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Taking a daily methylated folate supplement could help with the symptoms of hypermobility, according to researchers at Tulane University.
Back in April, scientists revealed that a folate deficiency could be behind hypermobility. They concluded that people with hypermobility can’t break down folate (vitamin B9) properly. As a result, they recommended that hypermobility sufferers take a regular methylated folate supplement. This is because it’s a processed form of folate that’s easier for the body to manage.
As someone with hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD), I thought it was only right that I try Tulane University’s recommendations. So, I ordered this bag of methylated folate supplements and started taking them daily.
The researchers say that the participants in their study reported “less pain, less brain fog, fewer allergies, and improved gastrointestinal function.” So, I was intrigued to see whether I’d see an improvement in the same symptoms.
Pain & methylated folate supplement
Pain is one of my biggest hypermobile complaints. However, it’s important to note that I have hypermobility and fibromyalgia, so it’s impossible to know which condition causes my pain.
At the time of writing this article, I haven’t taken a folate supplement for almost one month.
When I was taking a methylated folate supplement daily, I didn’t notice an improvement in my pain levels at all. Obviously, this was a disappointment. It was also one of the reasons why, when I ran out of folate, I didn’t buy anymore.
I regret that now, though. As I say, I haven’t taken methylated folate for around 4 weeks now, and my pain levels have increased significantly. Lower back pain and leg pain are my biggest complaints. I’ve also been experiencing stiff feet and ankles when I first wake up.
I’ve actually just taken a break from writing this piece, to order another bag of methylated folate supplement and I can only hope that it will improve some of this pain.
It’s not just methylated folate that’s worth taking. Hypermobile people say these are great supplements for their bendy joints.
Brain fog & methylated folate
Brain fog isn’t one of my most significant hypermobility symptoms. Although, saying that, I certainly do have my moments! More than anything, it’s struggling to remember what I was going to say.
Again, when I was taking methylated folate, I didn’t notice a difference in my brain fog. But the number of times I’ve forgotten what I was doing or saying over the past couple of weeks has certainly been higher than it normally is.
So, perhaps methylated folate was having a positive affect on my brain that I didn’t realise!
Preventing allergies
I don’t have an issue with allergies, so I can’t comment whether taking methylated folate can improve allergies, as it did in the Tulane study.
The study found that a variation of the MTHFR gene causes a folate deficiency. This subsequently prompts hypermobility. The MTHFR gene is known for increasing your risk to allergies. Self Decode even goes as far to say that being deficient in methylfolate puts you at greater risk.
Improved GI function & methylated folate
Gastrointestinal issues (GI) are common in hypermobility. Common complaints include constipation, IBS, acid reflux, nausea.
Fortunately, I don’t have significant GI issues as a result of my hypermobility. Therefore, I can’t confidently say whether taking a methylated folate supplement helped me in this area or not.
Since Tulane University’s study was published in April, there hasn’t been any further research or scientific knowledge to support it. That’s not to say that it doesn’t work though. As you can see, I had some success with taking methylated folate. But it was only after I stopped taking it that I realised how much it was helping me.
