The MTHFR gene is a gene that provides instructions to the body to produce an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). This enzyme plays a crucial role in a process called methylation, which is important for various bodily functions including DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, and detoxification.
The MTHFR enzyme breaks down homocysteine and folate in the body. The MTHFR gene that codes the MTHFR enzyme may undergo a mutation; as a result, this mutation incites the MTHFR enzyme to function abnormally or become deactivated. The MTHFR enzyme helps regulate detoxification and the immune system, and also repairs cells.
MTHFR gene mutations are variations in the DNA sequence of the MTHFR gene that can affect the activity of the MTHFR enzyme. A considerable percentage of the world’s population has at least one variant of this gene. The most common MTHFR mutation is called C677T, and it can cause a decrease in MTHFR enzyme activity by up to 70%. This decrease in enzyme activity can lead to a buildup of a substance called homocysteine in the blood, which is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, and other health problems.
Though further research is underway on the MTHFR gene, it’s been suggested that those with this gene mutation resulting in hyperhomocysteinemia may experience issues with:
- Inflammation
- Memory
- Immunity
- Migraines
- Depression
- Cognition
- Sleep
By restoring some of the common vitamin/nutrient deficiencies seen in this condition, homocysteine levels may begin to decrease, resulting in an improvement in some of these symptoms.
Functional Support at Nervana Medical
If you have been diagnosed with an MTHFR gene mutation, it is important to work with your healthcare provider to develop a personalized treatment plan. This may include taking supplements such as folate and vitamin B12, which can help lower homocysteine levels and support methylation.
In addition to nutraceuticals, Nervana Medical offers:
- Premium injections designed specifically for methylation support
- IV therapy tailored for improved homocysteine balance and nutrient absorption
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet and regular exercise—is also important for long-term wellbeing.
What the MTHFR Gene Affects
Many people don’t know they have an MTHFR mutation because testing is not routinely performed. In our blogs at Nervana Medical, we describe the MTHFR gene as an enzyme that converts dietary folate into its active form—5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF).
This gene plays a critical role in:
- Converting folate into usable forms
- Supporting methylation
- Transforming homocysteine into methionine
- Producing glutathione, a vital antioxidant
When this function is impaired, detoxification becomes more difficult, and nutrient absorption suffers.
BUILDING A LIFESTYLE AROUND THE MTHFR GENE
Because people with MTHFR mutations have trouble processing folic acid or even regular folate, it’s critical to develop a lifestyle that supports methylation and reduces toxic burden.
Here are 10 practical steps to support your body with an MTHFR mutation:
1. Focus on Gut Health
Fermented foods and bone broth can support absorption. Avoid vegetable oils, refined sugars, processed grains, and antibacterial soaps.
2. Avoid Environmental Toxins
Limit exposure to plastic, synthetic candles, harsh cleaning products, and chemicals in cosmetics. Filter both drinking and shower water.
3. Avoid Folic Acid
People with MTHFR mutations should never take folic acid. Choose L-MTHF (the methylated form of folate) and methyl-B12 for better absorption and safety.
4. Eat Leafy Greens
Spinach, kale, bok choy, and Swiss chard offer natural methylated folate. Add a small portion to meals.
5. Ditch Processed Foods
Avoid synthetic additives and opt for whole foods like grass-fed meats, organic eggs, and unprocessed fats.
6. Minimize Heavy Metals
Remove mercury fillings with a biological dentist. Avoid aluminum in deodorants and cookware. Consider liposomal glutathione for support.
7. Get Folate from Natural Sources
Top folate foods per 100g include:
- Lentils/Beans (~50% RDI)
- Raw Spinach (49%)
- Asparagus (37%)
- Romaine Lettuce (34%)
- Broccoli (27%)
- Avocado (20%)
- Oranges/Mangoes (~10%)
8. Monitor Homocysteine
High homocysteine levels are linked to stroke, mood disorders, PCOS, and pregnancy complications. Work with your provider to manage your levels.
9. Practice Regular Detox
Infrared sauna, Epsom salt baths, and sweating through exercise can help support a sluggish detox pathway.
10. Supplement Wisely
Consider these nutrients to support methylation:
- Methyl-B12 and methyl-folate
- TMG, NAC, riboflavin
- Curcumin, fish oil, Vitamins C, D, E
- Probiotics
Note: Those with double homozygous MTHFR mutations should use low doses and avoid niacin (B3), which can slow methylation.
Recommended Supplements at Nervana Medical
Methyl B12
- 5,000 mcg of methylcobalamin + 1,000 mcg of folate (Quatrefolic)
- Supports red blood cell production, metabolism, cognition, and nerve health
Homocysteine (Methyl CPG)
- High-potency folate, B12, B6, B2, and TMG to support detox, DNA repair, and neurotransmitter balance
NAC (N-Acetylcysteine)
- Precursor to glutathione
- Reduces homocysteine 12–45%
- Supports cardiovascular and kidney health
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- Doses from 200–6,000 mg/day
- Average homocysteine reduction of 1.2–4.0 µmol/L
- May offer added benefit with folate + B-complex vitamins
TAKEAWAY
Living with an MTHFR mutation isn’t as hard as it sounds—it just requires consistency and awareness. With the right nutritional support, detox habits, and routine checkups, many people with MTHFR mutations enjoy long-term wellness.
