.
Cardiovascular risk
Folate deficiency raises blood homocysteine, an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
Depression and psychiatric disorders
Folate is needed to produce serotonin and dopamine. Its deficiency is associated with a higher risk of depression.
Cognitive decline
Increased risk of cognitive decline and dementia in older adults due to sustained folate deficiency.
Pregnancy complications
Neural tube defects (spina bifida), low birth weight, preterm birth and other obstetric complications.
Hidden functional deficiency
Some people have an active folate deficiency despite an adequate diet, due to genetic variants that reduce enzymatic conversion.
Genes analyzed
The enzymes that determine your folate metabolism
MyFolate analyzes genetic variants in the key enzymes of the folate metabolic pathway.
MTHFR
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductaseCentral enzyme in converting folate to its active form (5-MTHF). The C677T and A1298C variants reduce its activity and are the most prevalent in the population.
DHFR
Dihydrofolate reductaseConverts dihydrofolate (DHF) into tetrahydrofolate (THF), the first activation step of dietary folate within the cell.
MTR / MTRR
Methionine synthase and its reductaseInvolved in the remethylation of homocysteine to methionine. Variants in these genes raise homocysteine and reduce SAM availability.
Who is it aimed at?
A tool for nutritionists and for you
MyFolate has been designed as a diagnostic tool for nutrition professionals, but it is also useful for anyone who wants to understand how their genetics affects folate metabolism.
It allows for more precise personalization of nutritional plans, increasing the effectiveness of supplementation and reducing the risk of diseases associated with vitamin B9 deficiency.
Application contexts
- Personalization of nutritional plans in clinical practice
- Pregnancy planning: assessing preconception supplementation
- Elevated homocysteine levels with no clear cause
- Anemia or chronic fatigue with suspected B9 deficiency
- Patients with a history of neural tube defects
- Integrative medicine and functional nutrition
How it works
From DNA to a personalized nutritional plan
Sample collection
Collect a saliva sample with the kit. Painless, no fasting and no prior preparation required.
Genetic analysis
Variants in folate pathway genes are analyzed using high-precision technology.
Personalized report
Results by enzyme: metabolic activity, deficiency risk and homocysteine profile.
Action plan
Recommended folate type, personalized dosage and nutritional adjustments tailored to your genetics.
MyFolate Report
Your genetic folate metabolism profile
The report details the activity of each enzyme analyzed, the risk of functional deficiency and personalized recommendations.
- Enzymatic activity by gene (normal, intermediate, reduced)
- Risk of homocysteine accumulation
- Recommended folate type (folic acid vs. methylfolate)
- Nutritional and supplementation recommendations
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions about MyFolate
What does MyFolate analyze?
It analyzes genetic variants in key enzymes of the folate metabolic pathway, such as MTHFR (C677T, A1298C), DHFR, MTR and MTRR. These variants determine your body’s ability to convert folate into its active form and use it in essential processes such as DNA synthesis and methylation.
What is folate and why is it important?
Folate (vitamin B9) is an essential nutrient for DNA synthesis and repair, cell division, neurotransmitter production (serotonin, dopamine) and homocysteine metabolism. Its deficiency is associated with megaloblastic anemia, cardiovascular risk, depression, cognitive decline and pregnancy complications.
Is it enough to measure blood folate levels?
Serum folate levels can vary depending on recent diet and don’t reflect the genetic capacity to metabolize it. MyFolate explains why some people have a functional deficiency even with an adequate intake: MTHFR variants can reduce enzymatic activity by up to 70% in homozygosity.
Who is it aimed at?
At nutritionists and healthcare professionals who want to personalize nutritional plans, women planning a pregnancy (preconception supplementation with the correct form of folate is key), and anyone with fatigue, anemia or elevated homocysteine levels.
What’s the difference between folic acid and methylfolate?
Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that needs to be converted to 5-MTHF by the MTHFR enzyme. People with MTHFR variants may have difficulty with this conversion and benefit from supplementing directly with methylfolate (5-MTHF), the biologically active form. MyFolate indicates which form is best suited to your genetic profile.
Does the test need to be repeated?
No. The genetic profile doesn’t change throughout life. It is performed only once.
Is it a non-invasive test?
Yes. DNA is obtained from a saliva sample, with no pain or prior preparation. Suitable for anyone of any age.
MyFolate · Overgenes
Optimize your folate metabolism through genetics
Discover how your genetics affects vitamin B9 and personalize your nutrition with information based on your DNA.