What is Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase also known as MTHFR? MTHFR is an enzyme involved in Methylation, a biochemical reaction that helps us to build new tissues, metabolize hormones, and rid the body of toxins, in addition to other essential functions.

MTHFR is a big topic in natural medicine these days, and making its way into conventional cardiology, oncology, and fertility specialties. Methylation occurs in every cell of the human body, at a rate of a billion times per second. A defect in this process can therefore affect every system in the body. More than half the US population has a mutation in the gene that codes for the MTHFR mutation. The MTHFR gene mutation can contribute to a whole host of medical conditions such as cancer, heart attacks and strokes, infertility, miscarriage, fibromyalgia, depression, anxiety, and autism.

A significant part of the problem is that those with mutations in the MTHFR gene cannot effectively convert their B vitamins into the active “methyl” form, so that these essential nutrients can be used in the methylation cycle.

The MTHFR gene mutation can be diagnosed by a simple blood test that is covered by insurance. By being tested for the mutation and supplementing the appropriate B vitamins and other nutrients, many of patients’ ailments and risk factors can be mitigated.

For more information about MTHFR and methylation, and how to be tested, please schedule an appointment.