MTHFR & Homocysteine – Methylation Malfunction
Inflammation & Methylation
As discussed in a previous post, MethylenetetrahydrofolateReductase (MTHFR) is an inherited genetic variant that researchers call a
polymorphism (SNP). Growing research demonstrates that up to half of all
Americans may carry at least one genetic variation (C677T & A1298C) known
as MTHFR. This variation prevents the body, including the brain, from being
able to properly use folic acid, which disrupts a process known as Methylation.
Methylation is a critical biologic process that requires
adequate amounts of folic acid, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 which act as
cofactors in key enzymes that produce and balance neurotransmitters such as
serotonin. Methylation is also extremely important for other bodily functions
such as detoxifying homocysteine.
Homocysteine is a byproduct of cellular metabolism and is
generated when methionine (amino acid found in fish, meats and dairy) is
metabolized to help make proteins and to maintain tissues. When adequate levels
of B Vitamins are available, they recycle left over homocysteine into
methionine and the cycle repeats itself. If the Methylation process in not
working correctly (MTHFR +/+), elevated levels of homocysteine may occur and
become a risk factor for many chronic diseases such as heart disease,
Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, stroke and debilitating migraines. So
what’s in common with all of these health challenges?
INFLAMMATION
Simply put, elevated levels of homocysteine accelerate
inflammatory disease processes.
Increased inflammation translates to an accelerated aging
process!
Research has demonstrated that an elevated homocysteine
levels have been linked to telomere damage. (Telomeres are protective caps at
the end of the chromosome that shorten with age). Research has also shown a
direct link to elevated homocysteine levels and damage to the hippocampus, the
area of the brain that plays a crucial role in memory formation. It is well
documented that elevated levels of homocysteine may be related to a deficiency
of three necessary B Complex Vitamins B6, Folic Acid & B12. This deficiency
inhibits the body's ability to process dietary protein. The typical American
diet is filled with nutrient deficient foods. Taking B vitamins may not lower
homocysteine levels, however they play a critical role in balancing
homocysteine levels.
What You Can Do: Right Now
- Lifestyle habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption may also affect homocysteine levels. Changes in these life style factors may reduce homocysteine levels and hopefully reduce the threat to cardiovascular health.
- Test Your Self: If you are interested in testing without a doctors visit or would simply like to learn more, click here: www.mylabsforlife.com
RESOURCES
Homocysteine levels and leukocyte telomere length
Effect of lifestyle factors on plasma total homocysteine
concentrations in relation to MTHFR (C677T) genotype.
Changes in lifestyle, biological risk factors and total
homocysteine in relation to MTHFR C677T genotype: a 5-year follow-up study.
Plasma Homocysteine Concentration, C677T MTHFR Genotype, and
844ins68bp CBS Genotype in You Adults With Spontaneous Cervical Artery
Dissection and Atherothrombotic Stroke.
Migraine Mediates the Influence of C677T MTHFR Genotypes on
Ischemic Stroke Risk With a Stroke-Subtype Effect.
Disclaimer
The statements on this site have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Any products mentioned or discussed on this site are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The information on this site is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The health related and medical information and on this site is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient-physician, client-nurse practitioner or patient-pharmacist relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment. It is recommended the reader of this site consult with a qualified health care provider of their choice when using any information obtained from this site and affiliate sites. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.
In concert with evidence-based information, this site proposes certain theoretical methods of functional and nutritional support that may not be supported by conventional or mainstream medicine. Any information obtained from this site is left to the discretion and is the sole responsibility of the user of this site.
The contributors of this site cannot be held responsible for the information or any inadvertent errors or omissions of the information. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter this site. The contributors of this site shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site.
No comments:
Post a Comment