MTHFR | Diet vs Disease

MTHFR Mutation Guide For Non-Sciencey Types! Symptoms and Diet Explained

Joe Leech, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition & Dietetics) — Fri, 01 Dec 2017 09:34:18 +0000

All humans have the same set of genes. Our differences come from the tiny variations in those genes. Those variations influence not only in how you look or behave different to others… But in how your body reacts differently to external factors. Especially how it reacts to the foods you eat and lifestyle you live. For example, some have great difficulty metabolising caffeine. For others, it could be alcohol (1, 2). Some have issues that increases their risk of Alzheimer’s disease, known as APOE4. This is because we all have certain genetic variations or “defects” that can influence how we metabolize and use certain nutrients. One of the more common and potentially problematic variations is known as an MTHFR mutation. This gene variation can impact how well your body metabolizes folate and folic acid. Both are forms of vitamin B9,[Discover More...]

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MTHFR, Folic Acid and Folate: Should I Eat It?

Joe Leech, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition & Dietetics) — Tue, 25 Oct 2016 06:16:42 +0000

MTHFR mutations are well-known genetic variations that can impact folate metabolism. But there is a lot of confusion whether we should eat more or less folate. This short article explains it in human terms. Folate vs Folic Acid It’s fundamental to differentiate between folate and folic acid to understand the concept. Firstly, both are similar types of vitamin B9 that we eat. Folate refers to a family of different compounds that occur naturally in foods like leafy greens and legumes. This includes (1): The name folate even comes from the latin term “folium”, or what we call “foliage”. Folic acid is one of the folate compounds and can be found naturally in foods too, in small amounts. However, a “synthetic” version (it’s identical to natural folic acid) is also used in dietary supplements and added to foods, such as wheat flour. High doses of folic acid are typically used to treat folate deficiency and other conditions, such as[Discover More...]

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APOE4, Diet and Alzheimer’s Disease: Explained in Human Terms

Christine Sexton (MPH, RD) — Sat, 01 Oct 2016 00:49:50 +0000

The number of Americans with Alzheimer’s disease will reach a staggering 14 million by 2050 (1). Certain factors contribute to risk, including lifestyle, diet and genetics… In particular a genetic variant known as APOE4. This article attempts to explain the link between diet, the APOE4 gene and Alzheimer’s in plain English. What is APOE and the APOE4 Gene? Scientists have found several genes that increase the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (a form of dementia). One of those is the APOE gene, which tells the body how to make a protein called apolipoprotein E (APOE). The terminology is confusing as the gene and protein have the same name. Click to enlarge. Image source. The APOE protein carries cholesterol and other fats through the blood. If we eat a high-fat diet, our bodies make more APOE. APOE is also found in the brain. It’s[Discover More...]

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MTHFR C677T and A1298C: Explained In Plain English

Joe Leech, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition & Dietetics) — Sun, 06 Mar 2016 14:56:26 +0000

All humans have certain genetic variations or “mutations” that can influence our health. One of the more well-studied variations is known as an MTHFR mutation; more specifically MTHFR C677T and A1298C. Unfortunately, not only is the concept of genetics difficult, but the terminology makes it even more confusing. This article attempts to clarify what an MTHFR C677T and A1298C mutation is, in a way you can understand. What is MTHFR? MTHFR is a critical enzyme in the body. It’s required for a metabolic process that repairs DNA, switches genes on and off, and numerous other important functions (1). MTHFR is also essential to convert folate and folic acid – each a form of Vitamin B9 – into the biologically active form called L-methylfolate (or 5-MTHF). Not to be confused with the enzyme, the MTHFR gene provides the instructions for making that MTHFR enzyme. In other words, it “triggers” production of[Discover More...]

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L-Methylfolate (5-MTHF): Your Must-Read Beginner’s Guide

Joe Leech, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition & Dietetics) — Thu, 25 Feb 2016 09:36:15 +0000

Folate and folic acid are nutrients required for many critical functions in the body. Unfortunately, many who have a genetic MTHFR mutation are unable to utilise these nutrients properly. L-Methylfolate (5-MTHF) has emerged as a popular alternative, and has been used as a complementary medicine in several recent clinical trials. This article covers what you need to know about it, but explained in human terms. What is L-Methylfolate (5-MTHF)? L-methylfolate is the biologically active form of vitamin B9. That means it is the form the human body can actually use in circulation. It goes by several other common names including: The letters or numbers before the name refers to the 3D chemical structure of that compound. In this case all you need to know is that L- and 6(S)- indicates biologically active L-Methylfolate (helpful). D- and 6(R)- indicate non-biologically active L-Methylfolate (not helpful). Some products may only[Discover More...]

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