We’re guessing by the fact you came to this article that you’re worried you (or a friend or family member) may have a MTHFR gene mutation. We’ll help you figure out if that is the case. There are a bunch of MTHFR gene mutation symptoms that might tip you off. We’ll list the symptoms for you and give you some ideas on what you can do to help yourself.
Please understand this article is for informational purposes only and is not recommending any particular medical treatment.
What is MTHFR?
MTHFR is a gene that helps your body make an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (or abbreviated as MTHFR as well). When you eat something that contains folic acid, the enzyme converts the folic acid into methyl folate, which is the active form of folic acid.
Methyl folate helps a process called methylation. Methylation is the process of transferring a group of 4 atoms from one substance to another. It’s a very important process to help the body optimize the following processes:
However, your genetics may cause you to have some MTHFR variants. Those variants may cause some MTHFR gene mutation symptoms. The symptoms result from your body not being able to process some vitamins and minerals that you eat into their active form that your body can use.
13 MTHFR Gene Mutation Symptoms
Depending on what MTHFR variant you have, you might have very mild to severe symptoms. It really varies from person to person. Some of the MTHFR gene mutations you might see include:
- Migraines
- Chronic fatigue
- Hormonal issues (women may see Polycystic Ovary Syndrome for example)
- Schizophrenia
- Problems with the gut
- ADHD
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Colon Cancer
- Cardiovascular disease
- Autism
- Autoimmune diseases
- Other mental health disorders
As you can see, the MTHFR gene mutation symptoms cover quite a list of various diverse disorders touching lots of processes in the body. That’s because the methylation process is so necessary for many bodily functions.
MTHFR Gene Mutation Symptoms and Alzheimer’s
Although we see a lot of those MTHFR gene mutation symptoms with people in our assisted living homes, we are mostly interested in the MTHFR gene link to Alzheimer’s.
Some studies have linked low folate and vitamin B12 levels, along with higher homocysteine levels, to a higher risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. If the MTHFR gene is not working correctly, there may be a problem methylating these vitamins into an active form the body can use.
What to Do for MTHFR Gene Mutations
If you suspect there is a problem with your MTHFR gene, it’s easy to run a test. A simple blood test can tell. If you do have some variations, you may want to supplement with folic acid to help raise your levels.
Many of the other MTHFR gene mutation symptoms can also be attributed to poor gut health. Using probiotics and a diet rich in foods that have low quantities of fermentable starches and sugars can help.
Also if you can’t methylate B-vitamins it can help to take a supplement of already-methylated B vitamins such as MethylPro.
Conclusion
If you are having some of the symptoms listed above, or you are at genetic risk for Dementia or Alzheimer’s, it may be worth testing yourself for an MTHFR variant. If you do show you have the variant, maybe talk to your doctor about what to do about it.
Have you tested yourself already? What was your experience? Please leave a comment letting us know.
