Everything About MTHFR Gene Mutations
If you are unfamiliar with the MTHFR, nothing to worry about; you are not the only one. You will find everything you need to know in this guide, starting from the meaning and ending with the treatment.
There are various health conditions that need our attention. We need to use the internet’s power to get more informed about the medical news and take positive advantage of the content out there.
The MTHFR is a type of enzyme that, when mutating, can create a series of health conditions. But first, what does MTHFR stand for? This shortcut stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase and can affect our bodies in different ways. To continue reading about this topic, click the link that follows genesight.com/genetic-insights/understanding-the-mthfr-gene-mutation/.
Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)
Healthy people have natural variation in these genes. Other types of variants and mutations cause many conditions, such as cancer, leukemia, Alzheimer’s disease, etc. But why is this gene important to our bodies?
This gene gives important instructions to our bodies in various processes happening inside us. The first thing that this gene does is helping in the production of the protein named MTHDR. This protein helps in the processing of folate.
When there is a change in the DNA sequence, variance happens. There are different variations of this gene, but the most common one is the C677T. Where does this gene come from? Like every other gene, this, too, is inherited.
To be more specific, we inherit 2 of these genes, each from one parent. There needs to be a particular number and a combination of gene sets to allow our bodies’ proper function. This specific combination is called the genotype.
Can my body process folate and folic acid?
There is different content on the internet that talk about other things. This might confuse you slightly, but it is essential to remember to distinguish false information from the true one. It is a common myth on the internet that people who have the C677T variant can process folates.
This is not true at all. In fact, the recommended diet for these people is actually full of folic acid. Your body is completely capable of effectively and safely processing these types of supplements.
You are not alone
Although there isn’t much information on the internet about these variants, this is quite a common appearance. Interestingly, people who don’t have these variants are less than people who do in the United States.
What are the most common symptoms?
The first thing that needs to be checked is to see how your homocysteine levels are. This can be checked with a simple blood test. In fact, most doctors prefer this type of testing over routine genetic testing. What will my blood test show?
The purpose of the blood test is to estimate the homocysteine levels. If there are elevated, they will be clearly seen either on your urine or blood test. This will be a sign that you have a condition called homocysteinemia.
A common thing that might be caused by the C677T gene variant is an increased blood clots risk. This means that the blood can’t travel freely in your vessels. This might potentially be the cause of other conditions such as stroke or another type of heart disease.
Adjusting your diet
Different people need different treatment. A doctor will guide you to the process which applies explicitly to you. Don’t take medicine on your judgment nor the judgment of others on the internet.
Depending on your levels of homocysteine, you might need to change your diet. But nothing to worry about because your diet will be filled with different types of foods. A specific dietary plan and treatment should be given depending on your circumstances.
You might be advised to drink vitamins such as riboflavin, B6, B12, or choline. Healthcare professionals will give you peace of mind about your nutrition. You should remember that you need to go to a doctor to analyze if you have deficiencies in any of your vitamin levels. Learn more here.
Finding the right healthcare professional that you trust will make this process far more comfortable to conduct. So be sure to contact someone you can rely on and have a positive experience with their former patients.
