by tim » Sat Nov 01, 2025 9:15 am
https://www.malone.news/p/wellbeing-death-by-flour
Wellbeing: Death by Flour
The hidden dangers of sugar, refined carbs, folic acid, preservatives, pesticides, and potassium bromate
Folic acid
Folic acid is added to breakfast cereals, flour, and grain as a substitute for natural folate acid. This is added so that pregnant women make adequate amounts of folate to prevent neural tube defects (Spina bifida and Anencephaly) in babies and to help meet the minimum folate standards. Of note, the U.S. FDA has mandated the enrichment of wheat flour, cornmeal, and rice flour with folic acid (140 µg per 100 g of flour) since 1998.
For breakfast cereal fortification, a folic acid solution or powder is sprayed or mixed onto the finished cereal before packaging. It is also required for meal replacement (protein) bars and powders. Of course, it isn’t just breakfast cereals; folic acid is in all of our bread - unless it is made with organic flour.
Most people tolerate this supplement well. However, roughly 30–40% of the population carries a genetic mutation called MTHFR polymorphism, which reduces their ability to metabolize folic acid efficiently. And for 10-15% of the population, their bodies do not properly break down folic acid, leading to unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) buildup in the blood, which may weaken immune function, including natural killer (NK) cell activity.
There can also be significant methylation-related issues in those with MTHFR polymorphisms, leading to elevated homocysteine levels despite adequate folic acid intake.
High homocysteine levels mainly increase the risk of cardiovascular and neurological disease. Chronically elevated levels can damage blood vessel linings, promote arterial plaque buildup and blood clots, and are linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke. In the brain, excess homocysteine contributes to oxidative stress and impaired neurotransmitter function, raising the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and neuropathy, especially when folate or vitamin B12 is low.
In pregnancy, high homocysteine is associated with miscarriage, preeclampsia, and birth defects such as neural tube defects. Overall, it’s a marker of impaired methylation and B-vitamin deficiency, with vascular and neurological damage being the most common and clinically significant consequences.
There is a simple blood test widely available to analyze for MTHFR variants. The test looks for two main DNA variants (SNPs) in the MTHFR gene:
C677T (rs1801133) is the MTHFR gene most strongly linked to reduced enzyme activity and,
The A1298C (rs1801131) gene, which has milder effect, but can compound with C677T
The results of a lab report testing for the variants will report on whether an individual has the following profile:
Normal (wild type)
Heterozygous (one copy of the variant)
Homozygous (two copies, most substantial effect)
Because of the higher risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the MTHFR gene and the lack of overt symptoms, we recommend that everyone consider getting tested. However, some groups of people are more likely than others to have one of these variants.
The geographic and Ethnic Distribution of the Frequency of C677T Allele differs:
East Asian (China, Japan, Korea) - 30–40% homozygous - Among the highest prevalence globally; linked to high homocysteine levels and folate sensitivity.
Southern European (Italy, Spain, France, etc.) - 10–20% homozygous - Moderate frequency; often associated with mild enzyme reduction.
Northern European - 5–12% homozygous - Common but less than in Mediterranean regions.
African and African American - <2–3% homozygous -The 677T variant is rare; A1298C is somewhat more common.
Indigenous American (including S. Americans) - Variable (10–30%) - Reflects East Asian ancestry patterns.
South Asian (India, Pakistan)- 10–15% homozygous.
Older studies and meta-analysis studies have not been conclusive regarding the association between the C677T gene and cardiovascular disease, but more recent studies have found that, especially in Asian populations, the risk is higher:
“We observed a significant correlation between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the development of CHD in the recessive model (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.71, P = 0.006) for the overall population.
In subgroups stratified by ethnicity and source of controls, subgroup analyses indicated similar associations in Asians and hospital-based groups, but not for Caucasians and population-based groups.” (ref).
Our findings indicated that MTRR rs1532268, MTHFR rs1801131 and MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphisms may affect the risk of CHD in Asians and Caucasians, while the MTRR rs1801394 polymorphism may only affect in risk of CHD in Asians (ref).
And yet still, no major medical group or the HHS “task force” recommends testing, not even for the Asian population, who are most at risk. Particularly if eating a high-carb (cereal/bread/etc) diet - as the amount of folic acid being ingested could be quite high in those individuals.
The real reason why folic acid supplementation is required is to prevent neural tube defects, and those numbers have decreased by 36% since folic acid was added to foods so that pregnant women can get adequate amounts. Neural tube defects have declined from around 4,100 cases per year to around 3,000 - so this truly has been a blessing for some families. This is important, but the only people being affected by this mandated supplement are pregnant women and their babies. Are the neural tube defect benefits sufficient to justify the harms done to those with MTHFR gene C677T genetic alleles? No one has done the risk/benefit analysis to the best of my knowledge. So I asked Grok to perform the analysis (see below at the end of this essay).
