Maybe you're struggling to conceive and someone has suggested that you have an MTHFR test?
Or you've had a miscarriage and it's been recommended that you get your MTHFR genes tested?
Or maybe you're just starting to think about trying to conceive, and you've heard something
about the MTHFR and want to know more about it.
Well today, I'm going to give you an overview on the MTHFR: what it is, when you should
get it tested, what the results mean and what to do about them.
Stay tuned!
MTHFR is an acronym that stands for Methylene Tetra Hydro Folate Reductase - which is a
very big name for a tiny little gene.
The MTHRF gene plays an important role in the production of the MTHFR enzyme, which
effects the way that our body absorbs an important fertility nutrient called folate.
I'm sure that you've heard of folate before...
Folate, vitamin B9, or folic acid, as it is also known, is important in the lead up to
pregnancy, and during your first trimester to help with cell division to form your baby's
neural tube, which is the first part of your baby's body that is developed.
In case you were wondering, the neural tube is just a fancy word for your baby's brain
and spinal cord.
If your body is unable to absorb adequate folate, it can cause problems with the cells
dividing properly, which can lead to miscarriage.
As cell division is such an important process for creating your baby, your body needs a
lot of folate.
That's why it's recommended that you eat a folate-rich diet and take additional folic
acid supplements when you are trying to conceive.
And, just to clarify the terminology for you....it's called folate when it comes from food, and
folic acid when it is a synthetic form either added to food, or found in supplements.
The MTHFR enzyme helps your body process the folic acid, by turning it into another compound
called L-methylfolate.
That's why if your MTHFR enzyme doesn't process folic acid properly, you can just bypass this
step by taking methylated folic acid supplements instead of standard folic acid supplements.
They're a bit more expensive than standard folic acid supplements, but can be a good
option if you're concerned that your body isn't processing folic acid properly.
However, only about 10% of people have a MTHFR gene problem, and out of these, most people
can still absorb about 60% of regular folate, so it's really only people with a severe MTHFR
problem that need to be concerned.
If you don't need methylated folic acid supplements, you could just be throwing money down the
drain, but they won't hurt you either, so if you want err on the side of caution, that's
fine too.
Your second option is to get an MTHFR gene test.
These can be ordered by your doctor, fertility specialist, or sometimes even by your pharmacist
or dietitian.
They can either be done as a mouth swap or as a blood test, whichever is easier for you.
However, current research suggests that these tests aren't always accurate or helpful, so
you might like to think about whether or not this is a good use of your time, money and
emotional energy.
Your healthcare professional can interpret the results for you - however I would caution
that if the healthcare professional sells methylated folic acid supplements in their
practice, their interpretation of the results might be a little biased, so you may like
to get a second opinion.
Your third option is to get a folate and homocysteine test when you get your next blood test, as
your folate will be low and homocysteine levels high, if you're not absorbing it properly.
Now, there's a few key things to note...
Firstly - whether you need methylated folic acid supplements or just standard ones, make
sure you are taking the right dose for your individual needs.
If you're overweight, have diabetes, smoke, or take certain medications for convulsions
or arthritis, have had gastrointestinal surgery or have a digestive condition such as Coeliac
disease or Chron's disease, you may have higher requirements than standard.
Secondly - folate isn't the only nutrient that impacts your baby's neural tube.
Vitamin B6, riboflavin, choline and vitamin B12 are also essential for the development
of your baby's neural tube, so if you're having problems, you might need to look at your intake
and absorption of these as well.
Thirdly - just because you're taking a methylated folic acid supplement, doesn't mean that you
can skimp on your green vegies which are one of the best dietary sources of folate.
And, finally - it's important to note that research tends to suggest that MTHFR doesn't
impact fertility, pregnancy or miscarriage in most people, so I don't want you to be
concerned about this.
But, it could be something to look into if you are having problems conceiving, if you've
had a previous baby with a neural tube defect, or if you are having re-occurring miscarriages.
Now, I'm guessing that you have loads of questions about this topic, as there's still so much
more I could say....so please post your questions in the chat box below.
If you haven't done so already, make sure you subscribe, so that you receive my weekly
fertility and pregnancy diet tips in your inbox, and please download my free fertility
meal plan so that you can ensure that you're getting enough dietary folate each day, which
as I mentioned before, you need in addition to your supplements.
Just go to www.melaniemcgrice.com/fertility.
Make sure you check out some of my other videos on dietary tips for boosting your fertility!
I look forward to seeing you in my next video!