MTHFR Mutation: Start Here to Learn

Have one or two copies of the MTHFR mutation?

Don’t know what to do?

Looking for what people call ‘MTHFR treatment’?

After working with 1000’s of individuals with this defect, I’ve developed a ‘MTHFR treatment’ which may help a significant number of people.

It’s not really a ‘MTHFR mutation treatment’ – it’s a way of life.

A treatment denotes something is wrong.

You’re not broken. You’re different.

UPDATE 6/25/2019:

I cannot believe it has been over 7 years since I wrote this original article on MTHFR mutation treatment.

In that 7 year span, I’ve learned a ton more – not only about the MTHFR mutation but about methylation, detoxification, sulfonation, epigenetics.

I keep on learning.

I just updated this article in depth.

This article is a great place to start. I didn’t hold back.

Do apply what you find here especially if it makes sense and resonates with you.

Should you still be confused, or want more information, the best MTHFR protocol is fully outlined in my book, Dirty Genes. In fact, it’s not just about the MTHFR mutation. It’s way more than that – and it’s a lifestyle guide – not just a book you read once.

It’s a lifetime resource.

Here is your full MTHFR mutation support – via my book, Dirty Genes:

A bit about Dirty Genes:

• Published January 30, 2018
• Over 330 customer reviews with over 90% 5 stars and 1% 1 star
• #4 Bestselling book in entire USA
• Wall Street Bestseller
• Washington Post Bestseller
• USA Today Bestseller
• Amazon Bestseller in multiple categories
• Barnes and Noble Bestseller
• Many local libraries have it (ask yours)
• Translated into 11 languages and counting
• Fully discusses how to address MTHFR plus 7 other ‘Super Seven’ genes: DAO (histamine), PEMT (gallbladder, cell membranes, preconception), MAOA and COMT (depression, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, ADHD, addictions, carb cravings), NOS3 (cardiovascular), GST/GPX (detoxification via glutathione)

Dirty Genes is a fantastic place to start.

Where do you go to learn more about the MTHFR mutation?

Where do you go to get a deeper understanding of the MTHFR mutation treatment?

I constantly hear from folks that they want to see more visuals and be able to understand the deeper science so they can take action themselves. Most of their doctors are hurting them and they’re tired of it.

While a doctor is needed for acute and difficult cases, often times, with the right information and tools, you can help yourself immensely.

The Dirty Genes Course is one of those tools. This online course expands into the science and detail that a book cannot.

Learn alongside me as I guide you through the science, diagrams, case studies, stories, actionable tips, exercises and quizzes.

Access the Dirty Genes Course here:

UPDATE 3/16/2015:
Having written this article years ago now, I must let you know that if ANYONE – with or without MTHFR C677T or A1298C SNPs/variants/polymorphisms/mutations – whatever you want to to call them – should follow the lifestyle, dietary and environmental recommendations.

Regardless of MTHFR mutation or not, the recommendations for diet, lifestyle and environment need to be considered by all!

Now – the supplement recommendations need to be tailored to the individual – again – regardless of which genetic variants you have. Working with a physician trained in this area of medicine is key.

The recommendations of supplements are merely suggestions and ones that I may recommend to a patient or physician. They are not flat out must-haves nor must one take all of them.

—

I want to make it absolutely clear that while the MTHFR mutation may be common across a number of individuals, the outcome of supplementing with various nutrients can vary tremendously due to other genetic defects, dietary and lifestyle choices and environmental exposures.

Some of these recommendations require a full explanation. Due to the nature of this article, it is not possible to do so.

If the recommendation is listed, it is critically important.

Let it be known that the MTHFR mutation information presented below is for your information only and is not intended to treat, diagnose or prescribe in any way.

Use the information at your own risk.

Always seek advice from your healthcare professional.

