Mutations in MTHFR, and deficiencies in 5-MTHF may predispose a fetus towards developing neural tube birth defects in utero, such as spina bifida. MTHFR mutations may also be a significant factor in dementia, bi-polar, autism, schizophrenia, colon, breast, and rectal cancer. It is believed that as much as 50% of the population has some type of MTHFR mutation. Some mutations are more serious than others. In the autism research field, Dr. Amy Yasko has not seen an autistic child who did not have one or more MTHFR gene mutations. 

   The type of MTHFR variation you have may lead to a greater susceptibility to certain diseases. For example, the C677T mutations (which I have) may predispose one towards cardiovascular disease, peripheral neuropathy, and birth defects. I had a child from a previous marriage who was a Trisomy-18 and died in 10 hours, another with ankylosing spondalitis, and yet another with amblyopia. All three defects may have a connection to MTHFR gene mutation. This motivated me to get tested immediately and prevent my children from having problems with their own pregnancies in the future. MTHFR mutation, A1298C, may lead towards the development of fibromyalgia, schizophrenia, migraines, nerve pain, Parkinson's, chronic fatigue, and dementia. My mother had migraines and some of our Italian family definitely had neurological problems.

    Not only did I learn MTHFR gene mutations run high in Italians, but also Spanish people. Irish and Scottish also have higher risks. I am half Italian and 5/8 Spanish. My wife suspected I was positive because of my nationality, children with genetic and childhood defects, a history of depression on the Italian side, and the typical extreme highs and lows so common in passionate, loving Italians. Italians can argue and yell and make amends five minutes later. I once was given a T-shirt that said, "So Italian, So Intense." Thank you Charmaine and children for your patience with me. 

   I contacted my friend, Dr. Richard Shearer MD, who is trained in MTHFR testing. He is an ENT (ear, nose, and throat specialist) in Mount Shasta, CA. There were now many suspicions that I may have a MTHFR gene mutation which he confirmed. 

     After my 40-day fast, I returning to the blood bank for blood tests my regular doctor did not test for. I had 10 new vials of blood drawn to check for MTHFR, a sub panel for T-cells, DHEA, folate/B-12, testosterone, and other specifics. Lo and behold, I tested homozygous, meaning I inherited the MTHFR mutated gene (C667T) from both parents which is serious. The test actually said I had higher chances of heart disease and venal thrombosis and recommended I have other family members tested for MTHFR. Charmaine's test showed that she is heterozygous, which means she has one copy of the A1298C mutation, plus a normal one from her other parent. Can you imagine a homozygous husband living with a heterozygous wife? 

      With the MTHFR gene mutation the symptoms include: mood swings, depression, ADHD, low immune function, B-12 deficiency, and lack of focus and clarity. There is a high association between the gene mutation and Parkinson's Disease, and everyone with Parkinson's should get checked because there are cases where it can be reversed through supplementation of Methylfolate (B-9), Methylcobalamin (B-12), and 5MTHR. Imagine, I am gluten intolerant and just learned I also have MTHFR gene mutations from both parents, which effects B-12 absorption on both counts. No wonder I was diagnosed with MS years ago, but all symptoms disappeared when I started B-12 injections and got off glutinous foods.

    I have been told that people love me or hate me. My mouth and temperament have offended many over the years, but it really wasn't my fault, after all, because I have gene mutations which prevent me from producing dopamine and seratonin at normal levels. Besides my T cells were extremely low and nearly non-existent. One friend told me once, "I don't know how someone with so many obvious flaws could be so blessed by God?" I answered, "You should try living in here!" 

     I know I have hurt or offended some of you and want to apologize and make it right. Please forgive me. One woman told me she was mad at me for seven years and I did not even know it. Contact me (danny@modernmanna.org) and let me make it right by God's grace. Wait to you see the new Danny. Now to the rest of the story.

