Estrogen’s effects on the body depend on how it is metabolized. This process occurs primarily in the liver through Phase I (hydroxylation) and Phase II (methylation and glucuronidation).
The methylation of estrogen is driven by the COMT enzyme, a methyltransferase. COMT depends on a methyl group supplied by SAMe, the body’s methyl donor, along with methylfolate and vitamin B12. However, insufficient methylfolate due to the MTHFR gene mutation can impair estrogen detoxification and result in excess estrogen.
Symptoms associated with high estrogen include breast tenderness, nausea, bloating, abdominal cramps, headaches, weight gain, skin hyperpigmentation, hair loss, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Numerous studies have demonstrated the association between MTHFR and mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
Deficiencies in MTHFR result in increased hom*ocysteine levels, leading to reduced levels of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe). In the brain, SAMe is required to donate methyl groups to COMT, which is involved in neurotransmitter analysis.
Folate is intimately linked to synthesizing neurotransmitters in the central nervous system, including serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. These neurotransmitters are essential for maintaining a healthy mood.
Low levels of methylfolate and increased hom*ocysteine lead to low levels of monoamine neurotransmitters, which have been found in patients with depression.
The symptoms associated with an MTHFR gene mutation result from the body’s inability to create and maintain sufficient levels of certain nutrients—namely folate, vitamin B12, and SAMe. The downstream effect of these deficiencies affects nearly every system in the body.
Dietary interventions that can help manage MTHFR-related symptoms include eating foods rich in folate and B12.
Foods high in natural folate include leafy greens, brightly-colored fruits, nuts, seeds, peas, beans, grains, dairy, eggs, lean beef, poultry, and seafood. Natural Vitamin B12 is present in animal products such as liver, fish, beef, poultry, eggs, milk, and dairy.
Supplementation, however, is a much more effective means of maintaining nutrient levels. Methylfolate and methylcobalamin have been shown to restore deficiencies more readily than synthetic forms (folic acid and cyanocobalamin) as they are already in their active form. This means the body can absorb and utilize the vitamins immediately.
Methyl-Life® has created a broad range of nutritional supplements to help manage MTHFR symptoms and support overall health. Every product contains the most bioavailable forms of nutrients, including the clinically researched Magnafolate®. Supplement options include methylfolate, active B12, methylated multivitamin formulas, and various other nutrients shown to support cardiovascular health and cognitive function.
