Functional Medicine

MTHFR Gene Variants — Understanding and Managing Your Methylation

MTHFR gene variants affect your body's ability to methylate — a critical process involved in detoxification, neurotransmitter production, DNA repair, and cardiovascular health. Understanding your MTHFR status can unlock answers to many chronic health challenges.

Patients must be physically located in North Carolina at the time of service.

What Is MTHFR?

MTHFR (methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase) is an enzyme that plays a critical role in converting folate into its active form (5-MTHF), which is essential for methylation. Variants in the MTHFR gene — particularly C677T and A1298C — reduce this enzyme's efficiency, impairing methylation and raising homocysteine levels. These variants are extremely common, affecting an estimated 40-60% of the population to varying degrees.

Why MTHFR Matters

Impaired methylation affects dozens of critical processes in the body — neurotransmitter synthesis, detoxification, DNA repair, immune function, and cardiovascular health. Elevated homocysteine (a consequence of impaired methylation) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and cognitive decline. MTHFR variants have also been linked to depression, anxiety, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, recurrent miscarriage, and chronic fatigue.

Our Approach to MTHFR Management

We test for MTHFR variants and assess your methylation status through comprehensive lab work including homocysteine, B12, folate, and related markers. We then build a customized protocol using methylated B vitamins and other targeted nutrients to support optimal methylation. This is not a one-size-fits-all approach — the right protocol depends on your specific variants and overall health picture.

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