nosh magazine
FOLATE FOLLIES:
THE MTHFR GENE
Nutrition expert Kate Gudorf explains the MTHFR
gene and its potential impact on your health.
ver wonder why some people have
brown hair and some blonde? Or
why some people are tall and
others short? Our genes are responsible for
our differences and our genetics determine
more than just the way we look.
E
Genetic variations may also lead to
differences in the way we metabolise, absorb
and utilise food. For example, variations on
a gene, known as the MTHFR gene, can
cause differences among people in the way
they use folate, a B vitamin that plays an
important role in the formation of DNA and
cell division. That’s why the need for folate
increases during pregnancy, a time of greatly
increased cell division and turnover.
Research has shown that people with
specific genetic variations of the MTHFR
gene have lower levels of folate in the blood
and higher levels of homocysteine. In
contrast, high levels of homocysteine can
place someone at a higher risk for several
conditions, like cardiovascular disease,
hypertension and neural tube defects in
pregnancy. Other conditions, which may
be linked to genetic variations on this gene
include irritable bowel syndrome,
depression, anxiety, insomnia,
schizophrenia, bi-polar and migraines.
What do we know about the
MTHFR gene?
About 2 to 16 per cent of the white population
has the genetic variation, making their bodies
less able to use folate.
The good news is that through minor dietary
measures, someone with low MTHFR
enzyme activity can increase their blood
folate levels and reduce plasma homocysteine
levels. People with low enzyme activity
should aim to meet the RDI for folate each
day, or 400 micrograms per day.
A dietitian is critical in helping people with
low MTHFR enzyme activity plan a diet
that includes enough dietary folate. A
dietitian may also be able to direct
individuals to the right type of folic acid
supplement, which may be necessary for
some people to meet their body’s needs for
folate.
Who may benefit from
MTHFR genetic testing:
• women looking to conceive or are
pregnant
• people with heart disease or a family
history of cardiovascular disease or
blood vessel disease
• people with anaemia
• people with high homocysteine levels
• people with coeliac, liver disease,
Crohn’s disease or cystic fibrosis
• people at risk of poor nutrition.
If you suspect that you may have low
MTHFR enzyme activity, book in for an
appointment with a dietitian who can test for
low MTHFR enzyme activity. They can then
plan a diet based on the results of these tests,
which is important as early intervention may
help to prevent lifelong illness. N
References
1. Am J Clin Nutr-2001-Vollset-499-500.
2. J Nutr. 2003 ;133 :1272-1280.
3. J. Clin. Invest. Volume 98, Number 9,
November 1996, 2174–2183.
4. Department of Health and Aging and
National Health and Medical Research Council,
Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and
New Zealand, 9 September 2005.
5. J. Clin. Invest. 1996. 98:2174–2183.
6. Department of Health and Aging and
National Health and Medical Research Council,
Nutrient Reference Values for Australia and
New Zealand, 9 September 2005.
KATE GUDORF, APD
Learn more at: website | profile
Kate is passionate about good food and health and she works with individuals as well as
large and small groups. Kate also conducts group nutrition seminars and cooking
demonstrations as well as writing about food and nutrition topics.
www.n4foodandhealth.com
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