What Is a MTHFR Mutation?

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What is an MTHFR gene mutation
Wellness Mama » Blog » Health » What Is a MTHFR Mutation?

When you have an autoimmune disease like I do, you get to learn a whole new language when it comes to your health. Terms like TSH, flare, leaky gut, and triggers become part of your vocabulary. One term that I’ve gotten many questions about lately and that deserves the attention it is finally getting is the MTHFR mutation.

What Is MTHFR?

MTHFR is an enzyme that adds a methyl group to folic acid to make it usable by the body. The MTHFR gene produces this enzyme that is necessary for properly using vitamin B9. This enzyme is also important for converting homocysteine into methionine, which the body needs for proper metabolism and muscle growth and which is needed for glutathione creation . The process of methylation also involves the enzyme from the MTHFR gene, so those with a mutation may have trouble effectively eliminating toxins from the body.

The genetics home reference offers more detail:

The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is important for a chemical reaction involving forms of the vitamin folate (also called vitamin B9). Specifically, this enzyme converts a molecule called 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to a molecule called 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This reaction is required for the multistep process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds.

Contrary to how it looks, “MTHFR” is not an abbreviation for a popular curse word, but a shortened form of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase… Aren’t you glad it is abbreviated?

I touched on the importance of the MTHFR enzyme briefly in my post about folic acid vs. folate and why I am careful to avoid synthetic folic acid in supplements and foods.

Those of us with a MTHFR gene mutation have a highly reduced ability to convert folic acid or even folate into a usable form. Research estimates that as much as half of the population may have an MTHFR gene mutation, though there are many variations of the mutation, depending on how the gene was passed down from the parents. More on that below.

Problems From an MTHFR Gene Mutation

Dr. Izabella Wentz explains how the MTHFR mutation can affect those who have it:

Individuals with low activity of the MTHFR enzyme may present with elevated homocysteine levels, which have been associated with inflammation and heart disease, birth defects, difficult pregnancies, and potentially an impaired ability to detoxify.

Nutrient deficiencies in Folate, B6 and B12 have been associated with elevated homocysteine.

Individuals with the MTHFR gene actually have a difficult time processing folic acid that is present in most cheap supplements and added to processed foods. Some professionals claim that this type of folic acid may even cause a build-up in the body leading to toxicity. Studies have been done that showed folic acid supplements increased cancer risk… one more reason to ditch processed foods and your multivitamin!

Some naturopathic doctors like Dr. Doni Wilson suspect that lingering fatigue, fogginess, anxiety, sleep issues and inability to deal with alcohol and other toxins effectively can be a result of an underlying gene mutation like the MTHFR mutation. She explains how this affects many aspects of health and how stress is a compounding factor:

Activated folate (named 5MTHF) goes on to give its methyl group to other nutrients and substances – a process called “methylation.” It is required for the creation of every cell in your body, so if it is not activated properly, you can imagine what a significant issue it would be. 5MTHF, along with several other nutrients, is also used to create and process neurotransmitters (messengers in the nervous system like serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine); create immune cells and process hormones (such as estrogen); as well as to produce energy and detoxify chemicals.

Stress, in all its forms, inhibits this “methylation” – the transfer of methyl from 5MTHF to other substances. So when you are under stress, it is especially important to provide the nutrients necessary for these processes.

To clarify in more detail, the liver is a major processing system, involving countless enzyme pathways, including methylation, which turn one nutrient into another and toxins into non-toxins, preparing them all to be used and/or expelled by the body. When you drink alcohol, it is your livers job to process it using methylation, but if your nutrients are depleted or you are stressed, your liver will not be able to complete the process effectively, leading to symptoms associated with a hangover.

Identifying a potential MTHFR defect is especially important for women of childbearing age, as this defect can increase the risk of many problems in an unborn child, including folate related disorders like Spina Bifida.

