I see that there is a 2016 study showing high levels of B12 associated with autism. How then do you have so much B12 in your Optimal Prenatal?Updated a month ago

Optimal Prenatal is designed for women – and men – who are quite deficient in many nutrients, including B12. Many individuals are quite deficient due to their poor diet, genetic mutations, taking inferior supplements that are not well absorbed and utilized, and exposure to stress and toxins. 

The study that references a link between B12 and Autism rates in 2016 is poorly conducted according to Dr. Lynch, including not listing the types of folate and B12 taken.

The B12 study didn’t look at the reasons why the mothers had high folate or high b12 – it just made an association between who supplemented more – and they also didn’t define what they supplemented with – or what forms of nutrients. According to Dr. Lynch, high levels of folic acid are really problematic – that’s no doubt.†

High folate and high B12 levels in blood are signs that it is not getting into the tissues.

This is because of Methyl Trapping. High levels of folic acid can decrease the levels of methylfolate and this can cause an indirect elevation of vitamin B12.

“In addition, a significant interaction was observed between plasma folate and B12 (p<0.001) suggesting possible perturbation in one-carbon metabolism, which intimately involves both micronutrients.”

Optimal Prenatal helps reduce incidence of methyl trapping by using active folates and active forms of B12.

Inactive forms of folate and B12 are problematic. We use active forms. If the gene MTR is slowed by yeast overgrowth, nitrous oxide, various medications, inflammation, low glutathione, heavy metals, then this can increase blood levels of folate and B12.†

There is no mention of which types of B12 and folates were used in their study – and there was no control over it – It was just a survey of who supplemented with a prenatal and how often.†

Dr. Lynch began his epigenetic research with the MTHFR gene, and its role in producing an active form of folate (5- MTHF) for DNA methylation. He found that without adequate levels of B12, methylation cannot occur. In addition to this, MTR mutations need vitamin B12 to convert homocysteine to methionine.†

More specifically, the National Institute of Health states that "The MTR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methionine synthase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Specifically, methionine synthase carries out a chemical reaction that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid called methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds. To function properly, methionine synthase requires methylcobalamin (a form of vitamin B12) and another enzyme called methionine synthase reductase, which is produced from the MTRR gene."†

https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/gene/MTR 

Dr. Lynch sees that most people are very deficient in B12 causing their folate to be unusable for methylation. 

That being said, the Optimal Prenatal 8 capsule dose, or full scoop of protein powder, is the therapeutic dose for optimal nutrition. Not everyone needs this much nutrition. In fact Dr. Lynch believes that women should start out with 1-2 capsules, and only work their way up if needed. Talk to your qualified healthcare professional to determine if the dose is right for you, based on how you are feeling, and your symptoms (this is called the Pulse Method, as outlined in Dr. Lynch's book, Dirty Genes.")†

Optimal Prenatal is designed for women – and men – who are quite deficient in many nutrients, including B12. Many individuals are quite deficient due to their poor diet, genetic mutations, taking inferior supplements that are not well absorbed and utilized, and exposure to stress and toxins. †

Speak with your healthcare professional about consuming a smaller dose, as recommended by Dr. Lynch when starting out with your prenatal regimen - or any supplement regimen! Dr. lynch recommends taking 1-2 capsules, and increasing only if needed. If you decide to consume the full dose of 8 capsules, it is best taken throughout the day to get a consistent influx of nutrients into your body; 3 in the morning with breakfast, 2 with lunch and 3 in the mid-afternoon with a mid-afternoon snack. Do not consume within 5 hours of bedtime due to the B vitamins that may interfere with sleep.

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.