Here are the common recommendations for supporting those with MTHFR mutations:

1. Limit ingestion of folic acid in fortified foods as you cannot process folic acid well.
2. Limit or cease taking supplements or drugs with folic acid in them. Talk with your doctor before stopping.
3. Avoid folic acid blocking drugs such as birth control or Methotrexate.
4. Avoid drugs which increase homocysteine such as Nitrous Oxide (most used in dentistry)
5. Avoid antacids as they block absorption of vitamin B12 and other nutrients
6. Begin understanding which of your symptoms may be related to the C677T MTHFR mutation.
7. Measure homocysteine levels – properly!
8. Inform your family members so they can also test for the MTHFR mutation
9. Find a doctor who is knowledgeable about MTHFR or is willing to learn
10. If you are pregnant, find an OB/GYN or midwife who is knowledgeable about MTHFR.
11. Eliminate Gluten from your diet – especially wheat.
12. Eliminate or reduce Dairy from your diet. If you must have dairy, use Goat milk.
13. Sauna or sweat (epsom salt baths, sports, yoga) at least once to three times a week. Mention ‘Dr. Lynch’ to save $500
14. Limit intake of processed foods
15. Increase intake of whole foods and home-prepared meals
16. Eat the Rainbow of colors from fruits and vegetables – daily
17. Castor Oil Packs over your abdomen daily during times of pain, soreness, cramps
18. Vegetable/Fruit Juice Diet with Chia Seeds during times of pain, soreness, cramps
19. Limit intake of high methionine-containing foods if homocysteine elevated
20. Filter chlorine from your drinking water, shower and bath.
21. Drink at least two liters of filtered water daily mixed with effective true electrolytes.
22. Eat smaller, but more frequent meals, throughout the day with some form of protein.
23. Limit protein intake to approximately 0.8 grams protein per kilogram of body weight.
24. Remove mercury amalgams and root canals with a trained biological dentist.
25. Avoid cooking, drinking, storing and heating in any type of plastic container.
26. Use an air purifier in your home and office
27. Eliminate carpets from your home and install low VOC wood or tile flooring.
28. Eat grass-fed beef, free range, hormone free and antibiotic meats and eggs
29. Cook with electric stove and oven and remove gas stove and oven.

UPDATE November 25, 2014

PREVENT SIDE EFFECTS caused by methylfolate.

Read this article first before taking anything else, unless recommended by a health professional. “Preventing Methylfolate Side Effects.“

General Nutrient Recommendations for MTHFR mutations:

• Methylfolate
• Methylcobalamin
• Betaine in the form of TMG
• NAC
• Glutathione
• Pyridoxal-5-phosphate (vitamin B6)
• Riboflavin (vitamin B2)
• Curcumin
• Mixed tocopherals (vitamin E)
• Silymarin (Milk Thistle)
• EPA/DHA
• Phosphatidylcholine
• Nattokinase
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D3
• Comprehensive multivitamin/multimineral
• Probiotics

Typical Pharmaceuticals Recommended for the MTHFR Mutation
There are many pharmaceuticals commonly recommended for MTHFR mutations yet they are ill-advised as they contain inferior forms of vitamin B12, little or no vitamin B6 or the incorrect form of folic acid.

It should also be known that all pharmaceutical drugs below contain food coloring, dyes, anti-caking agents or other compounds that should be avoided.

• Deplin 7.5 mg or 15 mg (don’t recommend this often at all – very rarely)
• Cerefolin NAC
• Metanx
• Lovenox
• Baby aspirin

Compare the drugs used for MTHFR mutations here

Prenatal Recommendations for MTHFR Mutations
A quality prenatal vitamin for those with MTHFR requires methylfolate and folinic acid – without folic acid. These prenatals are very hard to find.

There are quality prenatals out there that understand the importance of methylfolate and leaving out folic acid. This is awesome!

But having only methylfolate is not effective for those with methylation blockages.

Methylfolate is needed to:

• bypass the MTHFR mutation
• supports methylation

Folinic acid is needed to support:

• DNA base production
• DNA repair
• ATP (energy) production
• neurotransmitter formation

While methylfolate can turn into folinic acid, it’s not that easy.

Why?

General Supplements which Dr. Lynch Recommends for MTHFR Mutations
Before taking any supplements, read Dirty Genes. Many symptoms and general ‘issues’ may be reversed by lifestyle, diet and an improved environment. Dirty Genes walks you through them – step by step.

