Accentrate® Chewable is now available! BUY NOW

MTHFR and Focus

February 13, 2024


Folate and MTHFR

What is folate and what does it do? You may know folate as the water-soluble vitamin B9, which supports normal focus, mood, and cognitive function. You can only get B9 from your diet, as the body does not produce it on its own. Your body needs folate for several essential functions:

  • • Activating, synthesizing, and repairing DNA
  • • Converting homocysteine (which you don’t want too much of) into methionine, an essential amino acid
  • • Stimulating neurotransmitters

In dietary supplements, you may see folate listed as folic acid or in it's methylated form, L-methylfolate, which is the active, bioavailable form of folate the body can readily use. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme that helps convert folic acid into L-methylfolate (folate metabolism) for homocysteine metabolism. Specifically, this enzyme is required for the multi-step process that synthesizes methionine, which is important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters.1 L-methylfolate is also responsible for other methylation within the cell.

Other cofactors including vitamins B6, B2, and B12 are required for efficient metabolism. Just as folate has an active, bioavailable form, so do these cofactors: pyridoxal-5'-phosphate (B6), riboflavin-5'-phosphate (B2), and adenosylcobalamin (B12).

There are genetic polymorphisms or mutations associated with the MTHFR gene, which may cause methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase deficiency. This may affect the body's ability to metabolize and utilize folate and more specifically, folic acid, as conversion becomes a challenge.

MTHFR Relation to Focus and Attention

Mutations with the MTHFR gene were often found in individuals struggling with focus and emotional balance, particularly for more inattentive issues. A higher percentage of children identified with the A1298C or C1298C polymorphism were found to meet the criteria for the inattentive type.

Additionally, the combined genotype category for MTHFR (C677T and A1298C combinations) was also significantly related to increased rates of inattention.2 Evidence has also shown that challenges related to focus and attention are more prevalent in patients with MTHFR than in the general population.3

The Workaround: L-methylfolate

There's good news though—you can support normal focus and attention by supplementing directly with L-methylfolate. Supplementing with L-methylfolate for individuals with an MTHFR mutation eliminates the challenge of folate metabolism by providing the post-conversion form. Research has shown that L-methylfolate can deliver folate immediately without the need for conversion, effectively side stepping the issue and allowing the body to receive the folate it needs to support proper focus.

Accentrate® supplements include L-methylfolate and the active forms of B6, B2, and B12 to support proper focus and emotional balance. Learn more and discover if an Accentrate product is right for you.

Learn more

References:

[1] Gokcen, C. et al., “Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Gene Polymorphisms in Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder,” International Journal of Medical Sciences 2011; 8(7):523-528.

[2] Krull KR, et al., “Folate Pathway Genetic Polymorphisms are Related to Attention Disorders in Child-hood Leukemia Survivors,” J Pediatr. 2008 Jan; 152(1):101-5.

[3] Spellicy, C., “Folate Metabolism Gene 5,10-Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) Is Associated with ADHD in Myelomeningocele Patients,” PLOS One, Dec. 2012, Vol. 7, Issue 12.

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

All Products

Accentrate®

$59.00
Buy Now

Accentrate®Gummy

$59.00
Buy Now

MZI™ Kids

$60.00*
*Only $35.00 if purchased with
Accentrate® / Accentrate110®
Buy Now

Accentrate110®

$74.99
Buy Now
View ingredients



Real Reviews from Real Customers

25 Reviews

Alissa

We are so pleased with this product! It has really helped my son!
Read More

Tammy

I am so thankful for this product. We were using Vayarin and then they stopped shipping to the US. This product works the same as the other one. We are so thankful because it has been life changing for our son.
Read More

Oliva

My husband and I see an improvement in our son’s ability to focus. We definitely want to continue Mark on his Accentrate110, and our confidence in Fenix is very high. We feel like you really care about us, our son, and your service.
Read More

Jill

I cannot even begin to tell you how thankful my family is for Accentrate. My 8yo stopped taking it for 6 weeks and went from homework taking 15 minutes to taking 3 hours. 4 days back on it and he was back to normal. Ty for an amazing product that is keeping my guy balanced, and focused in school and at home!
Read More

