ABSTRACT

Q: I have methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T and do not understand what Vitamin B12 and folate supplements I should take. A: Vitamin B12 is also called cobalamin and the cheaper form is cyanocobalamin. Yes, it contains cyanide and it is found in most multivitamins but not in sucient bioavailable quantity to improve mitochondrial function. A liquid or powder form of methylcobalamin B12 and methylfolate or 5-MTHFR is needed for MTHFR genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Q: e 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommendations are very dierent from the nutrition guidelines the nutritionist recommended after my bariatric surgery. What nutrition plan should I believe? A: To quote David Katz, MD, Director of Yale University Prevention Research Center, “e 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans are a national embarrassment. ey are a betrayal of the diligent work of nutrition scientists, and willful sacrice of public health on the altar of prot for well-organized special interests.” e report focuses on food over nutrients but recommendations about what NOT to eat or limit is stated in terms of nutrients making it very confusing. Limiting the intake of saturated fat is prominently featured but with no indication of what foods to avoid or reduce. e same is true of added sugar. As Dr. Katz states, “Clearly advise about eating less of anything conicts with the interests of some big industry sector of federal agencies and their bosses in Congress don’t want to get upset. So somehow, we are left to cut back on our intake of saturated fat and sugar while washing down our corned beef with Coca-Cola.”