MTHFR is an abbreviation for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, an enzyme that plays a key role in converting folic acid into folinic acid and methionine, two chemicals used throughout the body. Folic acid is the synthetic form of folate, which is naturally found in foods.
While you can't control whether or not you inherited this gene mutation, it's still important to know about it. A lack of enzymes can be associated with various diseases and disorders such as cancer, vascular disease, and many more. If your MTHFR gene is defective, it can cause a variety of health problems.
A recent study published in the journal Nutrients found that people with MTHFR gene defects are more likely to have problems with obesity, insulin resistance, and fatty liver disease. The study authors suggest that people with MTHFR gene defects might benefit from a diet that is lower in sugar and saturated fat and higher in fiber.
Luckily, there are ways to work around these problems. One of the most popular methods is to follow a special MTHFR diet.
This diet focuses on eating foods that are high in folate and other nutrients that support MTHFR function. It also recommends avoiding foods that can interfere with folate absorption, such as sugar and saturated fat.
If you're interested in trying the MTHFR diet, this guide will show you how to get started.
- What the MTHFR diet is
- The benefits of following an MTHFR diet
- How to follow an MTHFR diet
- Sample recipes for the MTHFR diet