An important gene, Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) has many vital functions in the human body. When the gene is properly functional, the body is in proper health. However, a MTHFR mutation can lead to various health problems.
What is the Function of MTHFR in the Body?
The gene is needed for:
- Amino acid processing – The MTHFR gene offers the directions that are important for the production of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme, which plays a big role in the processing of amino acids – which are important for protein building.
- Folate chemical reaction – The gene is essential for a chemical reaction that includes forms of Vitamin B9 or Vitamin Folate. The enzyme transforms 5, 10-methylenetetrahydrofolate molecule to the 5-methyltetrahydrofolate molecule. It is this reaction that transforms the homocysteine to methionine, both of which are amino acids. Methionine is used by the body for the production of essential compounds such as proteins.
- Regulating mental health – The body makes use of Methionine for protein production as well as for making other vital compounds such as neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine and serotonin. The body needs such brain chemicals for various mental health aspects.
How to Compensate for Mutation of the MTHFR Gene?
Talk to your doctors and get recommendations about what your vitamin and nutritional regimen should comprise of, including the doses that would be most suitable for you.
In case you have tested positive with a MTHFR test kit, and are planning for a pregnancy, you might also require changes in your diet and to replace folic acid by methylfolate. Consult your physician and find out whether this is proper in your case.
If any or both you and your partner / spouse carried a mutated MTHFR gene and your kid is suffering from any mental or cognitive problems or attention difficulties, talk to a pediatrician and find out whether a l-methylfolate supplementation is necessary.
