What cofactors are needed to synthesize and recycle BH4? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #319

What cofactors are needed to synthesize and recycle BH4? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #319

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD July 17, 2023 Duration: 13:11

Question: What cofactors are needed to synthesize and recycle BH4?

Short Answer: Zinc, magnesium, potassium, and niacin are the cofactors needed for the synthesis and recycling of BH4. Folate and methylation are not involved, though high-dose folate or folic acid could hypothetically hurt BH4 recycling since both are recycled by dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR).

This is a clip from a live Q&A session open to CMJ Masterpass members. In addition to this episode, you can access two other free samples using this link:

https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/questions-on-vitamin-d-sulfate-synthesis

In that batch of free episodes you will also find the answers to these questions:

  • Is It Important to Get Vitamin D Sulfate Specifically From the Sun?

  • How Much Iron Can We Absorb At Once?

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https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/qanda

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https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/about

This snippet is from the February 15, 2023 AMA. The full recording and transcript is reserved for Masterpass members. Here is a preview of what's included:

  • Is It Important to Get Vitamin D Sulfate Specifically From the Sun?

  • How Much Iron Can We Absorb At Once?

  • What nutrients are important for long-term PPI use?

  • For how long does transferrin saturation respond to recent iron-rich food?

  • Muscle spasms: creatine, creatinine, sodium, and potassium.

  • Hematologists ignore iron saturation.

  • How to detox arsenic?

  • Could folic acid supplements impair BH4 recycling?

  • How to increase butyrate?

  • More on hematologists and transferrin saturation.

Here's a link to the full AMA: https://chrismasterjohnphd.substack.com/p/recording-and-transcript-of-the-february 

Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.


Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Mastering Nutrition
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