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MTHFR

What is MTHFR?

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) is an enzyme that breaks down the amino acid homocysteine. If the MTHFR gene that codes for this enzyme mutates, it may contribute to a variety of health conditions ranging from depression to some cancers.

You can have either one or two mutations (or neither) on the MTHFR gene. These mutations are often called variants. A variant is a part of a gene’s DNA that’s commonly different, or varies, from person to person.

Gene mutations are inherited, which means you can acquire them from your parents. At conception, you receive one copy of the MTHFR gene from each parent. If both have mutations, your risk of having a homozygous mutation is higher.

There are two variants, or forms, of mutations that can occur on the MTHFR gene. The specific variants are:

  • C677T
  • A1298C

It is also possible to acquire both C677T and A1298C mutations, which is one copy of each. However, in cases where a person holds two copies of the C677T mutation, or one copy of each mutation, they may be at risk of high homocysteine (an amino acid) levels, which may affect the body’s function.

Symptoms of MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) may include the following:

  • Cardiovascular Diseases such as coronary heart disease, blood clots, stroke, and heart attack.
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia having high levels of homocysteince in the blood or urine.
  • Mental Health Conditions people with MTHFR gene variant may be at higher risk to anxiety and depression.
  • Peripheral Neuropathy a neurological condition that damages the nerves.
  • Migraines and Chronic Headaches.
  • Birth Abnormalities and Recurrent Miscarriages in women of child bearing age.
  • Dementia which involves symptoms of cognitive decline such as memory loss, confusion, and mood changes.
  • Drug-induced Toxicity people with MTHFR gene variant may have a higher risk of toxicity from medication affecting folate homeostasis, such as methotrexate (MTX).
  • Chronic Pain a condition that casues pain beyond the normal healing process, along with symptoms like depression and anxiety. With MTHFR chronic pain can be caused due to nerve damage.
  • Fatigue and low energy that can be associated with anxiety and depression.
  • Cancer such as colon cancer and acute leukemia.

Contact us today for testing and treatment with one of our medical professionals for MTHFR gene!