Mariano

I just wanted to thank you and your company for your commitment with your patients. Fourth months ago I wasn't able to receive your product directly in Puerto Rico and today I can. This is how your company differentiate from others, hearing the voice of your customer.
Read More

Helen

We were Vayarin users until they stopped making it. We tried a few products that were supposed to be comparable, and they did not work for us. Then we found Accentrate. Vayarin worked perfectly for her, and so does Accentrate. We are very thankful for this product and customer service went beyond our expectations. Thank you!
Read More

Pelac

Hello ,we used to use Vayarin for more than a year, than stopped produced it. This is our third mounth we use Accentrate. It’s even better than Vayarin! My son is 6 years old, the attention is now better. He speaks better too.
Read More

Tammie

We are starting month 3 and we have seen lots of positive changes with emotional balance...she is easier to compromise with and a lot quicker to calm self. She has been helping around the house and helping with younger brother (hw with 6 yr old)…looking forward to many more positives…thank you.
Read More

April

My 8 year old has struggles with focus. Sometimes he has a hard time following conversations and multi step instructions. He started Accentrate more than 2 months ago. His only comment was about the fishy burps! But now he takes them with a small snack and that isn’t a problem anymore. The main difference that we have seen is that he is having an easier time winding down at bedtime. He was having regular meltdowns but they seem to be fewer and farther between. I’m looking forward to seeing if there are any differences once school starts back up since we started at he very end of last school year.
Read More

Lori

It has truly made a difference in our son’s life! We are so thankful to have it!
Read More

Stephanie

We are nearing the end of our first 45 days of Accentrate for our two boys, and we are pleased to say that we did not skip a beat as we took our last Vayarin one day and we had the Accentrate ready for the next morning. It has been such a seamless transition-our boys (ages 10 and 11) have been able to remain focused and calm. My kids even enjoy taking Accentrate so much more than Vayarin. They would fight us every morning when they took Vayarin saying it “tasted fishy”. Accentrate has NO taste, it is only one pill versus the two pills of Vayarin, and it slides down so easily. The kids just think of it as an extra multi-vitamin because it is filled with so many extra nutrients. They actually take Accentrate willingly!
Read More

Kassie J

I used to ask my son how he was feeling and he’d say, “it’s hard to explain mom, cause I don’t really know how I feel.” We use to call it being zombified. He has now been taking Accentrate for 3 months and the difference in the way he feels, acts, eats is something I prayed for every single day. Accentrate gives my child the vitamins that his brain and body needs. I am amazed at the improvement of his overall health and I have Accentrate to thank. Thank you, you’ve given my son his “life” back! I strongly recommend Accentrate to any parent.
Read More

Vincent

I just wanted thank you guys for such an awesome product. We’ve been giving my son Accentrate for a little over a month and a half and we are really starting to see a big change in my son. Before, he could not focus at school, he used to get easily annoyed and bored. Also, he could not deal with transitions, fidgeting, and making noises and whining. He always wanted to do good in school, but physically and mentally he was having a difficult time. The school he goes to color codes a kid’s day by his behavior. Red is bad, yellow is ok, green is a good day, and purple is an awesome day. Everyday he would get either a yellow or red, with a green intermittently, forget about him bringing home a purple. Fast forward to now, and he brings home at least one purple during the week, and almost green everyday. He’s only had maybe 3 or 4 yellows since he has been on it. This week he has earned student of the week, the first time ever in his life. I used to stress out everyday because I knew when I picked up my son, I would have to hear how he had a terrible day. Well not anymore. Accentrate has helped my son and I, tremendously. I hope my story can help other parents. I started to research different alternatives and noticed some good reviews on Accentrate, that’s when I gave it a try. I can only imagine it will get even better with time. You definitely have a returning customer! Again, I couldn’t thank you guys enough.
Read More

