What is Folate? Also known as Folic Acid this is perhaps the most important of all the nutrients. It is also known as Vitamin B9. When you read about Folate, think: turni...
Eating a healthy MTHFR diet is a mainstay of treatment for the MTHFR mutation. People with an MTHFR mutation need to avoid folic acid to ensure proper methylation, as the...
*Consult your doctor before making any changes in your dietary intake related to folic acid. This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for medi...
As a psychotherapist, I see clients struggling with anxiety every day. It lands in unexpected, takes a hold and starts shaping life without permission....
Mental Illness, Genetics and MTHFR – Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR), it’s a code word, suddenly talked about and the question everyone is asking ...
Countless people have been touched by cancer, whether through their own battle or that of a loved one. For many, fighting cancer is the hardest thing they’ll ever do. If ...
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 15 million people in the United States are affected by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)...- As a psychotherapist, I see clients struggling with anxiety every day. It lands in unexpected, takes a hold and starts shaping life without permission....
Thyroid conditions are truly a plague among the human population. According to the American Thyroid Association, an estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyro...
If you or a family member suffers from migraines it is important to look at the triggers and links for optimal treatment. A headache can come on at any time and for a num...
When it comes to exercise, it can be tempting to burn as many calories you can until you’re exhausted. However, this won’t help you reach your fitness goals. Being mindfu...
The definition of a nutrient is classified as something that provides the body of a living organism with fuel and energy. However, this broad description does not touch o...
Largely an invisible illness, anemia is nevertheless associated with a wide range of negative health outcomes. Research has estimated that 5.6% of Americans are diagnosed...
Beautiful, healthy skin begins with proper nutrition and a balanced diet. The most expensive skincare products in the world can only do so much to improve the quality of ...
With over 800 million people in the world over the age of 60, there have been many studies and articles about the social consequences of an aging population. They suggest...
Chia Seed Pudding is a delcious and simple recipe, you'll only need chia seeds, cashew milk, vanilla extract, blueberries and raspberries, for topping...
This week, I'm sharing a delicious shrimp & pineapple skewers recipe! I love using skewers on the grill in the summer - they're a fun finger food that doesn't need a bun!...
This week I shared an Instagram post about my favorite gluten-free banana bread muffins, and I got SO many questions about the recipe! So I wanted to share - you can make...
This week, I'm sharing a recipe that's all about convenience! I have a crazy schedule in my house, and some nights making dinner just feels like a chore. That's when I tu...
This week, I'm sharing a delicious vegetarian recipe that is flavorful and super simple to make! I love a good risotto, and the lemon in this recipe brings out the boldne...
MTHFR Gene Mutation, Test Kits, Treatments and Health Tips
The MTHFR Mutation
The MTHFR gene is arguably the most important of all genes in the human body because it has a direct effect on methylation, a process that controls the expression of every other gene in our DNA.In addition it also controls intracellular detoxification (therefore, total body detoxification), the immune system, RNA Synthesis and much more.
Over 80% of the population has an MTHFR gene mutation in one of the two most important alleles (C677T or A1298C). These mutations may cause people to lose from 20% to 80% of their ability to metabolize folate (folic acid). Folate is the main fuel for methylation and without the proper amount of folate converted into methylfolate, a person may be more prone to develop inherited health conditions and may not properly detox.
Demystifying the MTHFR
Although a genetic mutation on position C677T may elevate a person’s homocysteine levels, that is not the reason to get tested. The number one reason to test for this gene mutation is to check whether levels of usable folate or methylfolate may be affected. A blood test for serum folate or folic acid measures all types of folate, including unmetabolized folic acid and raw folate. The blood test results do not reveal the true number of usable folate; the only way to determine what the body is absorbing is to calculate total serum folate based on your unique genetic mutation. An MTHFR test can help you estimate actual levels.
The good news is that a person only has to get this test once in their life because DNA will never change. A doctor should always include testing for serum folate and vitamin B12 levels during annual checkups and calculate the estimated actual usable folate levels based on the patient’s MTHFR mutations. Pay attention to “normal” laboratory levels vs “Functional” levels. Most biochemical markers are determined by an average of 90% of the population where functional levels are the ideal levels regardless of the population. To read about how to calculate the ideal folate levels read this article.