Types of MTHFR Mutation

There are many different possibilities when it comes to MTHFR gene mutations and science is still working to understand them all. I’ve included links to more in-depth resources below, but there are several common mutations that can occur.

The reason for all the types of mutations is variations in the specific genes passed on from each parent. In other words, if both parents pass on a healthy gene, a person won’t have a mutation at all. If one parent passes on a healthy gene but the other passes on a mutated gene, several variations can occur. If both parents pass on a mutated form, there are many more scenarios that can occur.

The two most problematic mutations that can occur are  C677T and A1298C, which denote the placement of the mutation on the gene. The most common forms of MTHFR mutation involve various combinations of these genes being passed on from each parent:

  • Homozygous: the same gene passed on from both parents-  can occur if both pass on the 677 mutation, or the 1298 mutation.
  • Heterozygous: one parent passed on the 677 mutation or the 1298 mutation but the other parent passed on a normal gene.
  • Compound Heterozygous: one parent passed on the 677 mutation and the other passed on the 1298 mutation.
  • Other more advanced and rare mutations.

What Happens When the MTHFR Gene Is Defective?

Those with a defective MTHFR gene have an impaired ability to produce the MTHFR enzyme (estimates range from 20%-70% or more). This can make it more difficult to break down and eliminate not only synthetic folic acid but other substances like heavy metals.

Since folic acid can’t be converted into the usable form, it can build up in the body, which can raise levels of homocysteine. High homocysteine levels are associated with a higher risk in cardiovascular disease. This also affects the conversion to glutathione, which the body needs to remove waste and which is a potent antioxidant.

In short, we are just learning the extent to which this can affect health, but there is strong evidence that because of the affect on methylation, it can increase cancer risk, cardiovascular disease risk, risk of fetal development problems and more. It can also possibly contribute to or exacerbate other problems like autoimmune disease, mental issues and more.

Dr. Ben Lynch of MTHFR.net has a comprehensive list of conditions he has been able to link to a MTHFR gene defect.

How to Get Tested for MTHFR Gene Defects

Though there are many symptoms that can be associated with an MTHFR defect, the symptoms can vary widely from person to person and only a test (blood or saliva) can verify a gene defect and the type.

Janie at Stop the Thyroid Madness compiled a great list of ways to get tested. Local doctors are able to run these tests as well, but not all doctors are well-versed in handing MTHFR issues…

Dr. Amy Yasko will test about 30 methylation SNP’s (single nucleotide polymorphisms)here. You may need a doctor’s prescription. It is considered to be a highly accurate test.

A similar one you can do on your own with saliva…and is highly recommended and popular…is from 23andme. It is stated to miss 5 SNP’s that Yasko’s will not miss, but is cheaper and still an excellent test. NOTE: 23andme states the following:

23andmeprovides ancestry-related genetic reports and uninterpreted raw genetic data. We no longer offer our health-related genetic reports. That does NOT mean you won’t get what you need. After the 23andme results come back, you’ll get “raw data”. You will upload that data to any of the following, which in turn will give you what you need:

  • Genetic Genie, which will look at your methylation genetics just by reading your 23andMe raw data.
  • Live Wello, which gives a great deal of information to you based on 23and me, plus links to learn more about each gene’s potential problem.
  • Nutrahacker will tell you what supplements you need to take, and which ones plus more you need to avoid, due to your mutations. It’s very interesting!
  • Sterling Hill’s app mthfrsupport.com/sterlings-app or you can contact her and pay for a call to help with interpretation of your genetics.

A VAST amount of genetic information can be obtained from Promethease.com

Here’s a good string about testing methyl pathways vs genome testing.

I personally have experience with Spectra Cell tests.

