MTHFR – Methylation & The Weight Loss Link.
I see so many clients struggling with the weight loss challenge, and have done so
for many many years. Often, these clients no matter how hard they seem
to try, diets and exercise, weight loss is slow compared to others and incredibly
quick to regain, often with many other health conditions in the background.
Commonly many end up MTHFR positive, and when addressed, these clients start to
see significant changes in their overall health and weight for the first time.
What is MTHFR?
(MTHFR) Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is a gene that provides instructions
for making the enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase which converts 5,10-
methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This is required to convert
homocysteine to methionine which the body uses to make proteins and other
compounds in the body. More simply, it converts folate in your leafy greens to
a more active form of folate (methyl folate), to be used by the body. This enzyme is a
component of the one-carbon metabolism pathway; or more commonly known as
the methylation process and studies now show MTHFR polymorphism
play a significant role in the bodies metabolic factors.
WHAT conditions are associated with methylation?
Methylation is a dynamic process that requires balance. Many health issues are
associated with fluctuations in the methylation process including: ADHD, Alzheimer’s
disease, anxiety, Atherosclerosis, Bipolar disorders, Cancers, Chemical sensitivities,
Chronic fatigue, Diabetes, Depression, Down syndrome, Hypertension,
Fertility issues, Inflammatory Conditions Insomnia, Neural tube defects, Parkinson’s
disease, Schizophrenia, Weight loss, Metabolic syndrome and many more.
If I get a positive result what does it mean?
A positive result means something different for each individual. Not all people with
the gene ill known in ‘gene talk’ as turned on or expressing and present with health
issues. Genes expressing or turning on for each individual have many factors, such
stress, environmental toxin load, diet, lifestyle etc.
What is methylation and why is it so important?
Methylation is involved in a number of important biochemical processes in the body
including gene expression, DNA and RNA synthesis, immune cell differentiation,
neurotransmitter synthesis, histamine clearance, detoxification, hormones,
mitochondrial metabolism, phospholipid synthesis and myelination, and neural tube
development. It occurs in almost all cells in the body.
Methylation involves the transfer of active methyl groups and when utilised, SAMe
(Sadenosylmethionine) is converted to SAH (S-adenosylhomocysteine), and then
homocysteine. The recycling of homocysteine to methionine can occur via two
pathways – via methionine synthase conversion that requires the transfer of a
methylgroup from 5-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (5-MTHFR) by MTHFR or
via betaine homocysteine methyltransferase (BHMT). During higher states of
oxidative stress, homocysteine may be converted to cystathionine and then to
taurine, glutathione or sulfate via the transulfuration pathway Methylation.
Do you struggle with
weight loss or health conditions and feel there is something else that may be going on? Contact me for a chat.
Jan x