MTHFR Gene Variants Affect Heart & Brain Function, Longevity & More

MTHFR is a gene that we all carry two copies of (one from each parent). This gene serves as the code for an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (aka "the MTHFR enzyme") that is responsible for activating folic acid, an essential B vitamin. This enzyme plays a vital, daily role fully activating folate (into its 5-MTHF, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, form) so it can be used in every cell of the body to produce healthy homocysteine levels, red blood cells, neurotransmitters, DNA, and more.* 

The MTHFR enzyme is crucial for a biological process called methylation that occurs approximately one billion times per second and affects just about every cell, system, and process in the body—including cardiovascular function, neurological activities, energy production, detoxification, and more. 

The issue is that 150 million Americans have individual genetic variations in the MTHFR gene that affect the production and efficiency of the MTHFR enzyme and, subsequently, result in varying degrees of suboptimal methylation function. These MTHFR gene variants affect how efficiently the MTHFR enzyme converts folate (which is found in food) and folic acid (the form of folate found in fortified foods and certain supplements) into its active 5-MTHF form, which helps regulate homocysteine levels (i.e., by converting homocysteine to methionine) and fuel methylation.* 

Translation? There's about a 50/50 chance1 that your body isn't processing folate as efficiently as it could be thanks to an MTHFR gene variation, which can lead to high homocysteine levels. Left unchecked, this burden of homocysteine can result in cardiovascular, neurological, DNA, and reproductive health implications.

Physician Karyn Shanks, M.D., explains that she counsels individuals with MTHFR variations about the potential to develop suboptimal methylation concerns in light of their genetics, then reviews what they need to do to bypass that potential issue. "I also explain the important difference between genetic potential and functional outcome (epigenetics!)," she adds.

Consider taking a supplement with methylated folate and other bioactive B vitamins. "The best way to start is with methylated Bs," explains functional medicine doctor Jill Carnahan, M.D., IFMCP. For optimal methylation support, find a high-quality supplement with methylated B12, methylfolate (5-MTHF), riboflavin, B6, and methyl donor betaine (like mbg's methylation B complex+). When these B vitamins are in their fully bioactive form, the MTHFR enzyme inefficiency can be overcome—the B's are bioavailable and ready to be utilized!*

Make intentional dietary changes to support healthy methylation. Shanks recommends eating a diet rich in methylation adaptogens, methyl donors, nutrient cofactors, and substrates for methylation pathways. These include cruciferous veggies, beets, berries, shiitake mushrooms, turmeric, green tea, and more.

One-half of the population needs a little extra methylation support (on the daily) thanks to genetic variations in their MTHFR genes. Thankfully, intentional nutrition, lifestyle, and targeted supplement choices can support these individuals and ensure their methylation cycles run smoothly.*