What The MTHFR Gene Variant Means For Your Fertility

We’re digging into the MTHFR gene variant and why this matters when you are TTC.

You may have heard about the importance of getting tested for the MTHFR gene variant if you are trying to conceive.

MTHFR variants are associated with difficult conception and early pregnancy loss due to problems with the endometrium and implantation.

IVF studies have shown that women with MTHFR mutations are more likely to experience recurrent implantation failure.

Some men with fertility problems have low MTHFR function in their sperm.

You can’t change your genes, but there is a lot you can do to support your nutrient levels, bypassing the MTHFR enzyme. These include lifestyle changes, dietary habits, and supplementation.

Today I’m excited to welcome Ricardo Miranda. Ricardo is the CEO of MTHFRdoctors.com. He is a clinician and one of the top researchers in the field of MTHFR genetic mutation.

In this episode, you'll learn:

1. Why addressing MTHFR is essential when you are on the fertility journey (i.e. which supplement is essential and what so many people are still getting this wrong)
2. What studies tell us about MTHFR and optimal fertility
3. The link between miscarriage and MTHFR gene variant
4. Why testing blood homocysteine is crucial, and it’s still not a standard of care in conventional medicine
5. Specific diet and lifestyle strategies and exactly which markers to test

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HIGHLIGHTS:

2:47 WELCOME RICARDO MIRANDA

3:49 HOW RICARDO CAME TO HIS WORK WITH MTHFR

• Our DNA is not our destiny.

5:33 MTHFR IS LINKED TO INFERTILITY IN MEN AND WOMEN

• The link between MTHFR and infertility, miscarriage, and thyroid hormone activation
• Methylation is directly related to thyroid hormone activation.
• A personalized approach is vital to everything in health.
• Why homocysteine shouldn’t be used as the primary marker for methylation
• How MTHFR gene mutations impact homocysteine levels
• Factoring MTHFR mutations into folate testing

11:36 HOMOZYGOUS VS. HETEROZYGOUS MTHFR GENE MUTATION

• How to know if you have a homozygous or heterozygous MTHFR gene mutation
• The importance of determining the type of mutation you have
• 80% of the population has at least one MTHFR mutation.

14:03 THE CORRELATION BETWEEN MTHFR MUTATION AND AUTISM

• What happens when expecting mothers with MTHFR consume a lot of folic acid
• Why Ricardo recommends replacing folic acid with methylated folate
• Get Pregnant Naturally | Episode 349: Why Autism Matters When You Are TTC and How To Improve Preconception Health

18:14 MTHFR MUTATION & IVF

• Women with MTHFR mutations are more likely to experience recurrent implantation failure.
• Potential benefits of folate supplementation for men with low MTHFR function.
• The importance of a personalized protocol, especially for couples with MTHFR mutations

22:58 HOW METHYLATION IMPACTS ESTROGEN

• Special considerations when it comes to estrogen balance
• Methylation affects every part of the body.
• Issues associated with estrogen dominance and low estrogen levels

25:22 HOMOCYSTEINE LEVELS

• The functional range for blood homocysteine
• Why Ricardo recommends looking at homocysteine in conjunction with folate levels

27:26 METHYLFOLATE VS. FOLIC ACID

• Stop immediately if you have an adverse reaction to methylfolate
• Niacin is the antidote for an overreaction of methylfolate.
• What to consider if you’re reacting to methylfolate
• Potential side effects of methylfolate

30:16 SUPPLEMENTATION TO IMPROVE FERTILITY

• The importance of B6 for the methylation pathway
• The risks of over-supplementation
• Less is more sometimes.
• Fab Fertile Article | How MTHFR and methylation affect fertility with high FSH and low AMH
• Research your medications and potential nutrient depletion

35:51 MTHFR TESTING

• The main tests Ricardo recommends
• Why we prefer to refer to functional ranges vs. lab ranges
• Get Pregnant Naturally | Episode 394: Why Vitamin D Deficiency Can Negatively Impact Egg Health and Sperm Health

38:46 FINAL THOUGHTS

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Book your Supercharge Your Fertility Discovery call here with your partner

During our call, we’ll be discussing what you have tried so far and where you’ve faced challenges. This can feel stressful but is designed to help us get to the root cause of your fertility issues and will help me to give you the best possible action plan at the end of the call. However, to reassure you – on this call we won’t be digging into the trauma associated with infertility/miscarriage/loss – rather we are focused on solutions and an ACTION PLAN as to how our Fab Fertile Method can help you get pregnant naturally. 

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LEAVE APPLE PODCASTS REVIEW: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/get-pregnant-naturally/id1329414094

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