Bedwetting and MTHFR: What It Means, and How to Address It

TL;DR Bedwetting is normal in young kids, but if it continues longer than expected, there may be underlying causes. Factors like slow nervous system development, food sensitivities, stress, and even nutrient deficiencies—especially low B12 and folate—can play a role. That’s because these nutrients help the nervous system mature, including the nerves that control the bladder. If your child struggles with bedwetting, consider their diet, stress levels, and possible genetic factors like MTHFR. Simple changes like reducing fluids before bed, avoiding caffeine, and checking nutrient levels may help. If the issue continues, a health professional can guide you toward the best solution.

What Are the Potential Causes of Bedwetting?

Here’s a look at some of the common contributing factors behind bedwetting:

• Slower central nervous system development1
• Food allergies (e.g., gluten or dairy)
• Kidney or bladder infections
• Unstable blood sugar levels2
• Drinking excessive fluids before bed
• High histamine levels and histamine intolerance (which can increase urgency and volume)3
• Fear of the dark4
• Stress or an overtaxed sympathetic nervous system (frequent eye blinking can be a subtle sign)5
• Side effects from medication6
• Caffeine consumption (found in sodas, hot chocolate, and energy drinks—avoid giving these to children)7

Some simple strategies to address these potential causes include:

• Reducing fluid intake before bed
• Avoiding caffeine
• Encouraging a bathroom trip right before lights out

Other helpful tools include using a blue low-light nightlight to avoid disrupting melatonin production and limiting screen use before bedtime. For many children, these simple adjustments can make a significant difference.

But what if these solutions don’t solve the problem?

What’s the Research Behind Bedwetting?

There’s an interesting link between bedwetting and nutrient deficiencies—specifically, vitamins B12 and folate. Children who struggle with bedwetting often have lower levels of these nutrients compared to their peers.

For example, a 2012 study found that children with nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting) had significantly lower B12 and folate levels than children in the control group.8 A follow-up study in 2015 confirmed similar findings, with low folate levels again reaching statistical significance.9

Why does this matter?

B12 and folate are critical for central nervous system development and methylation.^† If a child is deficient in one or both, their nervous system development may be delayed—including the nerves that control the bladder. This delay increases the likelihood of bedwetting.

How Do You Support Your Child’s Nervous System?

If low B12 or folate might be contributing to bedwetting, how can you support your child’s nervous system?

First, consider whether any of these common factors might be limiting nutrient intake:

• A diet low in protein (found in foods like eggs, shrimp, and meat)
• A vegetarian or vegan diet
• Low consumption of vegetables and healthy carbohydrates
• High intake of refined carbohydrates (which lack critical nutrients)
• Chronic stress (which depletes nutrients more quickly)
• Gastrointestinal issues that impair nutrient absorption
• Genetic factors, such as MTHFR gene polymorphisms

Next, talk to a health professional about testing nutrient levels. This may include checking B12, folate, homocysteine, or other markers to gain insight into your child’s methylation capabilities. Functional medicine labs can also assess genetic polymorphisms and how they may interact with diet and lifestyle factors.

What Nutrients and Supplements Should You Consider?

While diet should always be the foundation, supplements can sometimes help address deficiencies more effectively. Here are key nutrients that support methylation and nervous system development^†:

• Folate: Look for methylfolate, which is more bioavailable for individuals with MTHFR polymorphisms.^†
• Vitamin B12: Methylcobalamin is often recommended to support methylation processes.10^†
• Vitamin B6 and B2: Both are co-factors that enhance the activity of the MTHFR enzyme10^†
• Zinc: Vital for numerous enzymatic reactions in the body.11^†
• Choline, Glycine, and Methionine: These amino acids (abundant in protein-rich foods) are essential for methylation and nervous system support.12^†

Before starting any supplementation, consult a health professional to determine what’s appropriate.

Why Do Genetics Matter?

Bedwetting often runs in families, suggesting a genetic component. Polymorphisms in genes like MTHFR, PEMT, TCN2, or FUT2 could increase susceptibility to nutrient deficiencies and nervous system delays. If appropriate, testing for these genetic variants may provide additional clues into potential root causes.

Practical Questions to Ask

If your child experiences persistent bedwetting, consider discussing these questions with your healthcare provider:

• Did your child exhibit bedwetting at a younger age as well? If so, when did it begin?
• How old is your child now? Has the frequency or severity of bedwetting changed with age?
• Are there any dietary limitations or signs of stress that could be impacting nutrient levels?

What Are Some Steps You Can Take Toward Resolution?

Bedwetting can be frustrating for both parents and children, but it’s often a solvable challenge. Many families see significant improvement by addressing possible nutrient deficiencies, optimizing diet, and supporting central nervous system development.

If these steps still don’t resolve the issue, remember to reach out to a health professional. Their guidance, supplemented by the insights provided by research, can lead to a plan tailored to your child’s needs.

Have you successfully addressed bedwetting in your family? Share your experience with others in a similar situation—it could make a difference for them while they navigate this challenge.

The Bottom Line

Bedwetting can be frustrating, but it’s often a sign that your child’s body just needs a little extra support. Whether it’s addressing nutrient deficiencies, reducing stress, or making simple bedtime adjustments, small changes can lead to big improvements. If bedwetting persists, working with a health professional can help uncover underlying factors like MTHFR variations or other genetic traits.

Every child is different, and with the right approach, you can support their nervous system and overall well-being—helping them wake up dry and confident!