Thinking About Getting a MTHFR Genetic Test?
Let’s help you make an educated decision whether this test is the right choice for you.
What is Getting Tested?
When you get a genetic test for MTHFR, they are looking for known specific genetic variations in this gene. These genetic variations are commonly known as single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). SNPs may reduce the function of the MTHFR gene.
The commonly tested MTHFR SNPs are:
| Variant | rsID | Variant Allele | Typical Allele |
|---|---|---|---|
| MTHFR C677T | rs11801133 | A | G |
| MTHFR A1298C | rs1801131 | C | A |
Dr. Ben Lynch calls these genetic variations "Born Dirty Genes."
What is MTHFR?
The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme that transforms folate (vitamin B9) from your diet into methylfolate1.
Methylfolate supports methylation, a process that is involved with turning genes on and off, affecting many functions in your body2.
Some variants in this gene have been associated with health problems like heart disease and birth defects3, 4, 5.
However, just because someone has an MTHFR variant doesn't mean they'll have health issues.
In fact, lots of people born with a dirty MTHFR gene live healthy, normal lives without experiencing any related problems.
How? It all depends on your lifestyle.
Benefits of Knowing Your MTHFR Status
You Know
You’re reading this article because you’re wondering if you have an MTHFR genetic variation or not. The only way to know is to get a genetic test that tests for the MTHFR genetic variations.
Medication Risks
Certain medications should not be used in individuals with the MTHFR genetic variation. If they do get these medications, then they are at a much higher risk of significant side effects or possibly death.
Showing your doctor that you have the MTHFR genetic variation gives weight when you say you don’t want a certain medication.
Some medications, not a complete list, that should not be used with those having a MTHFR genetic variation:
- Generally speaking, any medication that lowers folate or B12 should be used very cautiously or avoided
- Methotrexate
- Nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- Proton pump inhibitors
- Metformin
- Birth control pills
Chronic Disease Risk
Knowing your MTHFR status provides insights into how your body responds to various factors like exercise, fasting, medications, supplements, and lifestyle choices.
This guides healthcare providers in choosing the best strategies for you.
Learn How Your Body Works
Once you learn which MTHFR SNPs you have, you find yourself researching like crazy what to do about it. What do you eat? What do you avoid?
This puts you into a proactive mindset where you push yourself to learn more about how your own body works. This is a very valuable asset given that many health professionals are just too busy to teach you anything.
Is It Worth the Cost?
For many, yes, testing for MTHFR SNPs is worthwhile. However, some may feel frustrated if they receive misinformation on managing their MTHFR variations.
MTHFR Testing Is for You If:
- You want to make informed health decisions.
- You have a family history of MTHFR variations or related health issues, like high homocysteine levels, cardiovascular disease, cancer, infertility, or birth defects
- You’ve been experiencing chronic health problems and nothing seems to be working.
- You are comfortable with the cost associated with the test
- You understand knowing your MTHFR status does not provide all the answers about why you may, or may not be, sick.
- Your healthcare provider suggested that you should do it.
- You’d love to know your genetics because you are fascinated by this subject
- You have the desire and the time to learn about MTHFR from reputable sources.
MTHFR Testing Is Not for You If:
- You are just looking for a "quick fix" to your health problems without addressing other lifestyle factors, such as your diet, how active you are, and your stress levels. This is where most frustrations come. You get tested, find out you have a MTHFR variation and buy a methylfolate supplement. This supplement ends up making you feel worse - not better - because you’re not using it properly.
- You are not comfortable with knowing your MTHFR gene status and how it may impact your mental well-being.
- It's too expensive for you right now, and there are more important things you need to spend your money on.
- You don’t have good resources, or the time, to teach yourself how to deal with MTHFR variations.
What MTHFR Genetic Test Should You Use?
This is a great question.
If you get a MTHFR genetic test from your doctor, make absolutely sure you know how much it’s going to cost you.
Often your insurance company will NOT cover it and it can end up costing you thousands of dollars needlessly. Get verification in writing. Don’t just ask.
Years ago, Dr. Lynch recommended 23andme. Now he does not. He does not trust what they do with your raw data and privacy.
Dr. Lynch recommends three companies and he’s used all of them. They are listed in order of least expensive to most expensive. They are also listed in terms of fastest to get your results to slowest to get your results.
- Ancestry: you can get this on Amazon and it’s quite inexpensive and fast. This is a large company and who knows how solid they are with your privacy.
- SelfDecode: this company is privately owned and operated. The owner, Joe Cohen, is passionate about educating people about genetic variations. Use code SDDRLYNCH to save 10% on your purchase.want to learn about your genetics.
Alternatives to Genetic Testing
Instead of getting a MTHFR genetic test, your doctor may suggest keeping an eye on elevated homocysteine levels directly. If your homocysteine levels are high, health professionals often recommend improving your diet and taking supplements with vitamins B6, B12, and folate6.
For women who are pregnant, or planning to get pregnant, it's important to take prenatal vitamins with the correct folate forms to help prevent birth defects, whether or not they have an MTHFR variation7.
Where to Start?
Dr. Lynch has been researching, educating health professionals and the public about the MTHFR gene since 2011. He wrote the leading book on MTHFR and other common genetic variations. This book is called Dirty Genes.
Start reading this book before you buy any supplement that supports MTHFR.
Why? You may not need any supplements.
Seeking Health’s MTHFR Support Supplements†
If you have a Born Dirty MTHFR gene, or find out that it actually Got Dirty, you may need to use MTHFR support supplements at times.†
Here are some specific supplements that can help you support the MTHFR gene and maintain your health:†
- Methyl B12 with L-Methylfolate Lozenge: this combines the most active form of folate and most active form of B12 in a small lozenge. This is the most popular MTHFR supplement we have. Start by using ¼ to ½ a lozenge. Kids may use it and so can those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Glutathione Plus Lozenge: having the MTHFR variation increases the risk of elevated homocysteine. Supporting healthy glutathione levels supports healthy homocysteine levels.†
- Homocysteine Nutrients: provides the 5 nutrients your body requires for optimal methylation. This unique formula supports the body’s normal homocysteine breakdown for heart health support. Important note: This supplement should only be taken if your homocysteine levels are 8 umol/L or higher.
The Bottom Line
The decision to get tested for MTHFR variations is a personal one that should be made after careful consideration of all the above factors.
While the test can provide valuable information about potential risks and treatment options, it should not be viewed as a definitive solution for all health concerns.
To keep your body healthy, the most important things are to eat well, exercise regularly, and live in a clean environment. These actions can help with any problems that might be connected to Dirty Genes.
And remember, it's always best to talk to a healthcare professional for advice that fits your specific health needs.
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK6561/
- https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)31268-6/abstract
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7463445/#sec5-brainsci-10-00476
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352906723001240
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1287901/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4425139/
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26662928/