Could the MTHFR Gene polymorphism be contributing to your fatigue or anxiety?

Are you confused like many people are about this gene and what it means? MTHFR stands for methylene-tetrahydrofolate reductase. This is an enzyme that converts folate (vitamin B9) into its active form; 5 – methyltetrahyrdrofolate . If you have a problem with the gene, polymorphism, mutation or ‘SNP’ (depending where you read about it) it effects how much folate you have available to the body, as its stops the enzyme working properly and converting folate into this active form. A ‘SNP’ is a single nucleotide polymorphism and is a DNA sequence variation occurring commonly within the population.   Polymorphisms are what make individuals different from one another.

In the past there was some general belief amongst some health practitioners that it was only associated with weight loss problems and cardiovascular problems. Now more people are aware that is associated with a myriad of health problems such as anxiety, insomnia, depression, heart disease, hypertension, hypothyroidism, infertility, arthritis, Alzheimer’s disease and an increased risk of some cancers. In children with the gene mutation there is a higher prevalence of Autistic spectrum disorders and ADHD.

So if you have the gene ….. what does this mean??

If you are low in active folate then it affects our ‘methylation’ or methyl groups (made up of carbon and hydrogen) which are required for many processes in the body. Methylation is a metabolic process that happens in every single cell of our body, billions of times per second. More simply, is when our body turns one substance into another and it is then detoxified and excreted from the body.

This is the easiest explanation I can come up with;

The MTHFR gene produces the MTHFR enzyme, which breaks down folate in two steps, to the most active form of folate; 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This helps the conversion of homocysteine (a naturally occuring  amino acid produced as part of the methylation process) into another amino acid, methionine. Methionine helps us utilize antioxidants, helps the liver process fats and helps with depression and inflammation. Methionine is converted in the liver to SAMe (an amino acid which is made in the body from a reaction between methionine and ATP; a molecule that carries energy), which helps you to break down brain chemicals such as serotonin, dopamine and melatonin. The process then continues. High homocysteine levels have been found to contribute to heart disease. Low SAMe can cause depression.

Methyl groups turn genes on and off, turn enzymes on and off, turn on tissue repair and inflammation, and turn the stress response on and off. They also reduce aging, detoxify chemicals and hormones such as xeno-estrogens. These xeno-estrogens are hormone disrupters and can predispose you to a higher risk of breast cancer. Methionine helps us convert Estradiol, into Estriol, the protective estrogen.

Methyl groups also help our cells produce energy. You may suffer fatigue as a result. Fatigue is a really common symptom. Methylation helps us to produce Glutathione, a very important antioxidant. If methylation is faulty and glutathione is too low it affects the function of our mitochondria, ‘the energy centre’ of all our cells. The muscles can then have an ‘energy crisis’ if the mitochondria are malfunctioning. Over time if this continues, the build-up of toxins and viruses in DNA can affect our cells and mineral imbalances can follow. As a person ages the gene mutation has had years to affect their health and over time, these people get sicker.

Below is an over simplified diagram of the methylation cycle. Don’t worry about it too much, but it gives you an idea of what the methylation cycle ‘looks’ like. You can see the MTHFR gene is right in the middle of these ‘cogs.’ If the gene isn’t working then the other parts of the cycle don’t work properly either. Methyl folate and Methyl B12 interact to fuel every cell of your body with energy. There is an impact on serotonin and dopamine and knowing about this gene can be important to those who struggle with mood and behavioural disorders.

Serotonin is our wellbeing neurotransmitter or our ‘happy hormone’. It keeps our moods under control by helping with sleep, calming anxiety and relieving depression. So you can imagine if you were low in serotonin you may be depressed, anxious and have insomnia!

Dopamine is our main ‘focus’ neurotransmitter and is responsible for our drive or desire to acquire. If it’s low the ability to focus and organize is decreased. Then you have no drive or desire and feel like ‘what’s the use?’

If you are not Methylating, then what happens??

Your immune system becomes weakened.

You may be at an increased risk of some cancers, such as prostate and breast.

You may be susceptible to inflammatory diseases and auto immune diseases such as lupus and auto immune diabetes.

You can develop cardiovascular disease over time. This can include abnormal blood pressure, enlarged heart and atherosclerosis.

You are at a higher risk of blood clots and strokes as it causes the blood to clot more rapidly.

You can accumulate abnormal amounts of heavy metals (from the environment, foods, pesticides, dental amalgam fillings, vaccinations, exhaust fumes)

You can suffer memory impairment and an increased risk of dementia

Children can be autistic. Methylation is important for the development of babies and toddlers brains.

You may suffer general fatigue and exercise intolerance – a good excuse for some people if they don’t like exercise!

You are more prone to migraines, miscarriages and depression.

You are more prone to IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and chemical sensitivities.

The following speaks about folinic acid, an active form of folate. It would be interesting to know how many people with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)  have an MTHFR gene mutation.  

”  ‘Study confirms CFS patients benefit from folate’

Folinic acid (a derivative of Folate) was found to be effective according to a study (PDF). Folinic acid was used at 25 mg a day for 1-2 months. Because there was already an established association between ME/CFS and Folate deficiency, this study did not look at the folate status of their participants. Nevertheless, 81% of patients reported significant improvement in pain and energy …”

– Genetic Genie,  http://geneticgenie.org/blog/2013/02/11/study-confirms-cfs-patients-benefit-from-folate/

There are also other factors that make the methylation process worse. These include poor digestion, leaky gut (intestinal permeability), poor diet, exposure to chemicals and toxins. Also lack of sleep or poor sleep and stress will worsen methylation. Therefore a clean and healthy lifestyle is very important for people with this gene polymorphism.  

Anxiety, depression, sleep and your genes

The MTHFR gene controls the formation of chemicals in your brain. If you have the MTHFR gene polymorphism, you will have lower levels of serotonin, dopamine and adrenalin, which can cause anxiety and depression.   And some other genes worth mentioning……

COMT is catechol-O-methyl transferase. This gene controls the removal of chemicals or neurotransmitters in your brain such as adrenaline and dopamine. If your gene isn’t working properly, (which is again a polymorphism), this can cause aggression, impulsivity, and a high need for good feelings, typical of the ‘hedonist’. These people can be thrill seekers or have addictions such as to drugs, gambling or shopping. They can be hyperactive, feel irritable and have a higher sensitivity to pain.

MAO is monoamine oxidase. This also controls the removal of chemicals in your brain. If this gene is dysfunctional it can be linked to neurological and psychological disorders. This can also increase adrenalin in the body and lead to aggression. Mood swings and OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) can be found in people with this gene defect.

All of these genes can be tested through a genetic testing laboratory, depending on where you are in the world. There are many more genes involved in the methylation cycle.

Another is CBS, which is Cystathionine beta synthase. This gene will convert homocysteine into cystathionine (another amino acid), and this pathway removes sulphur containing amino acids. When it’s not doing its job correctly, you could have an excess of sulphur, which can cause kidney damage. Experts strongly recommend avoiding processed foods if you have this mutation, since they can have high amounts of sulphur and can make you sensitive to chemicals. This mutation can also cause low serotonin and dopamine which can cause problems with anxiety, depression and sleep.

Book a FREE 15 minute consultation if you would like to know if you have the MTHFR gene polymorphism, or purchase a longer first consultation if you would like to have  more in depth naturopathic  help for any of your health problems. 

REFERENCES

mthfr.net

Dr. Amy Yasko   http://www.dramyyasko.com/our-unique-approach/methylation-cycle/

geneticgenie.org

Stop the thyroid madness;  http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/mthfr/

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