The MTHFR gene makes the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase that helps convert the amino acid homocysteine to methionine.
MTHFR gene mutations rarely cause homocystinuria. More common polymorphisms (a gene variant – not a mutation) may be weakly associated with cardiovascular disease, anacephaly, spina bifida, and some other conditions. It is even thought by some that these polymorphisms might be associated with recurrent pregnancy loss, psychiatric conditions, and thyroid disease.
These weak associations should not be used as a reason to undergo routine MTHFR genetic testing.
It is likely much more common to have a MTHFR polymorphism and no health problem at all. If you did a genetic test and found out that you have a MTHFR polymorphism, checking a homocysteine level might be a good next step. Keep in mind that most geneticists think that routine MTHFR testing is not a good idea.
While MTHFR gene mutations are real, they are not related to vaccine injuries.
Dr. Ben Lynch and others push the idea that all or many of the 30 to 50% of people with one of the many minor MTHFR polymorphisms will have health problems and that they shouldn’t be vaccinated.
The bottom line is that since these are common variants (not mutations that cause disease), you are going to find them associated with many other common conditions. That certainly doesn’t mean that they are linked.
For more information:
- MTHFR gene
- MTHFR gene mutations are the root of all health problems
- Dubious MTHFR genetic mutation testing
- A Genetic Test You Don’t Need
- Screening for Vaccine Reactions
- MTHFR genetic testing: Controversy and clinical implications
- ACMG Practice Guideline: lack of evidence for MTHFR polymorphism testing
The acronym got my attention. Thanks for sharing.
You’re killing me, doc. Third article of yours that I’m reading and I’m so disappointed. How can you state the following? “While MTHFR gene mutations are real, they are not related to vaccine injuries.” There is one study that shows that those with MTHFR mutations were more likely to have AEs to smallpox vaccination (which, as you know, we no longer give). Another small retrospective study of those with autism and PPD shows that only 2% of the 168 in the cohort do NOT have at least one MTHFR mutation. This study has some design flaws and is small, so I don’t think we can rely on it. However, what I think these two studies DO show is that MORE RESEARCH IS NEEDED. You cannot say that MTHFR mutations definitely are not related to vaccine injuries. They may be, they may not be, but from what I know about these mutations, it would make sense that they could be since those with MTHFR may not be able to effectively clear the aluminum adjuvants and other ingredients in the vaccines. Many credible research studies have shown that INJECTED (not ingested) aluminum is not easily cleared by the body. I
Also, Dr. Ben Lynch does NOT say not to vaccinate. He also doesn’t say you will definitely have health problems because of an MTHFR mutation. MTHFR is just one of many genes, never acting in isolation. Sigh…please, do more research before posting these articles that people really want to use to learn from.
As much as Jessica’s comment is from 2018, I’m sure I’m not the only one who would still like to see a reply from you, Dr. Iannelli, for the sake of clarification for those doing research.
So agree!