Melissa

My daughter just started Accentrate a week ago, she is 13, about 105 pounds, 5 feet. I have been having her take one in the morning and at night more to get it built up into her system. I must say that I can definitely tell that all of her spark plugs are beginning to fire. I’m so glad to find something that works for her.
Read More

Mandy

We are on month 4 of Accentrate and my 11 year old girl seems so much better!
Read More

M Tucker

We first tried Vayarin for three or so months. We didn’t notice any improvements. Then we found Accentrate, which has the phospholipid omega-3s that Vayarin has, but also has many other vitamins, minerals, and cofactors, and it was cheaper so we thought we’d give it a try. He’s been on it for more than six months. At his parent teacher conference and his report card, his teachers have said his attention and focus is improved. He’s still energetic at home and when we go out. But he can sit and read. He can sit in class and pay attention.
Read More

Linda W

My son has been steadily improving with his behavior after 3 months on Accentrate. He has had far less episodes at home and at school. He went from failing in all subjects except gym and art, to passing all but one subject, which is reading.
Read More

Kendra O.

I’ve spent at least a couple hundred dollars on different vitamins but they either tasted gross, too chewy or just couldn’t stomach them. I was introduced to Accentrate recently and thought we’d give it a try with our kids. They’ve been on it pretty regularly since summer and they say it helps them. I think it’s a solid product just by doing my own research on what vitamins are beneficial for children struggling with focus. This is the only vitamin that I have found that combines everything I was looking for. My kids range in age from 8-12.
Read More

Jen P

My son has been taking Accentrate for the last four months. We’ve noticed improvement! The first benefits we noticed were calming in his behavior. He had fewer mood outbursts. He still did, but to a noticeably lessor extent. We have found recently, that we do not have to hassle him to sit and do his homework or reading either.
Read More

Corrie

I actually purchased the 3-month supply for both me and my son, so we’re almost through the whole package. Hence, the additional order placed this week. I wanted us both to try it first for a month or so to determine if it’s something we’d like to keep taking. I have noticed some improvements in both of us – specifically in our ability to remember things. That’s been a big issue for both of us – something I’ve often referred to as being “scatter-brained.” I’ve noticed more changes in my son, so I think it’s impacting him more quickly than me, but I’ve seen enough to want to continue. As for the product itself, we love the packaging with the dates - it can be difficult to remember if we’ve taken medicine from day to day, so have a package that helps us manage that is so helpful!
Read More

Cherie M

My son has been on Accentrate since June 2018. He is doing very well. The first thing we noticed was that he had significantly calmed down after a week of taking Accentrate. We didn’t notice improvements in focus or attention until later in September, but this might also be because he wasn’t in school in June or July. We’ve continually reordered because we feel it helps. It’s nice to take one pill instead of multiple supplements.
Read More

Cherie M

The first thing we noticed was that he had significantly calmed down after a week of taking Accentrate. We’ve continually reordered because we feel it helps. It’s nice to take one pill instead of multiple supplements.
Read More

Twinkie Mom

Accentrate has been very successful for our family. We started our son on it roughly 2 months ago and have noticed an improvement in his behaviour and his focus. Conversations with him are more enjoyable and he seems to be able to keep himself settled a bit more. We like that this product is healthy and that it feeds the brain everything it needs. For this reason, we’ve decided to put our other child on this supplement as well. A few weeks in, we coupled Accentrate with a gluten free and dairy free diet and noticed even greater improvements.
Read More

Nikki

My son just finished up the three-month supply we bought and we are re-ordering. While this didn’t help him focus and concentrate like the medication did, there was enough improvement that I’d rather him be on a natural product than on an addictive substance with side effects. His teachers say that he is manageable and are supportive of our decision.
Read More

Rebecca

We saw that fish oils, magnesium, multi-vitamins might help. And they did. But it was always hard having her take three different pills. This product is great because it’s one small pill with all these nutrients that we were already comfortable with. She didn’t like the fish oil pill, and said it was very fishy. This doesn’t taste fishy to her at all. The tracking component of the packaging is just brilliant. It’s helped us more than once notice we missed a day.
Read More