MTHFR

MTHFR

The MTHFR gene converts 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate that is responsible for converting homocysteine to methionine. Reduction of MTHFR enzyme activity can result in the decreased conversion of homocysteine to methionine causing a buildup of homocysteine in the blood.

It is advised to look at other genetic mutations and not to look at MTHFR alone. Assessment might need to be made if medical conditions were assumed to be due to MTHFR mutations. See a hematologist or maternal-fetal medicine specialist could determine how your MTHFR status relates. MTHFR variants are common in the general population and often when they are so prevalent, these changes happened for a reason. An MTHFR mutation isn't bad for those eating food as Mother Nature planned for us. With the introduction of a western diet, we switched from a plant-based diet to processed foods, making most of us deficient in B vitamins. Many times, low levels are due to inadequate consumption of folate. The RDA for folate is 400 mcg per day to ensure there is no deficiency.

Methylation- The MTHFR enzyme is involved in the rate-limiting step in the methylation cycle that breaks down folate (B9) to use for cellular function and maintenance. The methylation pathways must be working properly to produce and repair DNA, RNA and amino acids. The methylation cycle is responsible for transferring methyl groups between molecules. Maintaining a proper functioning methyl cycle can aid in your health. To ensure this a proper SAMe: SAH ratio is needed in biological methylation. BH4 is needed for neurotransmitters and nitric oxide production. Cysteine, taurine, sulfate, and glutathione detoxification molecules, as well as the bases purine and pyrimidine, are needed for DNA and RNA generation. If we still produce enough glutathione, it will help deal with oxidative stress, but if all these other needs are not met then there is a risk of malignancy.

MTHFR enzyme- The enzyme can be inhibited by a type of folate that is found in food, Dihydrofolate.

Nutrients involved:

  • B2-Riboflavin
  • B6-P5P
  • B9-Folate
  • B12-Cobalamin