Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR)

Learn more about folate, methylfolate and MTHFR gene.

Folic acid is the man-made form of folate. Folate is a B-vitamin naturally found in some foods and our bodies need it to form healthy cells. For it to do its job, the most common form of folate in supplements and fortified foods must be converted to its active form, methylfolate, to be used by the body. But, not everyone is born equal, as far as methylation is concerned. In fact, as much as 70% (in the US) inherit a defective or partially defective gene that lacks the enzyme needed to convert folate, this is the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene. The problem lies in the fact that almost half of all people have genetic variations that reduce the ability of the MTHFR enzyme to make this conversion.

Treatment for MTHFR Gene Variations

For people with MTHFR gene variations, supplementing with the already activated form of folate (5-MTHF) is far more effective than introducing the pre-converted form to the body through typical folate supplements. L-Methylfolate (5-MTHF) supplements provide the active form of folate naturally present in the body and available for biological action.

Who is at Risk for MTHFR Gene Problems?

Depressed patients are thought to be at risk for MTHFR polymorphisms because would have lower serum L-methylfolate and thus lower CNS folate---thus lower monamine levels (serotonin, dopamine, NE)
Hispanic and Italian population
All of us...

Conditions that Treating Methylation has Helped

Depression (Deplin)
Anxiety (Deplin)
Memory Loss (CerefolinNAC)
Diabetic neuropathy (MetaNX)
High Risk Pregnancies (Neevo, NeevoDHA, Thorne Prenatal)
Fibromyalgia
Chronic Fatigue
Irritable Bowel
Migraines
Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Parkinson’s
Autism, Autism spectrum disorders
Prevention of Birth Defects