What is the MTHFR (gene)?

MTHFR is a hot topic, and for good reason -

we should know it’s a thing, but it may not be quite the main, root cause of all the things it is sometimes is cracked up to be.

MTHFR is the gene that codes for an enzyme of the same name - MTHFR - that activates all forms of folate.

What is folate?  Folate is the natural form of B9 found in beans, pulses, dark leafy-greens, citrus fruits and some other whole foods - and folic acid. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate used as a food additive.  Folic acid has been inappropriately equated to folate and isn’t interchangeable because of their differing structures and varied enzyme processes the body processed them through to the active form: L-5-MTHF.

You could be ingesting a lot of folic acid and not realize it… After WW2, when nutrient deficiencies surged after food shortages, enrichment programs were developed to enrich wheat flour with folic acid, b vitamins and sometimes iron. Good in theory, not great if your body cannot process or doesn’t need these nutrients.

These programs may have been helpful in the context of food scarcity, but often drive modern-day unmetabolized folic acid (UMFA) in the bloodstream.  UMFA has been found in cord blood of every baby tested in one 202 study and can ramp up negative symptoms of MTHFR gene mutations.  To use folate or folic acid, your body must convert them to the active form L-5-MTHF.  We want L-5-MTHF, not UMFA.

L-5-MTHF is used by the body for cellular energy, cell division (growth and repair), DNA methylation, neurotransmitter formation and antioxidant production - key to many processes!  The negative MTHFR gene mutation and/or UMFA associated symptoms include depression, anxiety, low thyroid, decreased fertility, repeated miscarriages, chronic fatigue, autoimmune disease, cardiovascular consequences, cancer and even Alzheimers.

Unfortunately, 40-50% of the US Population have gene variances with the MTHFR gene that effect conversion. These symptoms are increased when too much folic acid is ingested.  Multivitamins, particularly inexpensive prenatal and other fortified foods typically use the synthetic folic acid.

What to do?

Test, don’t guess!

…for MTHFR gene variances: EmpowerDX Labs Test or 3x4 Genetics through Hey Hey MAE.

To support MTHFR gene differences: focus on folate rich foods, decrease folic acid fortified foods and supplements, consider non-enriched flour.  Increase methyl donor foods in the diet.  Choose L-5-MTHF in supplements over folic acid.

The MTHFR discussion is a nuanced one.  2 main gene variations are most known, but closer to 50 exist and can impact your health, so it’s not one size fits all, but it is one issue effecting many, so worth the time to learn and know your body better.  Have methylation concerns or want to run gene testing?  Our team would be glad to support you!