MTHFR Tips

Though it isn’t possible to change a gene, there are things that can be done to minimize the potential for problems or to help avoid problems in children (before and during the mother’s pregnancy). As I said, the research is still developing on this, but some things that I find personally helpful are:

  • Focusing on gut health: Especially when the body has impaired ability to use certain nutrients, it is important to focus on gut health so that the body can absorb the nutrients from food as effectively as possible. I personally avoid antibacterial soaps, vegetable oils, processed grains and refined sugars and support my gut with fermented foods and homemade broth. This also helps avoid candida, which can make MTHFR related problems worse.
  • Avoiding environmental toxins as much as possible: Those with an MTHFR gene defect have an impaired ability to eliminate toxins. I avoid plastics, chemicals in beauty supplies and cleaning products, and scented candles, which can all release harmful chemicals. We use houseplants and other methods of cleaning our indoor air, and filter our drinking and shower water.
  • Not taking anything with Folic Acid: As I explained in this post, folic acid is the synthetic form of folate that cannot be used by those with a MTHFR defect and which can be very toxic. I avoid any supplements with folic acid and only take L-MTHF forms, which are the methylated forms that my body can use. I also take a methyl-B12 which is supposed to help the body use L-MTHF.
  • Lots of Leafy Greens: According to Dr. Ben Lynch, dark leafy greens contain the methylated forms of folate that those with a gene defect need. As if we needed more reasons that it is important to consume green veggies… I try to work in green veggies at every meal.
  • Avoid Processed Foods: Again, as if anyone needed another reason to avoid processed foods… Many processed foods have synthetic folic acid added.
  • Avoiding things that can block or deplete folate levels: Certain medications, including hormonal contraceptives can interfere with folate levels, and medicines like antacids can interfere with B-12 absorption.
  • Avoiding Heavy Metals: Heavy metals in diet or environment are harder to remove from the body for those with a gene defect, so I’m careful to avoid these.
  • Help a Body Out: Since those with a MTHFR defect have an impaired ability to eliminate toxins, I do things to help support my body in this process, such as: detox baths, sauna use, drinking enough water, dry brushing my skin and exercise (sweating). I also do strange things like using detox mud shampoo, detoxing my pits, and foot soaks.

MTHFR Video

This video with Dr. Alan Christianson and Dr. Ben Lynch provides lot of detail about MTHFR and how it affects health.

Additional Resources

If you are new to MTHFR and feel overwhelmed like I did, here are some great resources:

Have you ever been tested for MTHFR? Please share your experience to help others!

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Scott Soerries, MD, Family Physician and Medical Director of SteadyMD. As always, this is not personal medical advice and we recommend that you talk with your doctor.

An MTHFR gene mutation affects the body's ability to use folic acid or folate & increases risk of disease. Learn how to know if you have it and what to do.
Sources
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11683544/
  • http://primarypsychiatry.com/the-role-of-l-methylfolate-in-depressive-disorders-commentary/
  • https://www.bmj.com/content/328/7455/1535
  • http://primarypsychiatry.com/l-methylfolate-methylcobalamin-and-n-acetylcysteine-in-the-treatment-of-alzheimeras-diseasearelated-cognitive-decline/
  • https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22492374/

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Katie Wells Avatar

About Katie Wells

Katie Wells, CTNC, MCHC, Founder of Wellness Mama and Co-founder of Wellnesse, has a background in research, journalism, and nutrition. As a mom of six, she turned to research and took health into her own hands to find answers to her health problems. WellnessMama.com is the culmination of her thousands of hours of research and all posts are medically reviewed and verified by the Wellness Mama research team. Katie is also the author of the bestselling books The Wellness Mama Cookbook and The Wellness Mama 5-Step Lifestyle Detox.

Comments

222 responses to “What Is a MTHFR Mutation?”

