Getting a proper diagnosis can be extremely difficult for some people who have certain medical conditions that cause a wide range of symptoms, some of which can be debilitating. One of the things that a primary care physician will order is a complete blood workup to try to find a cause. When a blood workup finds that a patient is deficient in certain vitamins, such as choline, folate, riboflavin, and vitamins B-6 and B-12, the physician should send the individual for genetic testing to see if they have what is called MTHFR.
When reading that, you may find yourself thinking a swear word, which is appropriate given what MTHFR means to those who are diagnosed with it. Here's what you need to know if you are being sent to a geneticist to test for MTHFR.
What is MTHFR?
MTHFR is a gene and stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This gene is responsible for making methylation, processing folate, detoxifying toxins, forming proteins, converting homocysteine, and repairing DNA. A mutation of MTHFR,which is called MTHFR polymorphism, results in the body's inability to do these crucial functions in order to be healthy.
What Medical Conditions Can It Cause?
Mutations of this gene can cause a wide range of medical conditions, such as cardiovascular problems, chronic fatigue, irritable bowel syndrome, fibromyalgia, migraines, anxiety, depression, attention deficit disorder, autism, and many others.
Could It Be Why Certain Medications Are Ineffective?
In normal people who do not have a MTHFR gene mutation, the body converts synthetic folic acid into L-methylfolate, which is essential in the body to create neurotransmitters. Medication that is used to improve the function of neurotransmitters will typically not work in people who have a MTHFR gene mutation.
Important note: Synthetic folic acid is found in most foods that are enriched and fortified.
What Can Be Done to Improve Your Health?
Fortunately, there is a way to improve your health if you are diagnosed with a MTFHR gene mutation—it's done through proper nutrition. You will need to eat foods that contain methylfolate, such as kale and broccoli, since your body is unable to process folate and turn it into melthylfolate. While there are methylfolate supplements available, they are typically synthetic versions and enriched and fortified, which your body is unable to process.
Due to the special nutritional needs you have with an MTFHR gene mutation, it is crucial for you to be coached by a nutritionist at a clinic like The Freedom Promise.
