Has anyone gone down the MTHFR gene rabbit hole and found out anything useful? I have come across anecdotal evidence / other online communities that state there is a connection between mutations on this gene + ADHD + hypothyroidism. I checked my DNA record and sure enough, I have this mutation. It is common amongst MTHFR communities to recommend taking methylated vit B, vit D and iron in order to raise vitamin levels because (they record) MTHFR mutations often mean your body cannot metabolise these vitamins well... or so the story goes. I am highly sceptical and don't understand a lot of the information posted within these groups. It is very genetics-y (!). I thought I would return to the mothership and ask the good folk in this group if any of you have come across any information or have experience in this area....
Written by
Astrido
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
Have to say I'm not sure I believe in some of the hype regarding MTHFR genetics. Certainly methylfolate has really helped me, but probably dont need it in the amounts some suggest.
It’s well researched that less methylation elevates the risk of certain health conditions but it depends upon the extent of impairment and other genetics. The difficulties lie in establishing which symptoms are attributed to what as there’s huge cross over with hypothyroidism/autoimmunity, and they can exacerbate each other.
Example - anxiety, extremely common on the forum, often attributed to poor adrenal functions adrenaline release, or poorly tolerated T3 levels, but also neurotransmitters imbalances caused by a lack of methylation and SAMe (hence the importance of folate), but on the other hand also caused by supplementing unnecessary or excess methyl versions. I like methyl-folate but have to be careful with methyl-Vit B12 that can make me jittery.
Whether it’s elevated homocysteine, oestrogen dominance, heart issues, allergies, etc, etc, … all could be the result of long term un/mismanaged hypo, gene impairments or a mix of both. Hence the importance to optimise thyroid hormones and iron/nutrients first and then see what still isn’t working.
A great read for a deeper dive into MTHFR and other common SNPs and how to positively influence their expression is ‘Dirty Genes’ by Ben Lynch (quite often cheap on eBay now a days).
I've never been tested for MTHFR, however I think I have less than ideal MTHFR genes on the basis of my own response to taking methylfolate and methylcobalamin.
Starting aged 9 I had eczema on my hands and wrists very badly. I was prescribed steroid creams to treat it but although it improved from time to time it never went away completely and stayed away.
Starting aged roughly 11 or 12 I got spots on my face like so many kids do when going through puberty. My mother told me that they would go away by themselves when I got past puberty. She was wrong. I was still getting spots in my 50s.
When I started taking methylcobalamin (vitamin B12) and methylfolate both the eczema and the spots got worse for a few weeks but then they got better completely - and, more importantly, they stayed away. If I stop taking the methyl B12 and the methylfolate for long enough they can return, but at the first sign of a spot or eczema on my hands I immediately get back on them and they go away again.
Before I ever got to this stage I had taken folic acid and cyanocobalamin from time to time but they never did anything for me at all.
So, on the basis of my own anecdotal evidence, I think my methylation isn't naturally great and even if other people disapprove of what I'm taking I will continue to take it.
...
I know that there are some people who have good methylation naturally i.e. they have no problems with their MTHFR genes, but on this forum it seems to be rare.
In this situation if people take methylfolate and/or methylcobalamin they can over-methylate.
Over-methylation and under-methylation are described here in a case study :
The only vitamin supplement I’ve had a problem taking was methyl cobalamin at 1,000 dose. It instantly made me feel dizzy and sick. The 400 b12 in Thorne basic b complex doesn’t cause a problem.
Would my reaction link to genes, or to anything else?
I don't know to be honest. But it is certainly a possibility that it is MTHFR genetics causing you a problem.
Have you ever done a test? I haven't because I suspect that, for me, it would be a waste of money. But obviously if people want certainty it would be a good idea to do a test.
I’ll add this comment - based on a deep dive Google I did recently. My understanding is superficial, and very much so compared to the above. If I’ve said anything wrong, I hope to be corrected.
It’s about the role of the MTHFR gene and homocysteine.
Before I could figure out how to get tested for the MTHFR gene, I started to add homocysteine to my blood tests.
Because in my ever-continuing worry about whether my palpitations (from various hypo-related things like med changes, low ft4, high ft3, and low iron, etc.) meant I was going to have a heart attack, I read that:
- Cardiovascular disease: High homocysteine is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and blood clots. And that it can contribute to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) by damaging blood vessel walls.
I then read that a mutated MTHFR gene can impair homocysteine breakdown. Further, I read down the rabbit hole that sufficient B12, B6, and Folate are needed to break down homocysteine. Also that Hypo can slow its metabolism too.
So I just threw homocysteine on my regular blood test list.
|
In addition to cardiovascular issues, high homocysteine is linked to:
- Depression, mood disorders, and cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s, dementia)
- And osteoporosis and fracture risk
|
This was a new topic of reading, nothing like the experience reflected in the other replies. But MTHFR )and resulting homocysteine levels) certainly seem pretty broad in role and impact!
That's v interesting. I'm considering adding this test in too though it is another ~£100 on medichecks. But sounds like a really valuable one to do. I would also hope they can take the bloods all in one sitting so I can combine with usual thyroid tests I do.
Have you noticed anything about your homocysteine levels changing in relation to the vitamins you take and/or your thyroid meds?
Just started the last couple tests and off the top of my head I just know it wasn’t elevated. I’m in the US and adding it wasn’t expensive, so for ~£100 Id look into how quickly it was move and do it less frequently : )
Content on HealthUnlocked does not replace the relationship between you and doctors or other healthcare professionals nor the advice you receive from them.
Never delay seeking advice or dialling emergency services because of something that you have read on HealthUnlocked.
Test results - possible MTHFR defect?
Researchers report new gene associated with thyroid levels
MTHFR/LAB WORK
T4 Has A Use Besides Being A Pro-hormone, Who Knew
MTHFR testing
