Is My MTHFR Gene Broken?

The following is part of our informational series that clarifies some of what you'll learn about your nutritional genetics after you've submitted your DNA Essentials Plus test.

The Answers Lies In Your DNA Test

Your DNA Essentials Plus test results will tell you if you have one of the MTHFR gene variants.

MTHFR has become very well known. Up to 60 percent of the population is thought to have a variation or a genetic mutation of their MTHFR gene. You can be born with this gene not working properly or it can fizzle out on you for several reasons.

The MTHFR enzyme processes folates into methylfolate which is crucial for methylation, DNA synthesis, and many other processes in the body. Since MTHFR creates methylfolate, you can safely use oral methylfolate in your dietary supplements. This can help to speed up the methylation cycle, returning detoxification and neurotransmitter production back to normal. This type of testing and approach has become common in both fertility and psychiatric practices.

How did my MTHFR gene get broken?

Well, it's not actually broken. It's just not operating at its optimal level.

A vegan or a vegetarian diet that doesn't get enough B vitamins from meat eggs and seafood, excessive antacid usage, physical or psychological overwhelm, smoking and secondhand smoke exposure, high levels of free radicals and heavy metal exposure are all things that contribute to a poorly functioning MTHFR gene.

The MTHFR gene is crucial for antioxidants and detoxification. It's required for energy production, necessary for a normal immune system function, and it's also necessary for normal inflammatory responses in the body. When this gene is dysfunctional it doesn’t convert homocysteine into methionine and leaves the body coming up short on making protein compounds.

Signs that your MTHFR gene needs assistance can be frequent headaches, brain fog, cold hands and feet, irritability, heavy menstrual periods (sometimes with clots), high homocysteine levels above 12, and even poor alcohol tolerance.

Knowing about your MTHFR gene is empowering information. Getting this gene back to optimal function can impact many other aspects of your health.