Effect of L-Methylfolate Supplementation on Sleep for Patients with Reduced Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Activity

Abstract

Introduction Clinicians have limited options outside controlled substances to address sleep disturbance, which left untreated can negatively affect patient outcomes in cardiovascular health, mental health, immunologic function, and more. For some, genetic factors may influence sleep disturbances. L-methylfolate, the active form of folate, plays a critical role in regulation of monoamine neurotransmitters known to have significant impact on sleep regulation: dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine. Single nucleotide polymorphisms of the enzyme methylene-tetrahydrofolate-reductase are common and can impact monoamine production. The goal of this study was to evaluate effects of L-methylfolate supplementation on sleep in a cohort with reduced methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) activity. Methods A retrospective cohort of patients being treated with L-methylfolate in a concierge medical clinic setting was studied. Patients presenting with sleep complaints were evaluated using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System at baseline. Patients with known MTHFR polymorphisms at either C667T and/or A1298C were recommended 5 mg of L-methylfolate daily and were reevaluated at 2 wks, at 4 wks, and at 8 wks of supplementation. Statistical comparisons were made utilizing ANOVA and T-test comparisons. Results Ten were included in the final cohort: six male and four female, average age 43 ± 16 years. Beginning at wk 2, average sleep disturbance improved significantly by −6.94 points (p = 0.005) and by 8 wks, all patients had improvement with a −14.34 change in disturbance from baseline (p = 0.001). Conclusion Improvement in sleep disturbance was seen in both low and intermediate function phenotypes. L-methylfolate may be useful for improving sleep in patients with MTHFR polymorphism.