At Nervana Medical, we can help guide your care with targeted supplements, IV support, and lab monitoring to help you feel your best—naturally. Contact us at hello@nervanamedical.com or (801) 335-5243 today.
Methyl B12
- Each tablet provides 5,000 mcg of methylcobalamin and 1,000 mcg of folate as Quatrefolic
- Synergistic blend of methyl-donating B vitamins quickly boosts tissue and brain levels to support numerous systems in the body like increasing metabolic energy, red blood cell production, mood regulation, nerve cell transmission, and cognitive function
Homocysteine (Methyl CPG)
- Provides high concentration folate along with trimethyl glycine and key methylation vitamins B2, B6, B12 to promote DNA repair, homocysteine balance, neurotransmitter production, hormone balance, and healthy detox
- Folate (active form) donates its methyl donor to vitamin B12 (cobalamin), forming methyl cobalamin. This helps convert the amino acid metabolite homocysteine into amino acid methionine, consistently helping recycle homocysteine
Folic acid and vitamin B12 (Methyl CPG + Methyl B12)
- 0.2-0.8 mg as folic acid or 5-methylfolate (5-MTHF) per day, minimum 12 weeks for greatest benefit and maintenance for up to ~5 years, with optional 0.4-1.0 mg vitamin B12 for improved efficacy in patients with elevated homocysteine (3)(5)(6)(7)(10)(12)(15)(16)(21)(23)(34)(37)(38)
- Folic acid provided primary effect on homocysteine reductions ranging between ~13-30% (3)(4)(5)(6)(7)(10)(12)(15)(16)(21)(22)(23)(26)(32)(34)(40)
- Proportions of reductions in homocysteine were highly dependent on greater baseline homocysteine and lower baseline folate levels (5)(15)(16)(29)(37)
- Higher folic acid doses ranging between 5-60 mg per day were safely used, but did not reduce homocysteine further than ingestion of 0.8 mg (16)(22)(29)(32)(40)
- Most human evidence did not support greater folate bioavailability or efficacy in reducing homocysteine by 5-MTHF over folic acid, but it may provide extended retention of benefit upon discontinuation in patients with poor methylation capacity (2)
- Vitamin B12 produced additional ~7% reduction in homocysteine (4)(5)(15)(16)(21)
- Individual trials showed benefit of adding vitamin B6 for further reductions in homocysteine, however this was not supported in meta-analyses (3)(5)(15)(16)(23)(34)
- Males may have required higher folic acid dose ranges than women (6)
NAC (Acetylcysteine)
- Precursor to Glutathione, the master antioxidant in the body.N-acetylcysteine (NAC) 600 mg, 2-3 times per day, for 2-8 weeks (14)(24)(36)(41)
- Reduced total homocysteine by 12-45% in healthy patients or patients at increased risk for CVD (9)(14)(24)(36)(39)
- Oral formulations reduced total homocysteine in patients with end-stage renal disease by 21-25%, while intravenous formulations further reduce homocysteine during hemodialysis by ~90% (24)(27)(31)
- Reduced SBP (~7.1 mmHg) and DBP (~3.3 mmHg) in hyperlipidemic men and SBP (~3.2 mmHg) in normolipidemic men; each 10% reduction in homocysteine is associated with 1.45-2.55 reduction in pulse pressure mmHg in patients undergoing hemodialysis (14)(27)(31)
- Increased urinary excretion of homocysteine in its sulfonated form (36)
Omega-3 fatty acids
- 200-6,000 mg (~98-2,000 mg EPA/490-1,000 mg DHA) per day, for 1-12 months in patients with hyperhomocysteinemia or elevated homocysteine within normal ranges (8)(11)(13)(17)(18)(19)(25)(30)(42)(43)
- Reduced homocysteine by 1.18-1.58 μmol/L on average using wide dose ranges, as shown in meta-analyses (8)(18)
- Reduced homocysteine by ~2.5-4.0 μmol/L in patients with type II diabetes, patients on hemodialysis, or healthy adults using mid-range doses of 2,000-3,600 mg per day for 1-3 months and up to one year (11)(17)(25)(30)(42)(43)
- Reduced homocysteine by ~1.6 μmol/L over 12 months in patients younger than 65 years, previously suffering from myocardial infarction (13)
- Adjunct therapy with folic acid, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 improved efficacy (8)(17)
- Adjunct aerobic exercise and cognitive stimulation may be required for benefit in some populations, including older adults with mild cognitive impairment (19)