  1. Elsa Avatar

    Hi, I’ve been a real fan of your website for the past year, but I NEVER saw this. I got unexplainably sick two months before school was out, suddenly throwing up everything I had for lunch that day. The vomiting decreased over the summer to maybe every 1-3 days, but I’ve just felt horrible. I’ve been exhausted, very dizzy when I try to move, and not able to sleep most nights among other things. My general doctor said everything was fine (um no) and I ended up finally changing doctors, the new one sending me to a gastroenterologist who did a scope and found thrush at the bottom of my esophagus. That’s supposed to be gone, but I still wasn’t better. I was poked, prodded, and had more blood drawn than I thought I had when just last week an Internist finally had results. Apparently, I had a list of things!
    Lyme
    Low immune system
    Rocky Mountain spotted fever
    One mutation of MTHFR
    Autonomic dysfunction/POTS

    I also have anxiety which was diagnosed about a year ago. Now, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is usually fatal if not treated within a week and I had been undiagnosed for months. It’s been a long crazy ordeal, but we’ve already started shots once a week of an activated form of b vitamin and already I feel a difference. I’m still physically very drained and obviously ill, but I actually feel alive again. It’s great to see this post here and times can only go up!

  2. ros Avatar

    Wow….so impressed. I recently had my test done and have 10% of the Hetro gene….My Dr said that it is common at that level. I had my hair mineral analysis done and showed that I have medium levels of mercury and high magnesium and calcium but apparently I am not absorbing them the minerals. I also have osteoporosis.

  3. Lisa Avatar

    Hi Katie,
    I am a huge fan of you and this blog, it’s been life changing. I just found out I have the MTHFR mutation (compound heterozygote) and need to avoid the folic acid, which means ditching my multivitamin. I will take the methylfolate and the methyl B12 but do you have any recommendations on a multi? I was using Rainbow Light’s Just Once for women. Any suggestions you may have would be greatly appreciated!!

      1. Melissa Deacon Avatar
        Melissa Deacon

        Can you take a vitamin that is MTHFR safe even if you have not been tested for this gene? I would rather be safe then sorry.

  4. Carrie Avatar
    Carrie

    Hi, I was just diagnosed as compound heterozygous. Thankfully, I’ve had 2 pregnancies and 2 live births before I knew about the mutation. I’ve been told that for the next pregnancy I will “simply” be given Lovenox injections. Aside from the discomfort and side effects, is there anything else I should know about these? Long term consequences? Do they add something to my body I can’t detoxify properly? Anything else? I feel like I don’t even know the right questions to ask yet, as I’m still researching this. Thanks!

  5. Nikhol Avatar
    Nikhol

    I wanted to share an article that really explains it simply how to do the protocol. Also, it is very important to start B12 first before the methylfolate and to take the right form of B12 for you. Also, do not take too high of a dose of methylfolate…you need to work up to it. I had a reaction to methylfolate because I did not know about the B12 and I took too high of a dose. I hope this helps: https://mthfrliving.com/health-tips/supplementing-for-mthfr-b12/

  6. Jennifer Avatar
    Jennifer

    Hi,
    Does anyone know anything about having high serum b12 levels with a double c677t mutation? My bloodwork looked very well except for the high b12. My integrative doctor said that high b12 is not dangerous but if you google high b12 levels it brings up scary results from cancer to liver and kidney disease.
    I am assuming that maybe my high b12 levels are associated with my mthfr mutation but I do t know.
    I have active Lyme that I am treating with Cowden’s herbs and I am working on keeping my yeast levels down as well with diet and caprylic acid and probiotics.
    Thank you for any advice you might have!
    -Jen

  7. Helena Stokes Avatar
    Helena Stokes

    Hi Wellness Mama,
    thank you for the article. I have Heterozygous MTHRF C677T gene and started taking Deplin a few weeks ago. It was suggested by a Psychiatrist for my son, who has the same gene and hence, reduced folic acid conversion. The Psychiatrist was a little skeptical on it helping us, but I’m seeing a difference in both my son and myself. I have more energy and laugh more, my son is acting more maturely and his signs of depression have disappeared. We have no depression in our family history and were relieved to find this possible “problem” gene and that the Deplin is helping.