While the descriptions below are the general supplements recommended by Dr. Lynch, he never recommends taking them all right away.

This way you can easily identify if a specific supplement or nutrient is giving you problems.

In general, those with MTHFR mutations have a decreased ability to produce methylfolate, increased cardiovascular risk, increased risk of blood clots, increased pain and inflammation and increased chemical sensitivity. Recommendations below support the reduction of these issues by increasing the body’s inherent ability to restore function through nutritional biochemistry.

Update June 2019:

It is HIGHLY recommended to start with:

These open up your biochemical pathways. This way neurotransmitters don’t get ‘stuck’ in your head giving you horrific side effects.

Over 99% of women are potassium deficient and 90% of men are potassium deficient.

Magnesium deficiency is very common as well.

Starting with potassium and magnesium via electrolytes is first. By starting here, side effects of B12 and folate are greatly reduced and general hydration improves. Without proper electrolytes, one is not hydrated.

The most comprehensive way to support potassium, magnesium and hydration is via Optimal Electrolyte.

If you do not tolerate a multivitamin well, this is a sign that you must proceed more slowly and work on healing your digestion and dietary intake and lifestyle habits first.

Many individuals struggling with MTHFR also struggle with what is called histamine intolerance. Histamine intolerance is greatly associated with decreased MTHFR function and also imbalanced gut flora. If one is low in certain histamine-degrading strains of probiotics and higher in histamine-producing ones, then histamine intolerance occurs.

The second most important supplement to use, after Optimal Electrolyte, is ProBiota HistaminX.

This probiotic is designed to degrade histamine and compete against histamine-producing strains.

Before you jump into a multivitamin containing methylfolate, which I know you want to take as you have a MTHFR mutation, don’t start with this.

Don’t.

Instead, start with Optimal Start which is a multivitamin/multimineral combination that is free of folate and free of B12. These two nutrients are very powerful so it’s best to prepare your body for them. Optimal Start does this along side Optimal Electrolyte and ProBiota HistaminX.

After one or two months of using Optimal Start, you may consider transitioning to adding folate to your day.

If you feel great using Optimal Start, do not switch. Perhaps you’re getting enough vitamin B12 and folate from your diet.

Should you need to switch, the key is knowing which form of folate and B12 supports you best – and it may vary day by day.

You may actually discover you need to have a few different multivitamins in your home and/or office depending on the day or week.

Key tip: Consider choosing a multivitamin that has methylated B12 and folate and another that does not.

This way you can test them on different types of days.

They won’t go to waste as your biochemistry shifts depending on what you eat, what you’re exposed to and other factors.

Multivitamins that contain Methylated folate and B12:

• Optimal Multivitamin
• Optimal Multivitamin Plus
• Optimal Multivitamin Chewable
• Kid’s Optimal Multivitamin
• Optimal Prenatal
• Optimal Multivitamin Methyl One

Multivitamins that are free of folate and B12:

Multivitamins that do not have methyl donors use folate as folinic acid and vitamin B12 as hydroxocobalamin:

• Optimal Multivitamin Minus One

A bit more about the multivitamins:

