MTHFR at the Crossroads: Genetic Variants, Metabolic Disruption, and Clinical Consequences
Learn how MTHFR gene variants 677C→T and 1298A→C alter folate pathways, elevate homocysteine, and shape risk for heart, brain, and reproductive disorders.
FRAT® and Autism
Autism in the United States has surged and continues to grow at an alarming rate. The CDC reports that 1 in 36 children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Folate Receptor Autoantibodies have been found to be highly prevalent in children with ASD. The folate receptor alpha (FRa) is responsible for actively transporting folate into several body organs including the fetus and brain. Folate Receptor Autoantibodies interfere with the ability of the FRa to function properly, thereby affecting folate transport. This condition may be treated with alternate reduced folates. Early diagnosis can lead to earlier intervention and possibly greater improvement. Please consult your physician for more information.
What is FRAT® ?
FRAT® is a vital blood test that screens for Folate Receptor Autoantibodies, which hinder the proper transport of essential folate (vitamin B9) to the brain and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF). This deficiency can contribute to Cerebral Folate Deficiency Syndrome, among other neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Why FRAT® test in Autism?
A large percentage of children with Autism have been found to have Folate Receptor Autoantibodies. FRAT® will confirm the presence of these autoantibodies, which suggests that not enough folate (vitamin B9) is being transported into the brain.
Why do FRAT® right now?
Don't wait to take action! Early diagnosis is the key to optimal treatment outcomes. With the information provided by FRAT®, you and your physician can explore alternate reduced folate treatments that can make a real difference!
What to do after FRAT® ?
Insufficient folate can often be corrected with alternate folate metabolites that bypass the autoantibodies. Consult your physician for further information on available therapeutic approaches.
Lives Tranformed by FRAT®
I gave my child 2mg of folinic acid daily for two months and the recent switch to Leucovorin represents an increase in dose and pharmaceutical quality. However, since adding the Leucovorin (cutting and crushing the tablet) at 5 mg administered with a split dose daily (2.5mg each dose), My child has demonstrated observable improvement in the past 3 days alone. My wife cried yesterday, and I sobbed with tears of hope and joy.
In 5 1/2 years My child has only acquired one expressive word – “Yum”. Historically speech therapy has not helped whatsoever, and he won’t even mimic sounds. However Yesterday, he learned and appropriately repeated and initiated two new words!!!!!!.
He then woke me up in the middle of the night and wanted me to get on the floor and play with him. He has a ton of toys and never touches them. He has never before initiated play with toys and has never wanted me to get on the floor and play with him and, Yesterday, My child ran up to me with outstretched arms and wanted me to pick him up and hold him while maintaining eye contact during the entire approach.
He made more eye contact than I’ve ever seen him make. He smiled when I smiled at him. Thank you friend!
BTW, I’m a trained neuro and forensic psychologist. This is no placebo.
BERRY BECKMAN
"What does a central nervous system deprived of a key nutrient look like? In my case, it looked like bipolar disorder, psychosis, and a personality disorder. This presentation led to heavy-handed and wildly ineffective treatments. Fortunately, I found integrative clinicians like Dr. Mary and Dr. Steve Rondeau at the Wholeness Center. They saw my failure to respond to standard care as a clue that something benign might actually soothe my nervous system and reduce my aggressive, bipolar, and psychotic behaviors.
By running a FRAT® test, we discovered that my brain and body were unable to absorb folate-a B9 vitamin. Years of my life were spent on toxic treatments without symptom remission. With the right diagnostics, we found objective data showing what was beneath my neuropsychiatric symptoms. This restored my health and dignity.
The FRAT® test revealed a positive folate receptor autoantibody that inhibited folate binding at the receptor site, in addition to a homozygous MTHFR mutation. With deeper diagnostic testing, we could finally correct the course of treatment and provide a form of folate that crossed the blood-brain barrier to feed my hungry CNS.
I wish every clinician treating patients with mood and behavioral symptoms would screen for this antibody to ensure humane, dignified, and effective treatment."
CELESTE BRINKERHOFF
“FRAT® changed the course of my daughter’s life and our family’s. A simple blood test led our physician on the right path for treatment and today she is thriving! As a parent, you can’t ask for anything more. This would not have happened if we didn’t use FRAT® to screen for folate receptor autoantibodies. We are forever grateful!”
DEANNA H.
“Having a child with ASD is challenging. Even more challenging is navigating what programs, treatments, therapies, and diets will help them improve; this was overwhelming for us at first. We are so thankful for our knowledgeable doctor and for the FRAT® test because our child has improved in so many facets – his speech, his socialization, his attention span – it has been remarkable. Thank you, again.”
MAXWELL M.
Autism Awareness
Leucovorin vs 5 Methyltetrahydrofolate in the Presence of Folate Receptor Autoantibodies
Understand how Leucovorin and 5-MTHF differ in treating Folate Receptor Autoantibodies and why Leucovorin may work better in Cerebral Folate Deficiency.
Can Autistic Children Be Overly Friendly?
Discover why some autistic children seem overly friendly and how gentle guidance can help them build safe, confident social connections.
The Critical Importance of Screening for Folate Receptor Autoantibodies in Neurological and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Discover why screening for folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAAs) is vital in diagnosing and treating neurological and neurodevelopmental disorders effectively.
Cracking the Folate Code: How Enzymatic Polymorphisms Shape Health and Neurodevelopment
Cracking the Folate Code explores how genetic variants in folate metabolism influence cardiovascular risk, birth outcomes, and autism spectrum disorder.
Leucovorin as a Potential Treatment for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Discover how Leucovorin targets core autism symptoms by addressing folate receptor autoantibodies (FRAAs) and improving language, behavior, and cognition in ASD.