    The reason I’m responding to you: I found your article, when getting curious about something I read about miscarriages. I had one at second trimester in 2001, and had bleeding during my first pregnancy in 2000. Blessedly, I have two healthy children, but am now wondering, if this research had been more on my OBGYN’s radar (if it was available), if the miscarriage had been avoided. The reason for the miscarriage was unknown, but the way it was explained to me was that there was lots of blood between the uterus and the sack, and it seems to have separated the sack from the uterus wall. Now I’m wondering, if this was due to the MTHRF C677 T heterozygous gene?

    I got my test done with the saliva swipe, super easy. Deplin is expensive, I”m getting it from a reputable online pharmacy for about $175/3 months. Thank you for posting findings and research, and having people find answers for themselves in this online forum.

    1. Roxana Avatar

      Hi Helena,

      I am sorry to hear about losing your baby.

      I too am heterozygous C677. I found out about the mutation after we lost our first baby at 23+ weeks. I had what was called a subchorionic bleed, which is probably what you had (bleeding between the uterine wall and the placenta; i.e. where the two are supposed to be attached). Subchorionic bleeds are fairly common and many women have them, but don’t know unless it’s visible during an ultrasound; they don’t experience any vaginal bleeding. My bleed was massive. Either way, at the time of losing our baby (2010) they told me that this MTHFR C677 mutation had nothing to do with the bleed, etc.. Thankfully, like you, we’ve been blessed with two more children, but with my third baby I had a lot of bleeding almost throughout the entire pregnancy (from week 16 on). I did not have a subchorionic bleed though, I just had a big “random” blood clot. By God’s grace, the clot did not interfere with the placenta and the baby growing, and she was born full term.

      Either way, I am convinced that the subchorionic bleed and the blood clot are related to the MTHFR C677 mutation, even though most doctors will dismiss it as being a cause and or a contributing factor. Of course, during all my pregnancies (and in between) I was taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid, which you might know, is not good for those of us with any kind of MTHFR mutation.

      However, you should know that the C677 mutation is the less researched than the A1298C mutation and is believed to be less problematic, but I’m pretty sure it’s having some negative effect on my body. Of course, our bodies are affected by so many different things that it’s hard to say it’s just “one” thing.

      Anyway, I’ve struggled with anxiety for a long time and since I started looking into MTHFR and subsequently taking a B-complex vitamin with l-Methylfolate and Methylcobalamin, etc. I have seen great improvement. Seriously, great improvement! I am not a doctor, but you (and your son) might want to consider supplementing with a high-quality B-complex vitamin instead of the Deplin. Again, I am not a doctor or expert; I’m just sharing my experience. Maybe this is something for you to consider :).

      All the best to you and yours!
      Roxana

  8. Nichole k Avatar
    Nichole k

    I’m honestly so grateful of your post and the time and effort you put into helping others better understand a new diagnosis . I’m personally having an extremely hard time taking all this in. At age 4 I was diagnosed with Juvinile Rheumatoid Artheitis, Age 14 Fibromyalgia, I’ve had 2 TMJ surgeries . So now in the last 3 months in having face more diagnosis that honestly has me scared to death ?. ADHD (which I’m halfway okay with,MVP, idiopathic hypersomia , Small Fiber Neuropathy (positive biopsy) Vit B deficiency, MTHFR & the worst of all Porphoria (which I’ve been an emotional wreck and I’m having extreme panic attacks ). I tested positive for this but my Hematologist ordered new labs that haven’t came back . I have taken every biologic meds out there , pills, injections & infusions. I’m currently on a fairly strong infusion that I don’t feel comfortable taking . It seems after I’ve been taking my infusions all of these new diagnosis began. I know most of them are genetic related but will y’all please if y’all think I should continue them ?I’m getting them due to my RA. I have lost so much cognitively & more bad days than good days . I know this is a little off the topic but I’m in my late 30’s and I have 2 kids. I WAS SHOCKED to see how this also can affect pregnancies too. I had one miscarriage in between my kids. I also had a preemie that was place on life support and she thankfully pulled through. She has went through more from the moment she was born . Feeding tube , AFO braces for her little legs, fondo surgery (wrapping her tummy around her esophagus) . She has a very abnormal Mri that shows she should not be able to walk, talk or anything . But I will say GOD has pulled us through, looking at her today you would never know she had anything wrong with her other than her gait & some emotional problems . With the dr’s not understanding why and what was going on. She too was genetically tested & all they found was she was a carrier of Wilsons Disease and 1 more that they refused to share with us until they found out more in depth info . Well that’s been 3 years ago and we never heard back from them . I’m just wondering if this MYHFR could have affected her . I do apologize for such a lengthy post . I’m just really scared and feel so alone ?

