Tag: health

Before I start let me say I am not a doctor , I am medically retired apprentice optician who happens to have Hypothyroidism, Osteoarthritis, Osteonecrosis,Factor V Leiden one copy and MTHFR one copy and sharing.

Living with MTHFR is a learning experience and a pain, you get so much misinformation do this eat that dont take this….
You cannot just take regular OTC vitamins, so here is some information I found to help me learn about my MTHFR. My B levels especially B12 are always higher than normal.

What is MTHFR, really?

In our bodies we have thousands of enzymes that each do one specialized little job, like a factory worker who puts in one specific bolt on each car that comes down the line. MTHFR is the name of both one of your enzymes (a little factory worker) and the gene that codes for it. We’ll talk about the gene in a minute, but first let me give you one short paragraph of biochemistry that you can skim if you aren’t in the mood.

So, here goes. MTHFR, or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, is an enzyme that converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This is necessary because 5-methyltetrahydrofolate goes on to donate a methyl group to homocysteine, making methionine. Methionine is an amino acid that we need to make protein, thus making it important for growth, cell division, and just generally for life.

This pathway involves more enzymes besides MTHFR, and it also involves a few chemical compounds that you know as vitamins. Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is also involved in this pathway. The molecule that MTHFR most directly acts on is a form of folate, a relative of folic acid, sometimes called vitamin B9. These vitamins are essential to our bodies because they are needed for biochemical pathways including this one.

The MTHFR enzyme only exists because our bodies build it, and the instructions to build it are contained in the MTHFR gene in our DNA. (You can think of a gene as a recipe; they often contain instructions for an enzyme or some other useful protein.)

You can see the MTHFR entry in the National Library of Medicine’s Gene database here. It resides on chromosome 1, in humans. (Other animals have their own versions.) It is expressed in many different tissues, including the lungs, thyroid, spleen, and more. We all have a MTHFR gene—two, actually, since we have two copies of every gene—but mine might not be identical to yours.

Can MTHFR cause high b12?

The short answer is yes, MTHFR can cause high B12 on a blood test result, this is because of lower production of folate which means that more B12 may not have enough folate to work with, which leads to higher B12 levels. Higher B12 levels can also be the result of inhibitors that interfere with the MTHFR process and therefore support MTHFR high B12. High B12 MTHFR problems are very common, MTHFR and high B12 often also result from MTHFR b12 supplements that are used in excess.

MTHFR high B12, MTHFR, and high b12 MTHFR B12 supplement…
Vitamin B12 and homocysteine

When you have MTHFR gene mutations you lack the enzymes responsible for the conversion of folate that you eat into the active form 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate. However, this important reaction is then directly involved in the utilization of vitamin B12. Which is vitally important in the processing of homocysteine. So, if your vitamin B12 is not working properly because your folate metabolism isn’t working properly this causes homocysteine imbalances which are considered a serious health problem for anyone, especially for those with MTHFR gene mutations. If you are positive for MTHFR a good homocysteine reading should be between 7 – 8 µmol/L and vitamin serum B12 levels should be above 500 – 800. If this is not the case you should seek a MTHFR treatment.
Which B12 vitamin is best for MTHFR

Most people are aware of the benefits of having B vitamins in terms of taking nutritional supplements. More often than not people who take vitamin B complex supplements may be doing themselves more harm than good. When it comes to the MTHFR condition. Most B complex supplements have two problems that dramatically affect those with MTHFR gene mutations these include:

Folic acid
Vitamin B12 as cyanocobalamin

Folic acid is a synthetic “man-made” form of folate. Which interferes with the absorption of real folate in those with MTHFR. This makes life much harder for those with the gene defect increasing the deficiency of the already reduced ability to absorb and use folate.

The “cyanocobalamin” version of B12 is made from cyanide which over time may have toxic effects, this form of B12 is not ideal and for those with MTHFR gene mutations, it can more often than not be harder for their body to use vs other forms of B12. This synthetic “man-made” form of vitamin B12 has low biological activity. This means that it has to be converted in the liver to become a more active form so it can be used. Those with existing gene mutations may have more trouble breaking down the cyanocobalamin version of B12 which is not ideal.
The best type of B12 vitamin for MTHFR is very much dependent on the following:

Which type of MTHFR gene mutation you are diagnosed with
The symptoms you experience with MTHFR
Your family history of the disease
Your homocysteine balance
If you are a smoker or have smoked in the past
Your blood pressure
Your diet
Mental status

It’s best to consult your MTHFR practitioner about which form of B12 is best for your condition. Here are some of the forms of vitamin B12 used in cases of MTHFR gene mutations:

Methylcobalamin (an active form of B12)
Hydroxycobalamin (a nitric oxide scavenger)
Adenosylcobalamin (energy production)

Depending on the type of gene you have been diagnosed with will depend on which B12 vitamin is right for you. In some instances taking the wrong one can cause unwanted symptoms. This is because there are often other mutations involved such as COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase) that don’t respond well to certain B12 supplements.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and methyl trapping

People with MTHFR gene mutations often have hidden B12 deficiencies which cause the active form of folate 5-methyl THF or 5-methyltetrahydrofolate to become trapped, this is known as the methyl-folate trap, when this happens, taking the MTHFR recommended supplements can cause serious harm and should be avoided until the underlying reasons for the B12 deficiency can be addressed and the right type of B12 can be prescribed.
MTHFR & Vitamin B12

As you can see there are many reasons to consider B12 vitamins in the proper treatment of MTHFR conditions, this vital nutrient can make a big difference to the outcome of a person’s overall health but it is important to get it right. Vitamin B12 is not the only consideration but it does play a big role in how you respond to MTHFR treatments. Because vitamin B12 works with almost every other vitamin and mineral directly and indirectly getting it working for you is vital in the proper treatment of MTHFR.

MTHFR is an abbreviation for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, which is an enzyme that helps the body process folate (vitamin B9). Some people have genetic variations that affect the MTHFR enzyme’s function, which can lead to a deficiency in folate and other important nutrients.
If you have MTHFR gene variants, it is recommended to take supplements that help alleviate symptoms that go along with having MTHFR gene variants. According to, nutrients that are necessary for proper MTHFR functioning are:

• Betaine as trimethylglycine
• Folate
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B6
• Organ meats (as supplements because of their high nutrient content)
• Magnesium
• Choline

It is important to note that not all over-the-counter vitamins are suitable for people with MTHFR gene variants. Some vitamins contain synthetic vitamins, such as folic acid, which can be harmful to people with MTHFR gene variants. Therefore, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any over-the-counter vitamins or supplements.

getting checked is a simple blood test