The Metabolic Classroom with Dr. Ben Bikman How the MTHFR Gene Affects Our Metabolic Health
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Jun 23, 2025 Discover how the MTHFR gene affects your metabolic health and the crucial role it plays in methylation. Learn about the impact of genetic variants on homocysteine levels and their links to oxidative stress and insulin resistance. Uncover the connection between MTHFR, fat metabolism, and liver health, and how elevated insulin can disrupt fat burning. Get practical tips for optimizing folate intake from various sources and cooking methods to boost nutrient availability. Empower yourself with knowledge to navigate genetic vulnerabilities!
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Role of MTHFR in Metabolism
- The MTHFR gene produces an enzyme critical in methylation, impacting cell repair, gene expression, and detoxification.
- Impaired MTHFR function raises homocysteine levels causing oxidative stress, affecting metabolism and mitochondrial function.
MTHFR’s Impact on Liver Fat
- MTHFR variants reduce fat burning ability in the liver, promoting fat accumulation and increasing fatty liver risk.
- High insulin diets worsen this by inhibiting enzymes needed for fatty acid oxidation, compounding liver fat buildup.
Optimizing MTHFR Function
- Test homocysteine, folate, and B12 levels to assess methylation status, and consider genetic testing for MTHFR variants.
- Prioritize bioavailable folate from animal sources like liver and supplement with methylated B vitamins if deficient.