MTHFR
Why aren’t people being tested for MTHFR gene mutations at birth?
MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. Try saying that 3 times fast. It’s a gene that’s important for vital processes including the conversion of homocysteine to methionine, glutathione production, and other things that likely mean nothing to you unless you’re a biochemistry major. So why should you care whether or not you have an MTHFR gene mutation? Because having the gene mutation puts you at risk for a whole host of diseases including but not limited to: cardiovascular disease, blood clots, pregnancy issues, mental disorders, neurological disorders, dementia and autism.
Let’s talk about those last two diseases. People with the MTHFR gene mutation have issues with their methylation cycle which means that their bodies can’t detox like a normal persons. Toxins have been a theory for the cause of dementia as well as autism for quite some time now. Specifically, heavy metals such as aluminum are thought to be a possible cause for dementia and the toxins commonly found in vaccines are believed by many to be a cause for autism. It would make sense that someone who cannot properly chelate heavy metals and rid them from their body once exposed could develop dementia late in life after years of toxic buildup. As for autism, why do some children receive vaccines with no issues and others show signs of autism shortly after? I believe the answer could be related to an MTHFR gene mutation. The levels of toxins a baby is exposed to through vaccines is probably dangerous regardless, add in an inability to rid the body (a very small body mind you) of those toxins and it makes a lot of sense.
I have experienced first hand my body’s inability to detox due to MTHFR. After becoming very ill last summer after getting some bug bites a friend suggested that I might have Lyme Disease. Each time I was put on an antibiotic such as doxycycline that kills Lyme Disease, I was almost immediately bedridden and experienced severe debilitating symptoms and panic attacks. It is known that when Lyme bacteria is killed it releases toxins into your body making you feel more sick. This is known as a Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction. I experienced severe ‘Herxes’ and couldn’t make it past 10 days of treatment without fear that I might die. Then a doctor told me about MTHFR. Sure enough, I was homozygous for the gene defect which means that both genes are affected and my methylation cycle was functioning at around 15% (people who are heterozygous have only one affected gene and their percentage is slightly higher). Soon I found out I also had coinfections such as Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and Erlichiosis. All are treated with tetracycline antibiotics. Three raging infections being targeted at once with doxycycline plus being homozygous for MTHFR explained my crazy ‘Herxes’. Sure enough, after a few months of treatment with the right types of B vitamins, I am able to take antibiotics with a very minimal Herxheimer reaction. The specific supplements are the methyl forms of vitamins B12, B6, and methylfolate. These are different than the B vitamins commonly sold or the ones found in most fortified foods; however, they are easy to find online.
There has been debate about MTHFR gene mutations being responsible for miscarriages. Women are sometimes tested for the gene mutation after having several miscarriages. MTHFR has also been linked to an increase in blood clot risk and therefore many doctors will not allow you to take estrogen birth control if you have it. Why then, are we waiting until a woman has suffered multiple miscarriages or has developed deep vein thrombosis to even think about testing for MTHFR? Since the majority of young women use birth control today shouldn’t they have the right to know about these risks before starting birth control or on the flip side, choosing to become pregnant? If having the gene mutation puts people at risk for so many diseases isn’t being diagnosed with these diseases and then testing for the mutation (if it’s tested for at all) totally backwards? To me it seems like too little, too late. This is why I believe people should be tested for MTHFR gene mutations at birth. It should be as routine as any other test. I believe many lives could be improved and disease could be prevented if knowing whether or not you have an MTHFR gene mutation was as common as knowing your blood type. This is an example of just one of the major flaws that I see in healthcare today in the United States.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional or expert. The information posted is my personal opinion and is not intended to be used to diagnose or treat any illness.