  9. Amy Avatar

    Thank you, thank you, thank you, a million times, thank you so much for taking the time to put this article together! You have no idea how much this has helped me to discover and research my own MTHFR mutation. You are wonderful!

  10. Angela Avatar

    Dear Katie,
    I am very confused with the blood results from my MTHFR blood test taken in 2011 in Australia. The results read – Specimen EDTA Blood
    MTHFR C677T Heterozygous Mutation Detected
    Please note these variants are known as c.665C>T, p.Ala222Val and
    c.1286A>C, p.Glu429Ala, according to HGVS nomenclature;
    RefSeqGene: NM_005957.4.

    Does this mean I have the MTHFR C677T Heterozygous mutation gene? what does it mean when people say they are a carrier versus they have the MTHFR C677T gene? I am really confused and the dr who did the test is no longer available. Any clarity from anyone would be greatly appreciated.
    Kindest regards,
    Angela

    1. Tiffany Avatar

      When you are heterozygous, that means that one of the alleles on the C677T gene is mutated and the other allele may or may not compensate.

  11. Donna Avatar

    I take Deplin 7.5 mg to correct this problem. My homocysteine levels are now in the normal range. My endocrinologist found this problem a few years ago. Every time I see her she apologizes for not finding the problem sooner.
    Deplin is expensive A 90 day supply will cost you about $200 or more

    1. jessica Avatar
      jessica

      Donna, I was taking Deplin as well for a couple years, but my insurance changed this year and it is no longer covered. I looked into it to determine whether I actually needed it or could find a supplement that would work the same. To me, it seemed to simply be a “patented” version of the l-methylfolate. Not sure why I couldn’t take the l-methylfolate itself from a company that I trust and that puts all the ingredients on the label and save money. So that is what I’ve been doing for a while now.

  12. Deena Avatar

    Hi Katie,

    Both my mother and I share the MTHFR gene mutation but it wasn’t until recently we found this out. Immediately upon learning, I did a ton of research, esp having three kids. My question to you is, in 2 of my pregnancies I was diagnosed with HELLP syndrome, Have you, in your research, come across anything linking these two? After reading about both it doesn’t see completely bizarre they would correlate somehow. Also, my young daughter and I daily take the fermented cod liver oil you recommend but have recently read people with this mutation should avoid fish oil supplements as this mutation makes it harder to clear those metals, Have you ever found this to be true/ an issue in any research you’ve come across?

    Thanks!
    Deena

  13. Eric Potter MD Avatar
    Eric Potter MD

    Wellness Mama,
    Thanks again. I don’t care whether you post this comment or not, but our practice in Spring Hill, TN cares for a large number of patients with MTFHR (and other SNPs). If you ever considered recommending a doctor to someone, please keep us in mind. I would be glad to meet you by phone or in person if you wanted to do so. Our website is http://www.sanctuarymedicalcare.com.
    Blessings,
    Eric Potter MD

  14. Amy De Leon Avatar
    Amy De Leon

    Hi, I am so glad to finally read something about this that makes sense to me. It seems like there isnt alot of information out there on MTHFR. When I have mentioned it to Drs they look at me like Im crazy and have no idea what it is. Only my neurologist seemed to know about it. Thank you so much for sharing this!

