Carolyn Ledowsky: Unlocking Fertility, How MTHFR & Methylation Can Transform Your Health 

In this eye-opening episode, we sit down with Carolyn Ledowsky, founder of MTHFR Support and an accomplished Health Scientist and researcher. Carolyn is passionate about addressing the rising rates of infertility worldwide and is dedicated to understanding the complex biochemical pathways that influence fertility, hormones, and overall health. Through her research on MTHFR polymorphisms, Carolyn sheds light on how these genetic mutations affect our bodies’ ability to methylate and process key nutrients, which can have a profound impact on fertility and overall well-being. Carolyn’s mission is to help people optimize their health by addressing these methylation disturbances, empowering them to overcome challenges like infertility, hormonal imbalances, and chronic health conditions.

Carolyn is also a naturopath, herbalist and nutritionist who has completed courses in genetics at Duke University (Genetics and Evolution) and The University of Maryland (Genes and the Human condition – from behaviour to biotechnology). She is currently undertaking her PhD at the University of Technology Sydney where she is investigating methyl folate vs folic acid in women with recurrent miscarriage. Carolyn spent 12 years studying chronically ill patients from all over the world, who have searched, sometimes for decades, to find the reason behind their ill health.

Her strength lies in her ability to reveal layers of dysfunction and not give up until results are seen. Most of her patients have MTHFR mutations and/or associated methylation disturbances. Her key passions are fertility and anxiety /depression.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

1. What is MTHFR and why does it play such a crucial role?
Carolyn breaks down the science behind MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) in simple terms, explaining why this gene is vital for critical functions like DNA synthesis, detoxification, and neurotransmitter production. She delves into the importance of MTHFR polymorphisms, how they differ between individuals, and how these variations can affect everything from fertility to mental health and detoxification.
2. Understanding the 3 types of folic acid and why it matters for fertility and health:
Carolyn provides an in-depth comparison of the three primary forms of folate or vitamin B9—synthetic folic acid, folinic acid, and biologically active methylfolate (5-MTHF). She discusses the differences in how the body processes each form and why it’s essential for individuals with MTHFR mutations to use the active form, methylfolate, which is easier for the body to convert and use. Carolyn explains why practitioners in Australia are now prescribing biologically active folate, such as 5-MTHF (5-methyltetrahydrofolate), calcium folinate, levomefolate, calcium salt of methylfolate (Metafolin), and glucosamine salt of methylfolate (Quatrefolic), for women with infertility and MTHFR mutations. Read more about folate in pregnancy here.
3. Research on synthetic folic acid and potential risks of over-supplementation:
Carolyn highlights new research on synthetic folic acid and the risks associated with over-supplementation. With fortified foods like breakfast cereals, bread flours, and widespread use of prenatal supplements, it’s easy to exceed the upper level of 1000mcg recommended by the government. She dives into the potential consequences of too much total folate in the body, especially for those with MTHFR mutations, and how this can lead to unmetabolized folic acid building up in the bloodstream.
4. The critical role of methylation in fertility and overall health:
Methylation is one of the body’s most essential biochemical processes, and Carolyn breaks down why ensuring optimal methylation is crucial for both men and women trying to conceive. She explores how methylation influences everything from hormone production to detoxification, and how improper methylation can affect fertility, mental health, and even cancer risk. Carolyn shares her insights on how to support methylation pathways through diet, lifestyle, and targeted supplementation.
5. The role of B12 as a co-factor for methylation and health optimization:
Carolyn explains the importance of Vitamin B12 as a co-factor in methylation and its role in energy production, DNA synthesis, and neurological function. She emphasizes that each individual’s needs for B12 are unique and dependent on their genetics, diet, and overall health. She shares how health professionals are using genomics to assess B12 levels and other methylation-related factors to optimize health, especially in individuals with mental health concerns or chronic conditions.
6. How health professionals are using genomics to optimize health:
Carolyn discusses the emerging role of genomics in personalized healthcare, especially for conditions like mental health, cancer prevention, and detoxification. She explains how practitioners are now able to use genetic testing to tailor their approaches to health optimization, particularly for individuals with MTHFR mutations. Carolyn also covers the potential benefits of understanding your genetic predispositions and how you can use this information to make informed choices about your diet, supplements, and lifestyle.

Clear Action Steps:

• Consider DNA testing: If you’re struggling with fertility, hormonal imbalances, or other chronic health issues, consider getting tested for MTHFR polymorphisms to understand how your body processes essential nutrients like folate and B12. Read my article on the pros/cons of DNA testing.
• Choose the right form of folate: If you have an MTHFR mutation, avoid prenatals containing synthetic folic acid to reduce your folate burden. Work with a healthcare practitioner to ensure you’re getting the right dosage for your needs.
• Support methylation through diet and lifestyle: Incorporate foods rich in B vitamins, such as leafy greens, eggs, and organ meats, to support your methylation pathways. Consider lifestyle changes like stress management and detoxification to further optimize your health.
• Consult with a practitioner experienced in genomics: For personalized health advice, work with a healthcare provider who understands the complexities of MTHFR and methylation. They can help guide you through genetic testing and create a tailored plan to support your health goals.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a deeper understanding of how MTHFR and methylation influence fertility, hormones, and chronic disease risk—and how you can take actionable steps to optimize your health for the long-term.

Resources:

• MTHFR support
• For practitioners: Free webinar  
• For patients: Free webinar  

You can contact Carolyn via her website www.mthfrsupport.com.au