Potential Harms of Folic Acid supplementation are primarily associated with excessive intake (>1,000 mcg/day). At high doses, unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) can accumulate, especially in TT carriers due to impaired conversion, potentially creating a “pseudo-MTHFR deficiency” by further suppressing enzyme activity.
Evidence for harm is mostly associative (from observational studies and meta-analyses), not causal, and focused on excess rather than standard use. No large randomized trials show definitive risks at 400 mcg.
Once again, this is a public mandate to supplement all grains for which we, the public, weren’t given a choice. And the results are that for some, the risk of cardiac heart disease, immune dysfunction, and cognitive issues may be significant. Another example of “Public Health” officials mandating a one-size-fits-all solution based on flawed utilitarian (greatest good for the greatest number) logic.
BTW- the CDC does not address the issues directly, but instead focuses on the need for folic acid supplements for pregnant women, yet there are alternatives such as methylated folate, which is a natural form of folate and more like one would eat in whole foods. The problem is that 5-MTHF (methylated folate) and folinic acid most likely will improve folate status - but until clinical trials demonstrating fewer NTDs have been conducted, the CDC will not recommend them. As the CDC finds folic acid adequate, there is little incentive for the government to fund such studies. So, guidelines continue to recommend folic acid specifically. But there are many “methylated folate” supplements on the market.
Potassium bromate
Then there is potassium bromate in bread, which some commercial bakeries use to produce bread with a higher rise and firmer texture. It helps the dough hold gas during proofing and creates a uniform crumb and white color. Perfect for mass production!
Potassium bromate is classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Animal studies have linked it to kidney and thyroid tumors. The concern is that bromate residues can remain in finished bread if baking temperatures or times are inadequate to convert it to non-toxic bromide fully.
Potassium bromate addition to food is banned or restricted in the EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, China, Japan, and many other countries, but is still allowed to be used in the USA. So, this is another ingredient to check out when reading food labels. Specifically look for “potassium bromate” or “bromated flour.
[url]https://www.malone.news/p/wellbeing-death-by-flour[/url]
[quote]Wellbeing: Death by Flour
The hidden dangers of sugar, refined carbs, folic acid, preservatives, pesticides, and potassium bromate[/quote]
[quote]Folic acid
Folic acid is added to breakfast cereals, flour, and grain as a substitute for natural folate acid. This is added so that pregnant women make adequate amounts of folate to prevent neural tube defects (Spina bifida and Anencephaly) in babies and to help meet the minimum folate standards. Of note, the U.S. FDA has mandated the enrichment of wheat flour, cornmeal, and rice flour with folic acid (140 µg per 100 g of flour) since 1998.
For breakfast cereal fortification, a folic acid solution or powder is sprayed or mixed onto the finished cereal before packaging. It is also required for meal replacement (protein) bars and powders. Of course, it isn’t just breakfast cereals; folic acid is in all of our bread - unless it is made with organic flour.
Most people tolerate this supplement well. However, roughly 30–40% of the population carries a genetic mutation called MTHFR polymorphism, which reduces their ability to metabolize folic acid efficiently. And for 10-15% of the population, their bodies do not properly break down folic acid, leading to unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) buildup in the blood, which may weaken immune function, including natural killer (NK) cell activity.
There can also be significant methylation-related issues in those with MTHFR polymorphisms, leading to elevated homocysteine levels despite adequate folic acid intake.
High homocysteine levels mainly increase the risk of cardiovascular and neurological disease. Chronically elevated levels can damage blood vessel linings, promote arterial plaque buildup and blood clots, and are linked to higher rates of heart attack and stroke. In the brain, excess homocysteine contributes to oxidative stress and impaired neurotransmitter function, raising the risk of cognitive decline, dementia, depression, and neuropathy, especially when folate or vitamin B12 is low.
In pregnancy, high homocysteine is associated with miscarriage, preeclampsia, and birth defects such as neural tube defects. Overall, it’s a marker of impaired methylation and B-vitamin deficiency, with vascular and neurological damage being the most common and clinically significant consequences.
There is a simple blood test widely available to analyze for MTHFR variants. The test looks for two main DNA variants (SNPs) in the MTHFR gene:
C677T (rs1801133) is the MTHFR gene most strongly linked to reduced enzyme activity and,
The A1298C (rs1801131) gene, which has milder effect, but can compound with C677T
The results of a lab report testing for the variants will report on whether an individual has the following profile:
Normal (wild type)
Heterozygous (one copy of the variant)
Homozygous (two copies, most substantial effect)
Because of the higher risk of cardiovascular disease associated with the MTHFR gene and the lack of overt symptoms, we recommend that everyone consider getting tested. However, some groups of people are more likely than others to have one of these variants.
