MTHFR Gene. What is it? Why is it important?
MTHFR GENE
MTHFR GENE
What is it? Why is it important?
Photograph provided by Anirudh on Unsplash
In this blog article, I’ll be educating you on MTHFR and mental health. How do they relate? Why are they important? Let’s take a closer look.
I found out about this gene through talking to a holistic doctor. I was surprised to hear that it was such an important part of life, especially since Western medical doctors have never told me about it before. But it’s not just a social media acronym— it’s also a genetic marker, and understanding it is essential for women’s health.
What is MTHFR mean?
MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. A bit of a tongue twister! Let’s stick with MTHFR.
So what is it? In short, it’s a gene that produces essential enzymes, converts Vitamin B to a usable form, and helps us with our emotional and physical functions.
not everyone can convert Vitamin B to a usable form
Vitamin B
Here's the thing: not everyone can convert Vitamin B to a usable form unless it is folate, which is water-soluble and naturally found in many foods. Unfortunately, some of the vitamin pills that we receive or even folic acid can contain the synthetic version. This does not convert well in the body, but it enables the body to convert the amino acids to another form of amino acid. The body uses this to make proteins and other important compounds which include neurotransmitters in the brain, serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.
Folate Deficiency and Mental Health
So why is this important for us to know? It's important because having a reduction of this MTHFR activity or folate deficiency can be associated with the onset of several psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression, autism, ADHD, dementia, and even some anxieties.
Folate Deficiency and Physical Health
If you have a deficiency with this gene, you could have an increased risk of severe physical health conditions, like cardiovascular disease, stroke, recurrent and early miscarriages, migraines with aura, osteoporosis, and some cancers. Even if you have one miscarriage that occurred as a result of a blood clot, it is highly likely that you have this genetic mutation.
Step to address MTHFR mutation symptoms
MTHFR as the test is so rarely requested, but it does exist
Advocate:
One thing you can do is talk to your doctor and advocate for yourself. Ask if you could take an MTHFR test to see if you carry the mutation. Be warned that some doctors may have not heard of MTHFR as the test is so rarely requested, but it does exist. Your insurance may cover this test, but if it does not, it can cost upwards of $200. Another route, which was recommended to me by a holistic doctor, is to get gene testing done and look for the presence of the mutation in your ancestry, as sometimes these tests look for MTHFR.
Understanding:
Understanding that you may have this gene is so important, especially for women who have had multiple miscarriages. It’s relieving to know that the miscarriages were a result of this mutation, and can help with the grieving process. If you are looking to get pregnant, either by working with your partner or going through a fertility center, it is also important to know if you have MTHFR to reduce the likelihood of miscarriages.
Nutrition:
Strive to eat foods that are healthy and folic-rich like leafy greens, broccoli, and lentils. Many beans are also great sources of folic fiber and other nutrients.
Related Article: 4 Reasons to Eat Less Processed Foods
Supplements:
It may also be recommended to take a myelinated form of B12 instead of folic acid so your body can use the vitamin and convert it to what you need. In addition, a low dose of aspirin may be needed to thin your blood. However, before taking aspirin for MTHFR, speak to your doctor to address this area further.
That’s everything for today! If you have any questions, please let me know, and be sure to check out the other articles I have posted on my blog.
Written By Reynelda Jones, LMSW-C
Edited by Ashley McCrea
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Sources Cited:
Kandler, C. E., & Lam, S. T. (2019). Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase Screening in Treatment-Resistant Depression. Federal practitioner : for the health care professionals of the VA, DoD, and PHS, 36(5), 207–208.
Xu, Y., Ban, Y., Ran, L., Yu, Y., Zhai, S., Sun, Z., Zhang, J., Zhang, M., Hong, T., Liu, R., Ren, L., & Hu, L. (2019). Relationship between unexplained recurrent pregnancy loss and 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) polymorphisms. Fertility and sterility, 111(3), 597–603. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fertnstert.2018.11.011
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