Thyroid Disease and MTHFR: How a Gene Mutation Can Affect Thyroid Function
Genes are bundles of information that are passed down through parents to their offspring. Numerous attributes such as eye and hair color, height, and skin tone are determined by our genes. Recent research suggests that genes may even influence the likelihood of developing thyroid issues. Specifically, it is posited that defective methylenetetrahydrofolate (MTHFR) genes may contribute to the occurrence of thyroid disease.
To better understand this connection, we must first discuss the role of MTHFR, the possible complications that come with MTHFR mutation, and the specific effects of irregular MTHFR on thyroid activity.
The Role of MTHFR
The MTHFR gene is responsible for producing an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme has multiple functions such as facilitating the conversion of folic acid, also called folate, into methylfolate.
Methylfolate plays an essential role in the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Each of these communicative compounds are recognized for their ability to influence mood and regulate a wide range of bodily processes.
Methylfolate is also involved in the creation of s-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), which is used in the regulation of over 200 enzymes throughout the body. The MTHFR enzyme may also be used in conjunction with folate to break down an amino acid named homocysteine to produce methionine. Both methylfolate and methionine are used in a number of important bodily processes.
As a key component for the production of methylfolate and methionine, the MTHFR gene indirectly affects several areas of wellness. These include:
Cell maintenance and repair
Metabolization of chemicals, toxins, B-vitamins, neurotransmitters, and hormones
Production of the body’s main antioxidant, glutathione
Regulation and production of various neurotransmitters
Supporting protein and DNA functionality
Synthesis of CoQ10, creatine, melatonin, carnitine, and phosphatidylcholine; all of which are used in critical bodily processes including immunity and energy regulation
Clearly, by influencing so many essential functions, MTHFR reductase and by extension the MTHFR gene are important factors of wellness. As such, it should not come as a surprise that any sort of mutation or irregularity of the MTHFR gene may result in notable dysfunction...
Perhaps few people have the mutation, though I’ve seen it mentioned quite often. it would be very important to those who do!
Most natural substances are better utilised than chemicals, which makes sense. I do like the taste of nutritional yeast in my lentil & bean soups so hope the folic acid or the pesky phytates, don’t impair the legumin & veg folate absorption.
EVERY thyroid patient should read the illuminating article Thyroid Disease and MTHFR: How a Gene Mutation Can Affect Thyroid Function.
We never stop learning and having just had my 75th birthday, this information 50 years ago would have made my life an awful lot easier. To this end I have just downloaded umpteen copies of the article to give to family members, thyroid friends and doctors! Hopefully all will gain from it. My children and niece, all affected, have fortunately if sadly not had children. Reading of the risk of birth defects to which they would have been unknowingly exposed, I cannot but be grateful such a tragedy has been averted.
Thanks to Bad Hare for throwing the article into the arena!
I believe its more like that when things start to go bad then the mutations start to really affect. Just normal stress could be something that kicks things to go bad.
Like I seem to have compound heterozygous MTHFR with super comt plus bad vitamin D. On top of that DI01 the worst one causing possibly severe conversion issue.
In normal health these may never affect but when stress kicks in with other health conditions it starts domino effect.
It only takes one tiny issue to create a domino effect. Picking out what to try to fix first can be complicated, & we can't trust the white coats to help!
I have had to do all alone and still I am far from healthy but now I at least know why I need vitamin B injections, makes perfect sense with my mutations that are acting up.
I also uploaded my rawdata to impute.me which compare my genes to UK biobank. I am Finnish but I figured as I am not looking for rare diseases that can be tied to certain nations then it could be interesting.
Was quite funny, all services I have used give similar results but in impute.me you could compare genes to people who have diagnosed disease.
I have 99% higher risk to get graves/hyperthyroidism than average population. It was noted as very high. So far I do not have hyper but I have had thyroid issues.
I then checked tolerance to medication and based on that I have 99% higher risk not tolerate T4.
It lists all genes affecting each condition. Should look up all genes just for fun because some of those genes cross with methylation panel, it isn't just MTHFR , like COMT that affects breaking down catecholamines which is bad combo with MTHFR and thyroid issues as slow COMT increase stress hormones. Slow COMT is said to affect methyl donor tolerance.
All in all, I am not saying it would be 1 to 1. But I am just generally interested and excited to see how full genome sequencing will change the view as it gives better idea of these things. Then it might be possible to figure out how certain genes affect each other and what is the truth behind MTHFR.
Edit: whole exome sequencing, not full genome sequencing 😄
I did family research and realised the raw data could be uploaded to other service to find out certain mutations. MyHeritage costed 59 euros at the time I ordered it.
Whole exome and/or genome sequencing costs a lot but prices are coming down pretty fast.
Can you get one of those magnifying sheets? I had a tiny one for pre-specs, but have seen them page sized in book shops. I find it useful to be able to enlarge print for reading online.
I have invested in a very special reading lamp for my bedside - but still there are limits. Best to check before I buy - have already made one mistake !
This could be COMT as that's usually connected to lower tolerance to methyl donors. I have so called super COMT and methyl donors cause me the same leaving me exhausted but unable to sleep. All I know that people with super COMT have the same issue , but can't say for sure that is because of the super COMT. methyl-life.com/blogs/b-12/...
I used my rawdata and uploaded it to genetic genie to get methylation panel.
Cant describe how I feel but it just feels like it goes through very fast , it's like jolt of energy but not good type of energy , mostly it's my legs where I have burning pain ,I get very restless and tired but can't sleep.
Inability to sleep goes for long after ditching methylocobalamin. I tried between injections to do sublingual methylocobalamin but it was stupidest thing ever 😄 got back to cyanocobalamin injections and was able to sleep sweet.
Yes you are right of course - I have an App offer currently available - just need to activate it. Trying to do less on my phone due to current tremor ... Thank you.
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