Close Menu
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    Trending
    • Amoxicillin and Warfarin: Interaction Risks, Monitoring & Best Practices
    • Benzonatate and Steroids: What You Need to Know
    • The Truth About Trintellix: Benefits, Side Effects, and Patient Guide
    • Top Qualities of a Great Dental Facility in Airdrie: Equipment, Care & Convenience
    • Learn How To File a Class Action Lawsuit
    • Write for Us on Health, Wellness, Dental & Fitness Topics
    • Frisco Home Water Filtration: Health, Taste & Protection Guide
    • Rigicon’s Infla10™ & Rigi10™: Game-Changing Penile Implants for Men with ED
    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram
    HealthsootheHealthsoothe
    • Home
    • Healthy
    • Dental Care
    • Skin Care
    • Discover
      • Fitness
      • Women hygiene
      • Tragedy Stories
      • Recipes
    • Health Tools
      • Body Tat Calc
      • CALC Diet Calorie
      • Ideal Body Weight Calc
      • Burned Calories Calc
      • View All
    • Connect
      • About
      • Privacy Policy & Affiliate Disclosure
      • Contact us
    HealthsootheHealthsoothe
    WELLNESS HEALTH

    The MTHFR Gene and What Happens When it Mutates

    By Isreal Olabanji DST RNUpdated:July 4, 2024
    Share
    Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Email
    Advertisement
    0
    (0)

    The MTHFR gene is a gene that codes for an enzyme (protein) called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme is essential for several biochemical reactions in the human body, with its key function being in the conversion of folate to methylfolate.

    Table of contents
    1. Folate and Methylation
    2. Can the MTHFR Gene Mutate, and What Happens if it Does?
    3. Reduced methylfolate and neurotransmitters
    4. Higher homocysteine
    5. Changes in gene expression
    6. Reduced fetal development during pregnancy
    7. Reduced detoxification abilities
    8. Related posts: 14 Proven Herbal Remedies for Asthma relief How much black ginger should I take daily Paradoxical effect/ condition. Dysautonomia | Learn all about Dysautonomia and its Different Types including what Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is all About

    Folate and Methylation

    Folate, known more commonly as vitamin B9, is a crucial nutrient for blood cell production, growth, and development. However, it can only perform these functions if the MTHFR enzyme successfully converts it into its active form, methylfolate. 

    Advertisement/Sexual content

    Methylation is a first-line (stage one) biochemical process that involves adding a methyl group onto a molecule to convert it into its active form. It’s also required to modify gene expression and turn genes on or off. 

    Methylation is important in DNA synthesis, DNA repair, and amino acid breakdown. It’s also vital for embryonic development as it enables certain genes to be activated or deactivated inside a growing embryo, which is essential for cell differentiation (where stem cells become specialized cells, such as skin cells, muscle tissue, or endothelial cells).

    Can the MTHFR Gene Mutate, and What Happens if it Does?

    The short answer is, yes, the MTHFR gene can mutate, as can any gene in your DNA. When there is an MTHFR gene mutation, it can impact the resulting enzyme’s structure and function.

    The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase protein produced by a mutated MTHFR gene may be deficient in key areas. As a result, this protein can’t perform its methylation functions effectively, and many important compounds might remain unmethylated and inactive.

    Reduced methylfolate and neurotransmitters

    There are several MTHFR gene variants, with the two most studied being C677T and A1298C. These mutated gene variations can lead to reduced enzyme activity and function, reducing the conversion of folate (inactive) into methylfolate (active).

    With less methylfolate, the body produces less serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine (noradrenaline). Reduced neurotransmitters in the brain can interfere with mood and may increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and mood disorders.

    Higher homocysteine

    Homocysteine is an amino acid that the body converts into various other compounds.

    Certain mutations in the MTHFR gene have been linked to higher homocysteine levels. Although an important amino acid, too-high levels of homocysteine can lead to an increased risk of atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular disease.

    Changes in gene expression

    As the MTHFR gene codes for an enzyme involved in methylating DNA, mutations in the gene (and the resulting enzyme) can impact the expression of DNA. Gene expression (or DNA expression) refers to whether a gene is on (expressed) or off (not expressed). A gene that is expressed will be transcribed into a protein.

    Methylation is the process that causes a gene to be on or off. The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase enzyme methylates certain parts of genes to change whether they get expressed or not. However, if the MTHFR gene and the enzyme it produces are mutated, the enzyme might be unable to influence gene expression as it normally should.

    Changes in gene expression can have widespread effects on the body and can be detrimental to you in some cases. Disrupted gene expression is linked to a range of chronic conditions, including many cancers.

    Reduced fetal development during pregnancy

    Many supplements are recommended for a healthy pregnancy. In particular, folate is essential for fetal growth and development during pregnancy, which is why pregnant women are recommended to take daily folic acid supplements. 

