MTHFR Deficiency

[Andy-Just-Gyms]

MTHFR Deficiency is a common genetic disorder; approximately 40% of the world has it, with different variations. MTHFR, or Methyl Tetrahydrofolate Reductase is an enzyme that converts some of your vitamins into one of their active forms via Methylation, as the name suggests.

For the purposes of this article, we are going to talk about how MTHFR deficiency can affect an individual utilizing compounds and medications that are liver toxic.

As mentioned, MTHFR is an enzyme and it is responsible for converting Folate/Folic Acid (aka Vitamin B9) into Methyl-folate, which is the active form.

Methyl-folate is responsible for recycling Homocysteine to be converted into Methionine.

Methionine is required to allow enough Cysteine to be available for use.

And Cysteine? Cysteine is required to support Glutathione production, the body's natural and most potent antioxidant.

Glutathione reduces liver toxicity by binding to toxic chemicals and acts as a transporter so the body can eliminate the chemical, whether through the kidneys into the urine, or through the alimentary tract via fecal matter.

When someone has MTHFR Deficiency, it can lead to a bottleneck in the cascade of glutathione production and ultimately liver inflammation, particularly someone using liver toxic medications, substances or alcohol.

Fortunately, there are a few solutions.

1. Supplementation of methylated vitamins, specifically L-Methylfolate (active B9) and Methylcobalamin (active b12). Pair this with N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) and most people will have the cofactors necessary for endogenous glutathione production.
2. Supplementation with exogenous Glutathione. (reduced or liposomal, but liposomal is best) If one chooses the glutathione supplementation route, they should still supplement with L-Methylfolate in order to reduce the Homocysteine build up, as this can increase cardiovascular risk and inflammatory processes.

To find out if you have MTHFR Deficiency, you would need to take a genetic test, which could be expensive and hard to have it covered by insurance without reasonable suspicion of the genetic disorder. An alternative solution is to simply monitor your homocysteine levels. If they seem to elevate without a known cause, you might benefit from one of the above solutions.

Symptoms of MTHFR Deficiency include fatigue, slow/poor recovery, anxiety, mood changes, frequently sick, poor healing, and even being sensitive to toxins and chemicals; all more than the normal person.

One special consideration: MTHFR Deficiency is more common in women, and more common within the Asian population.

Hope you enjoyed the read.

-Andy