MTHFR Gene Mutation & Its Impact On Your Fertility

Put simply, any change in the natural state of our genes is called a gene mutation. The MTHFR gene is responsible for helping your body process folate (a B vitamin). Experts consider folate crucial to correct baby development while you’re pregnant.

When there is a defect with the MTHFR gene (or a gene mutation), your body is not able to process folate. This can lead to underdevelopment of the baby’s spinal column and may cause neural tube defects – along with increased risk of conditions such as Down Syndrome and Autism.

About 25% women carry MTHFR gene mutation and if it is not addressed soon enough, it could create imposing health and pregnancy challenges. Let’s take a closer look.    

2 Ways MTHFR Gene Mutation Can Affect You & How To Counter It

There are 2 types of MTHFR gene mutations, each with its distinct health and pregnancy complications:

1. C677T Mutation has been known to cause miscarriages, unexpected abortions, blood clots and infertility.

What to do: Carrying C677T Mutation puts you at a higher risk of blood clots and spontaneous miscarriages. Your doctor will likely advise you to take a folate supplement for life to manage the risk factors.   

2 A1298 C Mutation can lead to fibromyalgia (a condition that causes pain all over the body and raises your sensitivity to pain in general). This mutation has also been linked with Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and migraines.

What to do: The A1298 C mutation is the milder of the two types and requires you to take a folate supplement while trying to conceive and during pregnancy.                 

Other ways to manage MTHFR Gene Mutation

Small yet consistent lifestyle changes can help blunt the effects of MTHFR Gene Mutation and improve your chances of a healthier, stress-free pregnancy. You should see a marked improvement with the following hacks:

• Stay Away From Processed Foods: Most processed foods are loaded with added synthetic folic acid, which your body will find almost impossible to process   

• Get An Extra Portion Or Two Of Leafy Greens: Try to add spinach, kale, swiss chard or arugula to your daily meals. They are packed with natural methylated forms of folate, which your body can process more easily.

• Stay active: Exercise 4-5 times a week and if you can, complement this with regular sauna sessions and epsom salt baths – the constant activity keeps your body’s detoxification process in overdrive thereby strengthening your body’s natural elimination pathways.

• Supplementation: In addition to the above tips, incorporating a natural supplement can help you manage MTHFR Gene Mutation. MethyFolate BALANCE by Vitagenis is an excellent choice to add as it is concentrated levels of methylated B vitamins.