The MTFHR Gene and Mental Health

January 22nd, 2024

By P. Casey Arrillaga, LCSW, LCDC

The
understanding and treatment of mental health disorders is constantly evolving,
and at Windmill, we are always striving to be ahead of the curve when it comes
to providing the best treatment. We know that the way a problem is understood
will define how it is addressed. While many explanations for mental health
problems have been offered throughout human history, a modern understanding looks
at both genetic and environmental factors.

One
gene that has gotten a lot of attention in the past few decades is the MTHFR
gene. Its possible role of in a large number of physical and mental problems
has made it a target of much research, to the point that some have humorously
labeled it “the motherf***er gene.” As we’ll see in this post, it doesn’t
deserve that label, but better understanding of its role can point us to better
mental health treatment.

What
We Know So Far

The
MTHFR gene is vital to our physical and mental health because it tells our
bodies how to metabolize the nutrient folate, at type of B vitamin, into a form
that can be spread all over our bodies, including to our brains, which rely on
it. Folate is an essential nutrient, so any change in how it is spread
throughout our systems can make a big difference in how well we function. Like
many of our genes, the MTHFR gene has a number of variations. In the same way
that other gene variations give us different eye or skin colors, some MTHFR
gene variations reduce how well folate is converted into a form that is easily
spread around the body. Someone with a particular variation may get 40% less
folate than their friends and neighbors who eat the same diet. To make matters
worse, some people carry multiple copies of their variation, with each copy
significantly decreasing the body’s ability to metabolize and thus effectively
use folate, to the point that some people have as much as a 70% reduction in
how much folate they can utilize from the foods they eat.

As
you can imagine, this has led to a lot of research into variations of the MTHFR
gene, and a few variations have been studied fairly extensively to see if and
how much of a role they play in various diseases. Research has shown that
certain genetic variations of the MTHFR gene are found more often in people who
suffer from depression, anxiety, attention-deficit disorders, schizophrenia,
and autism spectrum disorders. The link to substance use disorders
(alcoholism/addiction) is not as strong, but given how much substance use and
other mental health problems impact each other, it’s not hard to see that
greater understanding in one can benefit the other.  Variations in the same gene have also been
associated with everything from Alzheimer’s disease to heart conditions to some
types of cancer. Of these, variations of the MTHFR gene known as C667C/T have
gotten the most attention when it comes to mental health. The results are not
always straightforward or completely conclusive, but most research finds there
is some association.

Some
of the mixed results may come from the fact that these genetic variations seem
to affect different groups of people differently. For instance, some MTHFR
variations make a bigger difference in Caucasian populations than in Asian
populations or vice-versa, depending on the condition being studied. There can
also be differences in how much a MTHFR variation affects women versus men,
again depending on what health condition is being considered. Not surprisingly,
diet can also make a difference, since we’re talking about a
nutritionally-based effect on our bodies and minds.

How
Can We Leverage This Information?

Genetic
testing for MTHFR is neither common nor inexpensive, and usually not covered by
insurance. In fact, many geneticists recommend against getting a MTHFR test.
Surprising as this sounds, the reason is that there is a simpler test to see if
folate doesn’t seem to be getting absorbed at healthy levels.

This
is a test for homocysteine levels in the bloodstream. High levels of homocysteine
indicate a potential problem that can be addressed by taking a folate
supplement or even better yet, eating more foods that provide a natural source
of folate.

These
foods include beans, peas, lentils, asparagus, eggs, leafy greens, beets,
citrus fruits, bananas, brussels sprouts and broccoli, nuts and seeds, and
avocado. There are other less common foods that provide folate, but the list
above will get most people going in the right direction.

This
is one of the reasons that such foods are available and encouraged for all our
clients at Windmill. They are part of our salad bar at every lunch and dinner,
and citrus fruits and bananas are out as snacks 24 hours a day in client common
areas.

While
many people don’t think about how their food intake can impact their mental
health, this is an area that warrants time and attention. Eating healthier
meals is partly a gesture of self-care that can improve mental health all by
itself, but for those who have unhelpful MTHFR variations, it may also be a way
to give the body what it needs to feel and think better.

The
Bottom Line

The
MTHFR gene is important to our physical and mental health because it helps us
get the nutrition our minds and bodies need to function properly. Some of its
variations have been found to have links to many mental health issues. Genetic
testing for this is not as helpful as simply improving diet to make sure any
internal obstacles are overcome. While this won’t cure everything by itself,
when it comes to mental health, every advantage we can find contributes to a
better life.

About The Author

P. Casey Arrillaga is the Team Leader for Education at
Windmill Wellness Ranch, and he is the author of books including “Realistic
Hope: The Family Survival Guide for Facing Alcoholism and Other Addictions”.