• Optimal Multivitamin line
  • Read the customer reviews thoroughly to learn how each one works for different people and you’ll find which one resonates well for you
    • choose from those that have:
      • methylfolate and methylcobalamin (typically those who have higher homocysteine levels);
      • no folate or B12 (for those sensitive to them – typically those who have low homocysteine levels)
      • folinic acid and hydroxocobalamin (typically those who have normal homocysteine levels)
  • all multivitamins are free of folic acid
  • comprehensive and well-absorbed minerals
  • B vitamins in quality forms
    • Optimal Multivitamin Methyl One
      • Ages 10 and up
      • one capsule a day – so easy to take
      • contains 400 mcg of both methylfolate and folinic acid
      • antioxidants of PQQ, SOD and lutein
      • very popular
    • Optimal Multivitamin Minus One
      • Ages 10 and up
      • designed for those sensitive to methyl donors – such as methylfolate and methylcobalamin
      • one capsule a day – so easy to take
      • contains 400 mcg of only folinic acid
      • contains hydroxocobalamin as vitamin B12 – no methyl B12
      • antioxidants of PQQ, SOD and lutein
    • Optimal Multivitamin
      • Ages 16 and up: consider 3 capsules with breakfast and 3 capsules with lunch
      • contains 400 mcg of methylfolate
      • iron-free
      • free of magnesium stearate, flavors, titanium dioxides
    • Optimal Multivitamin Chewable
      • Ages 4 and up: consider 1 tablet with breakfast and 1 with lunch
      • contains 400 mcg of methylfolate
      • easy delivery and well-tolerated
      • may give to younger children (2 and above) with doctor’s permission
      • 2 mg of iron per chewable tablet
    • Optimal Prenatal
      • useful for preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding
      • choose from 3 different forms: capsule, chewable and powder.
      • the Optimal Prenatal with Plant-Based Protein is the MOST comprehensive prenatal available. Highly recommend this one
      • contains 800 mcg of a blend of methylfolate and folinic acid
      • comprehensive B vitamins and chelated minerals
      • iron-free so add Optimal Iron Chewable if needed.
      • specialty nutrients to support neurological development and ease morning sickness
    • Kid’s Optimal Multivitamin
      • Ages 4 and up: consider 3 capsules with breakfast and 3 with lunch
      • smaller capsules easier to swallow
      • iron-free so add Optimal Iron Chewable if needed.
      • free of magnesium stearate, flavors, titanium dioxides

• Liver Nutrients
  • supports liver detoxification
  • has NAC, Methionine, TMG, Cysteine, Alpha Lipoic Acid
  • has 80% of 250 mg of active silymarin per serving
  • consider starting with 1 capsule per day WITH DINNER
  • always take WITH A MEAL – not a snack
• Optimal Vitamin D Drops
  • each drop provides 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 in a base of extra virgin olive oil
  • provides support for healthy bones and hormone formation
  • supports healthy mood and neurotransmitter production
  • supports immune system
• Optimal Fish Oil
  • provides clean, tested Artic fish oil
  • supports cell membranes, healthy brain and nerves
  • consider taking 2 capsules daily with a meal anytime of day

How much methylfolate to take?
This is the big question that is asked all the time.

To determine how much more methylfolate you need, it is best to start low and work up. This allows you to safely identify how much you tolerate without triggering very undesirable side effects.

A FIRM Reminder: It is HIGHLY recommended to start with:

• Optimal Electrolyte,
• ProBiota HistaminX and
• Optimal Start (a multivitamin without any folate or B12)

These open up your biochemical pathways. This way your neurotransmitters don’t get ‘stuck’ and you get horrific side effects.

Methylfolate Recommendations for the MTHFR Mutation:
Once you have determined you respond well to the probiotics, electrolytes, multivitamin and fish oil, then you may proceed to slowly adding in methylfolate and methylcobalamin.

You MUST prepare before adding these B12 and Folate supplements.

How do you prepare?

As mentioned above:

• Optimal Electrolyte
• ProBiota HistaminX
• Optimal Start

If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

Pick ONE of the following:

