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It’s Neurodiversity Celebration Week here in the UK, a week when we are encouraged to celebrate what makes brains different, and promote a better understanding of what neurodivergence means.
The word ‘neurodivergence’ is an umbrella term, literally meaning a divergence from what is considered ‘typical’, and covers differences in brain function and thinking patterns, that influence behaviour -typical of conditions like ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia, dyspraxia, tourettes, and chronic mental health issues. Neurodivergence is an inclusive term given the variety of experiences contained within just one of the conditions above, so there are many different ways to approach and support neurodivergence in our communities.
However, waiting times for neurodivergent diagnoses here in the UK are still often within the timeframe of years, and so some people are turning to social platforms to share information and form communities to share support. Within the last few years, the dialogue on and around neurodivergence has expanded rapidly online. A range of health practitioners and doctors are using social platforms to share information on current research, including exploring the links between neurodivergence and other health conditions, and genetic markers, and promoting discussion about healthcare protocols that aren’t solely reliant on medications. These conversations are broadening the general understanding of what neurodivergence is, and how it can present, and can be helpful for both those with neurodivergent diagnoses, and the practitioners working with them.
Within the realm of nutrition, and nutritionists working with neurodivergent clients, recent research into specific foods and nutrients is demonstrating possible avenues for nutrient support. While a lot of information is mostly within the ‘general brain support’ category, there is research into some specific nutrients happening that could demonstrate just how useful nutrient therapy can be for neurodivergent people.
Two vitamins that are often spoken about within nutrition therapy, are vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 (folate). Both vitamins are within the B vitamin group, and are water-soluble. B12 supplementation is more typically associated with vegans (given that B12 can be lacking from a vegan diet), and folate (or its other form, folic acid) with supplementation for pregnancy. However, both are necessary for a wide range of functions, including brain and nervous system health.
Now neurodivergent people can be at higher risk of nutrient deficiencies in general, for a number of reasons: eating habits, food preferences (eg. ‘safe foods’), medication use, and genetic factors, can all play a role in the development of nutrient deficiencies. The relationship between neurodivergence and B12 and folate deficiency specifically is more complex however than ‘just not consuming enough’, and involves a gene called MTHFR.
Research suggests that neurodivergent individuals may be more likely to carry MTHFR gene mutations, which complicates B12 and folate metabolism. Why this is important to know, is because the MTHFR gene codes for an enzyme that plays a key role in the methylation cycle -crucial for processes involved in neurotransmitter synthesis -eg. dopamine production and regulation.
This enzyme is necessary for the conversion of folate (to 5-MTHF), which is needed for the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, the precursor to neurotransmitter synthesis, and regulation of various processes including brain function. B12 is also necessary for homocysteine conversion.
If neurodivergent individuals are lacking in either B12 or folate, neurotransmitter production may be impaired. If they also express MTHFR gene mutations, this can be further hindered, so having adequate levels of B12 and folate coming in the diet is really important. And not just the amount, but also the form. For folate, the form of the supplement will change the effectiveness of how it works. In individuals with MTHFR mutations, it is the folate conversion to 5-MTHF that is impaired, and so supplementation of the ‘active form’ 5-MTHF, rather than standard folic acid, can be a helpful work-around.
Now this is just one avenue of nutrient support for neurodivergent individuals, but understanding this particular link could be key to providing better nutritional support and care. Because both nutrients can be tested for within blood work, nutritional therapists working with neurodivergent individuals, provide an accessible routine investigation that can identify deficiency. This can then open a door for discussions about diet and/or supplementation of some key supporting nutrients. Given that B12 and folate supplements can be found in most health stores, and in some pharmacies, supplementation of either nutrient is one of the more accessible routes in nutrient support frameworks for neurodivergent individuals.