The geographic and Ethnic Distribution of the Frequency of C677T Allele differs:
East Asian (China, Japan, Korea) - 30–40% homozygous - Among the highest prevalence globally; linked to high homocysteine levels and folate sensitivity.
Southern European (Italy, Spain, France, etc.) - 10–20% homozygous - Moderate frequency; often associated with mild enzyme reduction.
Northern European - 5–12% homozygous - Common but less than in Mediterranean regions.
African and African American - <2–3% homozygous -The 677T variant is rare; A1298C is somewhat more common.
Indigenous American (including S. Americans) - Variable (10–30%) - Reflects East Asian ancestry patterns.
South Asian (India, Pakistan)- 10–15% homozygous.
Older studies and meta-analysis studies have not been conclusive regarding the association between the C677T gene and cardiovascular disease, but more recent studies have found that, especially in Asian populations, the risk is higher:
“We observed a significant correlation between the MTHFR C677T polymorphism and the development of CHD in the recessive model (OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.06-1.71, P = 0.006) for the overall population.
In subgroups stratified by ethnicity and source of controls, subgroup analyses indicated similar associations in Asians and hospital-based groups, but not for Caucasians and population-based groups.” (ref).
Our findings indicated that MTRR rs1532268, MTHFR rs1801131 and MTHFR rs1801133 polymorphisms may affect the risk of CHD in Asians and Caucasians, while the MTRR rs1801394 polymorphism may only affect in risk of CHD in Asians (ref).
And yet still, no major medical group or the HHS “task force” recommends testing, not even for the Asian population, who are most at risk. Particularly if eating a high-carb (cereal/bread/etc) diet - as the amount of folic acid being ingested could be quite high in those individuals.
The real reason why folic acid supplementation is required is to prevent neural tube defects, and those numbers have decreased by 36% since folic acid was added to foods so that pregnant women can get adequate amounts. Neural tube defects have declined from around 4,100 cases per year to around 3,000 - so this truly has been a blessing for some families. This is important, but the only people being affected by this mandated supplement are pregnant women and their babies. Are the neural tube defect benefits sufficient to justify the harms done to those with MTHFR gene C677T genetic alleles? No one has done the risk/benefit analysis to the best of my knowledge. So I asked Grok to perform the analysis (see below at the end of this essay).
Potential Harms of Folic Acid supplementation are primarily associated with excessive intake (>1,000 mcg/day). At high doses, unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) can accumulate, especially in TT carriers due to impaired conversion, potentially creating a “pseudo-MTHFR deficiency” by further suppressing enzyme activity.
Evidence for harm is mostly associative (from observational studies and meta-analyses), not causal, and focused on excess rather than standard use. No large randomized trials show definitive risks at 400 mcg.
Once again, this is a public mandate to supplement all grains for which we, the public, weren’t given a choice. And the results are that for some, the risk of cardiac heart disease, immune dysfunction, and cognitive issues may be significant. Another example of “Public Health” officials mandating a one-size-fits-all solution based on flawed utilitarian (greatest good for the greatest number) logic.
BTW- the CDC does not address the issues directly, but instead focuses on the need for folic acid supplements for pregnant women, yet there are alternatives such as methylated folate, which is a natural form of folate and more like one would eat in whole foods. The problem is that 5-MTHF (methylated folate) and folinic acid most likely will improve folate status - but until clinical trials demonstrating fewer NTDs have been conducted, the CDC will not recommend them. As the CDC finds folic acid adequate, there is little incentive for the government to fund such studies. So, guidelines continue to recommend folic acid specifically. But there are many “methylated folate” supplements on the market.[/quote]
[quote]Potassium bromate
Then there is potassium bromate in bread, which some commercial bakeries use to produce bread with a higher rise and firmer texture. It helps the dough hold gas during proofing and creates a uniform crumb and white color. Perfect for mass production!
Potassium bromate is classified as a possible human carcinogen (Group 2B) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Animal studies have linked it to kidney and thyroid tumors. The concern is that bromate residues can remain in finished bread if baking temperatures or times are inadequate to convert it to non-toxic bromide fully.
Potassium bromate addition to food is banned or restricted in the EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, China, Japan, and many other countries, but is still allowed to be used in the USA. So, this is another ingredient to check out when reading food labels. Specifically look for “potassium bromate” or “bromated flour.[/quote]