Demystifying the MTHFR genetic mutation

The full name of this gene is methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene. Now you know why it is abbreviated. Everyone has this gene, however, most of us have a mutated version of it.

In a recent study, 7000 babies from 16 different regions around the world were tested:

Half of Italians from Sicily and Campania had a mutated version
Half of Mexican babies were found to have the mutated version
Half the babies from southern China, Hungary, and Strasbourg had the mutated version
Half of the Caucasian babies in the Atlanta area had the mutated version.

Based on these numbers, it appears that we have a 50/50 chance of having this gene mutation. what does that mean for our health? Mutations in this gene put us at greater risk for heart disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, birth defects, hormone imbalances, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia and even mood disorders. This gene is important. It initiates essential chemical reactions in our bodies. One of the chemical reactions is called methylation.

Simply put, methylation is the process whereby our cells complete their work cycle. This process is involved in cellular metabolism. Methylation regulated genes, forming and metabolizing brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) metabolizing hormones, energy production and much more. Even cell replication. Now if the gene responsible for gene replication is damaged, then the cellular process will also be damaged.
Methylation issues can be caused by:
Common medications
High doses of niacin
Environmental toxins
Stress
inherited gene mutation

Because approximately half of us have inherited this gene mutation, we need to know what to do about it. Help is at hand! The methylation cycle can be helped by nutrients. Specifically B complex vitamins, especially folate. MTHFR mutations make us predisposed to vitamin B deficiencies. There are other essential nutrients that are needed to make sure our methylation pathways are optimized.

If you were to go to your local health food store and ask for the solution to the MTHFR mutation, you might be overwhelmed at the amount and cost of the nutrients you need. Because I am a professional naturopath, I have access to practitioner only products that will satisfy this deficiency.

Knowledge is power! You can increase your intake of methylation friendly nutrients by adding black-eyed peas, spinach, rice, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, romaine lettuce, avocado, broccoli, mustard greens, green peas, kidney beans and tomato. Alternatively, we have a simple spray supplement that will give your body what it needs to compensate for the MTHFR gene mutation.

Until next time,

Dr. Polly

  • This is one I’ve never heard of. In the event I ever have an issue with this, I’m really happy to hear you have a spray supplement to combat it since I’m not a fan of pills