    Folate supplementation is particularly during the first 12 weeks of pregnancy (the first trimester) when embryonic development and fetal growth occur at rapid rates. Daily folate reduces the risk of neural tube defects in the developing fetus.

    However, pregnant women with a mutated MTHFR gene may be at a higher risk of experiencing miscarriage and pre-eclampsia or having a baby with birth defects, such as spina bifida, or a low birth weight.

    Reduced detoxification abilities

    Individuals with a non-mutated MTHFR gene can produce enzymes necessary for removing toxins from the body and reducing the risk of diseases. These enzymes methylate compounds like environmental toxins, heavy metals, and drug metabolites, which tags them for breakdown and removal. 

    However, a protein produced from a mutated MTHFR may not tag compounds for detoxification, meaning they remain in the body, where they can accumulate and cause several issues. High toxin concentrations in the body can increase the risk of chronic diseases and may impact the function of other important biochemical pathways.

    How useful was this post?

    Click on a star to rate it!

    Average rating 0 / 5. Vote count: 0

    No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

    As you found this post useful...

    Follow us on social media!

    We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

    Let us improve this post!

    Tell us how we can improve this post?

    Related posts:
    1. 14 Proven Herbal Remedies for Asthma relief
    2. How much black ginger should I take daily
    3. Paradoxical effect/ condition.
    4. Dysautonomia | Learn all about Dysautonomia and its Different Types including what Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is all About

    Follow on Google News Follow on Flipboard
    Share. Facebook Twitter Pinterest LinkedIn Tumblr Email
    Previous ArticleFit for Future: Improving Health through Fitness
    Next Article Choosing the Right Laboratory Plasticware: A Buyer’s Guide
    Isreal Olabanji DST RN
    • Website
    • Facebook
    • X (Twitter)
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram

    Isreal olabanji a dental assistant and public health professionals and has years of experience in assisting the dentist with all sorts of dental issues.We regularly post timely and trustworthy medical information and news on Fitness, Dental care, Recipes, Child health, obstetrics, and more.

    Related Posts

    How Does Amoxicillin Interact With Warfarin_

    Amoxicillin and Warfarin: Interaction Risks, Monitoring & Best Practices

    July 10, 2025
    Does Benzonatate Have Steroids

    Benzonatate and Steroids: What You Need to Know

    July 10, 2025
    The Truth About Trintellix

    The Truth About Trintellix: Benefits, Side Effects, and Patient Guide

    July 10, 2025
    Leave A Reply

    You must be logged in to post a comment.

    Site Statistics
    • Today's visitors: 193
    • Today's page views: : 201
    • Total visitors : 14,406
    • Total page views: 20,890
    Popular Posts
    6 Foods That Will Make You Taste Sweeter Down There

    6 Foods That Will Make You Taste Sweeter Down There

    Dental Instruments And Their Uses

    Dental Instruments And Their Uses

    Wellbutrin-Zoloft

    What Are The Benefits Of Combining Wellbutrin And Zoloft? (Detailed Guide)

    Why Take Flomax At Bedtime? (Explained)

    Why Take Flomax At Bedtime? (Explained)

    Categories
    About
    Healthsoothe provide you with real evidence-based, authoritative health care information, Credible facts, experiences, and expert opinions with citations to reputable references.                                
    Contact Us
    For more queries and news contact us on this Email: contact@healthsoothe.com,                              Call Me At: +44 7700 306246,                                      
    Healthsoothe International
    • Healthsoothe.ng
    • Healthsoothe.in
    • Healthsoothe.ke
    Caregivers Healthy Aging

    Mobility and Independence: Essential Tips for Active Ageing

    Embracing the Future: How Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are Transforming Elderly Care

    Angel Care Inc: Your Trusted Partner for Home Care Services

    Health Calculator

    BMI Calculation: Spatz Benefits

    Circumference Body fat calculator

    Proportionality of Body Calculator

    Oral care

    Top Qualities of a Great Dental Facility in Airdrie: Equipment, Care & Convenience

    Write for Us on Health, Wellness, Dental & Fitness Topics

    ClearChoice Locations Near You: Convenient and High-Quality Dental Implants

    Healthy Recipes

    20+ Scientifically Proven Health Benefits of Alligator Pepper

    Step Into a Healthier Future: Best Game-Changing Diet Plans in 2024

    Tiffany Magee Weight Loss: Exploring The Viral TikTok Sensation

    Facebook X (Twitter) Instagram Pinterest
    • HealthSoothe Media Kit
    • Privacy & Affiliate Disclosure
    • Terms & Conditions
    • Residents of California Right
    • Our Editorial Team
    • Healthsoothe Newsletter
    • Contact us : Our Company
    © 2025 Healthsoothe. Designed by Healthsoothe.

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Ad Blocker Enabled!
    Our website is made possible by displaying online advertisements to our visitors. Please support us by disabling your Ad Blocker and Reload the Page.