MFTHR and T4 conversion

[Savysofa]

My lady bloodwork showed high levels of folate which means my methylation is not working. I most likely have MFTHR. Do you think if I'm not able to convert folate - I could also have a hard time turning T4 to T3?

[radd]

Savysofa

MTHFR is a gene & enzyme. Everybody has them. It is how much of an impairment you have on that gene that should be considered.

High levels of folate could mean you have supplemented too much ? I did once 🙄 .. whereas high levels of folic acid requiring good MTHFR activity to convert to folate, are possibly unusable due to the genetic impairment, and are then associated with elevated homocysteine and cardiovascular disease. Vit B12 & folate cannot be produced in the body so have to be supplied by diet or supplemented as methyl-B12 & methyl-folate (if deficient)

In answer to your question -

Directly no, coz that relates to a DIO2 impairment, and usually gut issues (don’t forget 20% of thyroid hormone conversion occurs in the gut).

But indirectly yes (if you mean folic acid), and that is why nutrition & lifestyle choices are so important. ie MTHFR is used in the glutathione cycle (antioxidant for detoxing), metabolising B Vits, regulating neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, etc ) etc, etc .... so choosing to eat foods with natural folate like broccoli & cauliflower, minimising chemical exposure (including food/drinks), supplementing detox aids like NAC, milk thistle, Vit C, etc, will all give methylation a helping hand and indirectly positively influence those enzymes in organs like the liver, brain & heart that convert T4-T3.

There is research showing correlation between impaired glutathione systems & autoimmune disease. This explains why together with leaky gut people with Hashi are more prone to low thyroid hormone levels, Vit B12 levels, etc ... and why processed foods that is not only laced with chemicals but unusable folic acid, must be avoided.

[Angel_of_the_North]

I don't think that high folate means that you have a problem with methylation (mthfr) - it is more usual to show low folate, and the mechanism for converting T4 to T3 is not related