MTHFR on Fertility and Pregnancy
The basics
At first glance MTHFR may look like an abbreviation for an expletive, but in reality it is an acronym for an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme converts folic acid into a form that the body can use (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) to carry out a number of important bodily processes such as building and repairing DNA and building red blood cells. MTHFR also helps regulate a chemical called homocysteine. Too much homocysteine in the blood has been linked to health conditions such as heart disease and abnormal blood clotting.
Every human inherits two MTHFR genes—one from mom and one from dad. These genes are responsible for the creation and performance of the MTHFR enzyme. This is where the wrinkle in the ointment arises: not every MTHFR gene is created equal. Individuals can receive one or two mutated copies of the MTHFR gene. This means that the DNA in these genes varies from the norm. They are also referred to as genetic variants. Having MTHFR gene mutations can affect the body’s ability to metabolize folic acid and homocysteine. The two most commonly studied mutations are C667T and A1298C. Having more than one mutated copy of the MTHFR gene can result in a more significant decrease in the function of the MTHFR enzyme and possibly affect homocysteine and folate status.
Implications for pregnancy
Now that you have a mini genetics lesson under your belt, you’re probably wondering what the implications of an MTHFR mutation are for your pregnancy.
Congenital heart defects
Recent studies have found a linkage between the C667T MTHFR mutation in mothers and congenital heart defects in their offspring. However, one study discusses that these heart defects seem to occur when the mother has low folate levels, high homocysteine levels, and the presence of C667T MTHFR mutations.
Down Syndrome
One study examined data from 20 different studies regarding the MTHFR mutation status of mothers and the presence of Down Syndrome (DS) in their offspring. It linked C667T mutations with an increased risk for DS. Another study examined the findings of 28 studies investigating the linkage of maternal MTHFR status and DS in offspring. It also suggested an increased risk for DS in offspring of mothers with C667T MTHFR variants. Neither study found an association between maternal A1298C MTHFR variants and the presence of DS in offspring.
Recurrent pregnancy loss
Studies suggest an association between maternal MTHFR gene mutations and recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). One study suggests that elevated homocysteine is a better indicator of risk for RPL than the presence of maternal MTHFR variants. Another study found an increased risk for RPL if the mother had two MTHFR genetic variants. A third study analyzed the data of 57 studies and found that the presence of C667T and A1298C MTHFR variants in both parents increased the risk for RPL. Aspirin at 12 weeks can help with this, discuss your options with your OBGYN.
Neural tube defects
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are defects of the brain, spine, or spinal cord. The two most common NTDs are spina bifida and anencephaly. Spina bifida occurs when the spinal column fails to completely form. The spinal cord sometimes protrudes through an open hole in the spinal column. Typically there is nerve damage which can cause paralysis of the legs and lack of sensation below the waist. Anencephaly occurs when the brain and skull do not completely develop. This typically leads to babies being born stillborn or dying shortly after birth.
Studies show an increased risk for NTDs in the offspring of women with C667T MTHFR variants. Low folate levels are a risk factor for infant NTDs, and the presence of MTHFR mutations puts women at risk for lower folate levels than normal. However, having an MTHFR genetic mutation does not necessarily mean that you will have low folate levels. Proper folate supplementation and a diet rich in folic acid/folate can effectively increase folate levels for adequate NTD prevention. For example, C667T MTHFR variants are common in women in southern Italy, but the incidence of infant NTDs is not high in that region. It has been suggested that the Mediterranean diet consumed by the women in that region leads to adequate folate intake which offsets the risk for NTDs.
No complications
It is 100% possible that you have an MTHFR genetic mutation, and it has absolutely no effect on your pregnancy! While studies exist which show an association between MTHFR genetic variations and the conditions discussed above, there are also studies which show no linkage whatsoever. The existing evidence is conflicting, and health professionals have differing opinions on the impact MTHFR mutations have on pregnancy-related complications.
Should you get tested?
Genetic testing for MTHFR is not routinely recommended. If you are interested in finding out if you have an MTHFR genetic mutation(s), talk to your doctor. Health practitioners often look at homocysteine levels rather than testing for MTHFR mutations. If homocysteine levels are high, there are simple treatments which can typically bring them down—including supplementation with vitamin B6, B12, and/or folate/folic acid. B vitamins impact homocysteine levels – Too high and too low homocysteine levels can lead to disorders in the offspring like autism. MTHFR mutations in the absence of elevated homocysteine levels do not typically require treatment, therefore testing for them can be unnecessary. If deemed necessary, a simple blood test can reveal your results. However this test is not always covered by insurance.
What should I do if I have MTHFR?
Ensuring optimal folate and homocysteine levels is key (generally studies suggest low folate and high homocysteine are associated with complications). Optimal folate levels are achieved by consuming the vitamin–which can be done with a combination of food and vitamin supplementation. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends all women of childbearing age consume 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid daily in addition to eating foods rich in folate or fortified with folic acid. This requirement can increase when pregnant. Folic acid is the synthetic version of folate and can be found in supplements and fortified foods such as cereal, bread, flour, cornmeal, pasta, and rice. Foods naturally rich in folate include eggs, beets, broccoli, avocado, bananas, beef liver, asparagus, Brussel sprouts, dark leafy greens, citrus fruits, and legumes (including beans, peas, and lentils).
It is controversial whether individuals with MTHFR should supplement with methylfolate–a vitamin which is easier for those with MTHFR mutations to absorb–versus folic acid. One study found that methylfolate supplementation was as effective as folic acid supplementation in increasing folate levels and reducing homocysteine levels. The CDC also recommends higher intake of folate (4,000 mcg per day) for women who have previously had a child with a neural tube defect. You should always seek the guidance of a doctor when deciding how much folate to consume daily during pregnancy. Homocysteine regulation is typically achieved by ensuring adequate intake of B vitamins (including folate), however there are other factors that can affect homocysteine levels, and you should work with your doctor to ensure you are receiving the appropriate treatment.
The bottom line
Even if you have been diagnosed with an MTHFR genetic variation you can have a perfectly healthy baby. Find an OB/GYN or Midwife that you like and communicate openly throughout your pregnancy—referring any questions to him or her. You and your doctor should be a team, working together to create a pregnancy plan that you both feel good about. It never hurts to consume foods naturally rich in folate–many of these foods are full of additional nutrients good for you and your baby during pregnancy. Last but not least, try to relax! Pregnancy can be a scary time but staying calm and enjoying this special time is good for you and your baby.
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Unique Footprints Authors:
Stephanie Morrow, MSN, RN, CPN
Stephanie holds her Masters in Nursing Education and is a professor at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has a background as a pediatric ICU nurse and is passionate about holistic, evidence-based care for the entire family. Personally, Stephanie is working on her own preconception prep, has MTHFR, is a runner, loves to read and snuggle up with her husband and two disabled dogs that are more than animals – they are family. Learn more about Stephanie here.
Jenny Morrow, RN, IBCLC, LCCE, RYT
Jenny is a mom, neonatal nurse and founder of Unique Footprints (online pregnancy and early motherhood courses). Jenny has taught over 10,000 expecting families how to prepare for this time in their lives. Read more about Jenny here or you can watch her story.
From the Unique Footprints editorial team and Jenny Morrow, founder of Unique Footprints. Unique Footprints follows strict reporting guidelines and uses only credible sources from ACOG, the American Academy of Pediatrics, CDC, the U.S. Surgeon Guidelines and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The UF TEAM also thoroughly researches peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions and highly respected health organizations. Unique Footprints is endorsed by the American Pregnancy Association.