  15. Mary Avatar

    Thanks for this very helpful article! The whole MTHFR thing can be very confusing! I recently found out I have this, which I think has been a contributor to my postpartum depression issues. Thanks for this good general overview to make it less daunting.

  16. Brooke Avatar

    Hi,

    My husband has an MTHFR mutation. We’re trying to get pregnant right now. I’m taking the Garden of Life Organic prenatal vitamin:
    https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00K5NELR0/ref=as_li_ss_tl?th=1&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=30ba6ca2b48e54d9ffad1c52fa29a2c5&language=en_US

    It contains 800 mcg of Folate (from an organic food blend). Should I be taking a different methylated form of Folate? I absorb the folate fine as I have no mutation. Is there a chance that my baby won’t if they have the mutation?

    Thanks for your time.

  17. Sandi Keller Avatar
    Sandi Keller

    I haven’t tested for MTHFR (yet). Is it ok (safe, a good idea, etc) to take L methyl folate and cobalamin and avoid the synthetic version of folic acid even if I don’t know if i have the MTHFR mutation?

  18. Jon Avatar

    I was hoping you could help me understand something about MTHFR and methylation in general. It is my understanding that being heterozygous or homozygous MTHFR C677t reduces your ability to convert synthetic folic acid to a usable methylated form. It is also my understanding that natural folate from foods is already in a usable form and thus does not need to be converted. If this is true, why is being heterozygous/homozygous for 677t a problem at all then? If synthetic folic acid (which may get in the way of natural folate use) is removed from diet and adequate amounts of natural folate are consumed, shouldn’t a person who is heterozygous/homozygous for 677t be able to methylate as well as everyone else? Or does heterozygous/homozygous MTHFR cause a reduction of methylation in general or cause other issues even if there is plenty of activated folate to use? It would seem that everyone regardless of their MTHFR status would require the same amount of activated folate. It would appear that the only difference would be that some of the population are able to convert synthetic folic acid to activated folate easier than others. Any help understanding would be appreciated!

    1. Apryl Avatar

      Yeah this is my sentiment exactly ! I’m unclear on whether or not MTHFR mutation also affects the conversion of naturally occurring folate in food. Thus requiring supplementation with methylfolate. Or is this mutation indeed irrelevant and more of a government created health hazard. I can’t seem to find a clear answer on this. There is a website called methyl life (they sell vitamins) but they have a picture chart on there that suggests that folate also has to be converted to methylfolate. I’m not sure if that still answers our question though. Which I believe to the most relevant question of all.

  19. Katie Avatar

    Hello

    Im 30 years old, in 2015 I had two early miscarriages(6 and 8 weeks). I have not been diagnosed with the MTHFR mutation but am going to be asking my Dr. to check for this. I have been dealing with Anxiety and Depression for 10+ years. My father also deals with Depression so all this information has been super helpful. Thank you for bringing it to everyones attention. One question I have for you is if i do have this mutated gene do you recommend I stop taking New Chapter Prenatal Vitamin? and just try out the suggested L-5-MTHF?

    Katie

    1. Wellness Mama Avatar

      I hope you find answers soon and I am so sorry for your losses. I personally took the Seeking Health prenatal this pregnancy https://www.amazon.com/Seeking-Health-Prenatal-Chewable-Supplement/dp/B06XKKXNPQ/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&linkCode=ll1&tag=wellnessmama-20&linkId=e625ab4abcdb76235c143c3a316326a6&language=en_US) because it has they methylated form and no extra L-5-MTHF is needed but after your doctor tests you, he or she should be able to help you know what specific nutrients you will need in what amount.

  20. Caitlin Avatar

    Hi I’m 29, I’ve been increasingly been getting sicker and just found out I’m missing the enzine entirely. Thank you for your post I have a dr but I still have so much to learn on how to feel better. Thank you for the information !!!! I feel hopeful!!

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