For those who don't know about MTHFR genetic defects, by coincidence, got this in an email today:
Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) is an important enzyme in the methylation cycle, which limits how quickly and efficiently methylation can happen in the body.
Methylation is a critical process in the body that involves transferring a methyl group to a molecule in our bodies, like our DNA, to turn our genes on or off.
Those with MTHFR may show normal levels of folate on their lab tests, but these labs are actually looking at folic acid levels, NOT folate. Folic acid is not the usable form of folate preferred by our bodies. Whether or not you have MTHFR, it is so important that you are getting the right form of folate in your diet and supplements (i.e. L-methylfolate). It's also important to avoid folic acid which can block the body's folate receptors and not activate them properly.*
Dr Ben Lynch was one of the doctors at the forefront of learning how this defect effects out health, to sum it up:
In a nutshell, the implication of the MTHFR gene variation is poor methylation. MTHFR can also show up as high homocysteine levels and/or excessive blood clotting, and can put you at greater risk for heavy metal toxicity
