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
Last Updated on October 26, 2018