MTHFR is a gene that provides the body with instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme is essential for methylation or the “refining” of folate. Methylation is crucial to your body’s ability to convert raw materials such as proteins, carbohydrates, amino acids, fats, minerals, nutrients, and vitamins into usable forms that your body needs.
Methylation helps to optimize many processes in your body, including the production of DNA and neurotransmitters, the metabolism of hormones, and proper detoxification. It is essential to reducing the levels of homocysteine in the body.
Homocysteine is an amino acid. Vitamin B12, B6, and folate break down homocysteine to create other chemicals your body needs. High homocysteine levels may mean you have a vitamin deficiency which can put people at higher risk for many common health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and dementia.
Variations in the MTHFR gene and faulty methylation or “refining”, can have severe implications on the rest of the body’s functions leading to a plethora of health issues. Symptoms of MTHFR variants can vary widely between individuals, and not everyone with variants will experience symptoms.
Some potential symptoms associated with MTHFR variants include:
1. Cardiovascular issues: MTHFR variants have been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems, such as blood clots, stroke, and heart disease.
2. Mood disorders: Some individuals with MTHFR variants may experience mood disorders such as depression, anxiety, or bipolar disorder. This is thought to be related to the impact of decreased methylation on neurotransmitter production and regulation.
3. Pregnancy complications: MTHFR variants have been associated with a higher risk of pregnancy complications, including recurrent miscarriages, preeclampsia, and neural tube defects in the developing fetus.
4. Neurological conditions: MTHFR variants have been implicated in conditions such as migraines, chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ADHD, autism, and peripheral neuropathy.
5. Digestive issues: Some individuals with MTHFR variants may experience digestive problems such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or food sensitivities.
6. Thyroid Conditions: New research suggests the MTHFR variants—may be linked to thyroid issues. Studies have shown that both Hashimoto’s disease and Graves’ disease have genetic susceptibility that involves shared genes and unique pathways that affect the thyroid T cells. https://www.scielo.br/j/aem/a/GTxtjPYZ9gJFnmcScwXrHfh/?lang=en
One study found the 1298A>C genetic polymorphism of MTHFR may modulate the risk of thyroid disease. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31066758/
Further research has demonstrated that elevated homocysteine—a common consequence of MTHFR variants—is a risk factor for developing a thyroid disorder.
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If you want to get to the bottom of your symptoms and take your wellness to the next level, genetic testing can be a priceless tool! Although we can’t change our genes, we can improve how they function. This can serve as a blueprint for determining what areas need to be improved and how to optimize those areas.
At REVIVE, we offer genetic testing, interpretation of results, and personalized recommendations for managing any associated health considerations based on your individual genetic profile and overall health status. Treatment and lifestyle measures tailored to an individual's specific needs can help address symptoms, improve health, and take your wellness to the next level!
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