• Optimal Methylate Chewable
  • This one is the lowest potency – but don’t let that fool you. The combination of ingredients is stellar and effective.
  • Easy to break into smaller pieces.
  • I’d say this one is the best one to start with as it’s so low dose and impacts the entire methylation pathway gently.
  • The initial taste is good but the after taste is a bit ‘eh’ because of the choline. Just drink some water afterwards and you should be fine.
  • Break off 1/4 of a chewable, chew fully. Feel your head. If already clear and with energy, you don’t need anymore. If nothing felt after a few minutes, break off another 1/4 and chew that. At times you’ll need a full chewable or maybe even two. Other times, 1/4 will be plenty. Don’t overdo it or you’ll feel anxious.
•  Active B12 with L-Methylfolate
  • provides 1,000 mcg of methylcobalamin
  • provides 800 mcg of methylfolate
  • sublingual tablet provides effective absorption of both nutrients
  • break the tablet into quarters and take 1/4 tablet upon waking for a few days.
  • if not well tolerated, cease the use. You have to back up and heal your digestion further and identify other issues before adding this in. Likely you need to apply the ‘Soak and Scrub’ as outlined in the book, Dirty Genes.
  • if well tolerated, increase to 1/2 tablet upon waking for a few days
  • as you tolerate it and feel improvement, keep increasing by 1/4 tablet every three days.
  • you should experience an increase in clarity, lighter head, improved energy and improved mood.
  • on days you feel already great – a clear head, good energy and good mood – do NOT take it
  • consider taking anytime you feel a foggy head, fatigue, lack of focus or altered mood.
• HomocysteX Plus
  • provides similar nutrients as HomocysteX with the addition of riboflavin-5-phosphate and betaine as TMG.
  • provides further methylation support and homocysteine-lowering nutrients
  • consider taking 1 capsule of HomocysteX Plus upon waking for a week.
  • if not well tolerated, stop the use and return back to HomocysteX.
  • if improving after one week, consider adding in a 1/2 capsule of HomocysteX Plus before lunch for one week.
  • if well tolerated, consider taking a full capsule upon waking and a full capsule before lunch.
  • each week, if well tolerated and feeling improvement, keep increasing by 1/2 capsule.
  • it is not expected to increase beyond 2 to 3 capsules upon waking and 2 to 3 capsules before lunch.

Methylfolate Side Effects
These are common despite what physicians may inform you.

Common undesirable side effects of methylfolate must be identified.

• headache
• migraine
• rashes
• irritability
• anxiety
• joint pain
• muscle pain
• insomnia
• depression

If side effects occur, then the amount of methylfolate you are taking needs to be taken under consideration and likely reduced. Talk with your physician before altering any protocol or supplement/pharmaceutical.

Many times one is not yet ready to take methylfolate.

There are other steps that must be taken prior to supplementing with methylfolate if these side effects occur.

Flushing is common from taking niacin in the most active form, nicotinic acid. This is not harmful and will subside in about 20 to 30 minutes.

Do NOT take a full tablet of Niacin. Begin by taking only 1/4 a tablet.

Cycling Supplements for Methylation Balance
Supplements and pharmaceuticals such as HomocysteX Plus, Optimal Methylate Chewable, Cerelin Forte or Metanx are designed to support methylation.

It is methylation that is severely disrupted in those with MTHFR mutations – especially homozygous individuals.

Methylation requires balance.

If methylation becomes excessive, side effects will occur as noted above. This requires adjustment in your protocol.

There is a need for routine adjustment as our bodies are dynamic.

If you feel the side effects above, it is recommended you notify your physician and have them make adjustments.

For example, these adjustments may range from:

• stopping all methylation-supportive nutrients
• taking these nutrients 4 days on and 3 days off
• taking them every other day
• taking them only in the morning
• decreasing the amount taken every other week

General Side Effects
If you are feeling improvement consistently, then you are on the right track.

If you begin to feel heavy, tired, dry mouth, irritable, ‘toxic’, or otherwise ‘not right’, then something in your protocol needs to change.

These are all signs that one must listen to otherwise you are potentially increasing the circulation of toxins and not eliminating them properly.

These side effects can be eliminated quite quickly through fasting for about 16 to 24 hours or sweating it out via sauna – or both.

Drinking a glass of Optimal Electrolyte or taking some Niacin also helps offset many side effects.

Conclusion
Start your MTHFR journey by reading Dirty Genes.

It is the place to start. So many people have experienced tremendous results and above all – clarity and empowerment.

The above recommendations will help a many individuals who have heterozygous and homozygous MTHFR mutations.

Take it a step further by gaining access to the Dirty Genes Course.

Comments are welcomed below.

Share your thoughts, feedback and how you are improving from these recommendations.

by Dr. Ben Lynch on February 24, 2012 in C677T MTHFR Mutations