Not to be mistaken for an abbreviated swear word, MTHFR is an enzyme the body produces to break down an amino acid called homocysteine.
Everyone inherits two MTHFR genes at birth – one from Mom and one from Dad. Unfortunately, these genes are vulnerable to mutation, which can cause serious problems with blood chemistry and interfere with neurotransmitter formation.
MTHFR mutations affect up to 25% of Hispanics and 15% of North American Caucasians.
The symptoms of MTHFR mutation include:
- Digestive trouble
- Migraines
- Nerve pain
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Schizophrenia
- Bipolar disorder
- Chronic fatigue
In rare cases, MTHFR mutation can cause abnormally high levels of homocysteine in the blood. Known as homocystinemia, this condition can produce symptoms including:
- Abnormal blood clotting
- Developmental delays
- Seizures
- Microcephaly
- Blood clots
- Poor coordination
- Tingling in the extremities
Homocystinemia can also increase a person’s risk of glaucoma, mental health disorders, heart disease, scoliosis, anemia, and certain types of cancer.
Most people with MTHFR mutations are unaware of the problem unless they seek medical treatment for severe symptoms or undergo genetic testing.
Dr. Nancy Mullan, MD, is an expert in genetics-based medicine who focuses on treating individuals with the MTHFR mutation.
“Pharmaceutical symptom removal is not a solution, although it can be useful,” writes Mullan on her website. “Chronically ill people are desperate for symptom resolution. Your lives are devastated by disease processes, some of which are life-threatening. I want to offer you something better than mainstream solutions.”
Mullan uses a combination of diet and genetics-based nutritional supplementation to improve the symptoms of chronic conditions associated with the MTHFR mutation. She routinely works with patients suffering from chronic fatigue syndrome, psychiatric disorders, autism spectrum disorders, gastrointestinal disorder, and heavy metal toxicity.
By integrating the results of biochemical and genetic testing, Mullan designs tailored treatments that offer life-changing results for patients who have tried everything else. She is invested in clinical innovation and has a reputation for finding solutions to seemingly unsolvable cases.
If you or someone you know is struggling with a chronic medical problem that seems to have no cure, check out Mullan’s MTHFR ebook (available for free on her website NancyMullanMD.com).