Folate, MTHFR, and the Brain — The Missing Link in Autism Research

If you’ve ever fallen down a late-night Google rabbit hole about MTHFR, folate, or leucovorin, you’ve probably seen conflicting advice. Some say it’s the key to brain development, others say it’s overhyped. The truth is somewhere in between.

I’m Olga Afichuk, a Pharmacy Liaison with a Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine, and I work with healthcare providers and families to explain how genetics and metabolism influence the brain.

In this video, we’ll cover:
• How folate and the MTHFR gene affect methylation and brain chemistry
• Why some children with autism can’t get enough folate into their brains
• What cerebral folate deficiency (CFD) is and how it’s diagnosed
• The science behind leucovorin and how it helps bypass folate receptor antibodies
• What studies show about speech, focus, and developmental improvements
• How to test for MTHFR variants, folate receptor antibodies, and methylation markers
• What cofactors like B12, riboflavin, magnesium, and carnitine do
• What side effects to watch for and how to personalize dosing safely

Folate is more than a vitamin. It’s a critical nutrient for gene regulation, neurotransmitter production, and brain repair. When folate metabolism or transport is impaired, the result can be slowed development, language delay, and increased oxidative stress.

Research shows that addressing folate pathway issues with targeted therapy such as leucovorin can lead to real progress for children with specific biological subtypes of autism. It’s not about quick fixes but understanding the biochemistry behind behavior.

If you’re a parent or provider interested in functional medicine approaches to autism, this video will help you connect genetics, metabolism, and brain function in a clear, evidence-based way.

Stay strong, and follow along for the next video on mitochondrial function and how cellular energy ties into brain development.

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