I'm easing into Rich's SMP and last night added folinic acid for the first time. Mistakenly took the whole capsule (800mcg) instead of a quarter. And I am feeling unbelievably good. I honestly don't remember the last time I felt this great. So...what does this mean? Can I / should I stay on the 800?
Thanks for any input or advice!
Thanks for any input or advice!
My best guess why Rich only recommends 200 mcg of folinic acid is that there certain SNPs or polymorphisms that prevent certain people from processing folinic acid in which case it would build up and block methylfolate, but it seems you don't have one of those based on your reaction. If you are converting folinic acid to methylfolate then you could run into the same problems that occur from taking too much methylfolate. That would be another reason why Rich kept the dose at 200 mcg (for a seemingly opposite issue).
With B12, Rich recommends starting with hydroxocobalamin and only switch to methylcobalamin and/or adenosylcobalamin if you don't improve, but as with the folinic acid which you seem to be doing good on a higher dose than Rich recommends you're of course free to do whatever you like regardless of what Rich or Freddd recommend. It's impossible to design a perfect protocol that works for everyone, but here's what Rich says regarding which B12 to take:
I had also considered changing the form of B12 to methylcobalamin. Some PWMEs do need to use this form, particularly if their glutathione and/or S-adenosylmethionine are very low. However, use of hydroxocobalamin is a “gentler” approach to lifting the partial methylation cycle block, and many PWMEs need such an approach. Use of hydroxocobalamin also keeps the cells in control of the rate of the methylation cycle, preventing it from being overdriven, which slows the rise of glutathione. So I have decided to stay with hydroxocobalamin as the first form of B12 to try. For people who do not get a response from the SMP within a couple of months, switching to methylcobalamin would be an option to try. Another option would be to try adding some adenosylcobalamin (dibencozide). However, I do not favor raising the overall dosage of B12 very much above 2,000 micrograms per day, and especially not when it is combined with dosages of methyfolate that are much above the RDA range of 400 to 800 micrograms per day. This combination can overdrive the methylation cycle and hinder the rise of glutathione.
Best regards,
Rich Van Konynenburg