    Dr. Shearer gave me a special cream (Neuro Cream) that helps the patient absorb these nutrients properly. MTHFR patients cannot metabolize folate which leads to a myriad of symptoms including lack of dopamine and seratonin production which causes depression, anxiety and mood swings. My blood test also showed extremely low T-cells which totally surprised me, but is common with homozygous MTHFR. I believe because of my lifestyle (continual cleansing and super nutrition) that I have not been sick or caught some infectious disease. My T Cells were in the gutter because they were so low. Charmaine tests showed that she is very low in iron, which is part of her fatigue, and that she also had something with her thyroid which could lead to more serious problems like Hashimoto's disease if not corrected by proper supplementation with methylated nutrients. In our case we cannot utilize the form of folic acid that comes in typical vitamin formulas. The MTHFR gene mutations can cause thyroid, heart, adrenal, and hormonal problems as well. 

    So the next time you think you are crazy, please get tested for MTHFR. Request the following tests from your doctor: B12/Folate, Homocysteine, Vitamin D 25 OH, T cell subsets (CD4, CD8) absolute counts, CBC, and MTHFR. If possible, schedule an appointment with Dr. Richard Shearer in Mount Shasta because he knows his stuff.

   Dr. Shearer has me taking a cream and supplement that maximize vitamin transport to the nervous system and assist in production and processing of the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine plays an important role in several brain functions, including cognition (learning and concentration), behavior, and motor activity. The neurotransmitter dopamine affects a wide range of neural processes including short term memory, concentration, focus, sleep patterns, mood stability, hormonal regulation, organization, eye movements and focus, fine motor skills, and ADD/ADHD-like symptoms. He also wants to raise my T cells.

   I have noticed amazing changes in only three days. Dr. Shearer said, "The first thing you will notice is that will feel better all over, have more clarity and focus, and less mood swings." In three days I do feel much different. It is like something is happening in my body and brain and I can actually feel it. I am doing things I normally don't do and definitely less intense, but still passionate. I am calmer and more peaceful. I find myself listening better and staring into a person's eyes when they are talking to me. Usually I lose focus and can't wait to get onto something else. Charmaine said to my brother's girlfriend, "Danny is actually listening to me." 

    I am staring at signs and studying pictures and it seems so weird because I never did that before. I actually stopped to pay a school bill for our son Jonathan and we were running late to go to Monterey. I wrote the check and told the two secretaries in the office that I wanted to tell them a story. Me, Danny Vierra, taking the time to tell a story! I would usually be in the car impatiently waiting and then stress all the way to Monterey and make everyone miserable who was with me, at least for a while. Dr. Shearer said, "It is because you are getting more dopamine, the happy hormone." My sleep patterns are changing. I slept 10 hours last night and woke up peaceful. Arguing is the last thing I want to do. I am more committed to relationships and actually able to relax and enjoy friends and nature more. My only regret is that I wish I had discovered this years ago, but God knows what is best for me.

   What can I expect in the next few months is totally exciting. It is like I get to test out a new brain and process life all over again. It is like I get to meet my children for the first time. A psychologist confirmed something has happened to me. She told Charmaine, "Danny is different. This is real. Something has happened to his brain." She then wrote down the information about the Neuro Cream and said, "You know how many people this can help?"

    I believe God blessed both Charmaine and me during my 40-day fast with this information. Dr. Shearer suspects that her breast cancer, being estrogen related, may have been caused because she was not methylating estrogen. If you show high levels of folate or B-12 in the blood, the traditional MD will think the levels are just high, Dr. Shearer looks at it differently and asks, "Why is the folate and B-12 not getting into the cell? Something is blocking their absorption." This can happen with estrogen as well.

     Do some research on MTHFR for yourself. You will find it fascinating. One of the leading researchers is Dr. Benjamin Lynch. There are some good presentation on youtube by him, but they are pretty deep in chemistry. Also check out the website http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/mthfr/. 

    My prayer is that this newsletter will help many people stop the madness and heal. It is not your fault. You may just have MTHFR gene mutation and lacking the enzyme to metabolize key nutrients that are necessary for the chemical and biological balance for good health. And make sure to share it with friends who may be struggling with any of the myriad of neurological disorders.