Ask the Experts: What should I expect if I have a C677T/T677T mutation?

Having a C677T or T677T (homozygous) MTHFR mutation can put you at risk for different symptoms than other variants such as A1298C/C1298C or having one of each variant. The C677T allele has problems with lower serum folate levels and higher plasma total homocysteine. Serum folate is the folate levels in the liquid portion of the blood. We need adequate levels of serum folate to feel our best and for our body’s processes to run smoothly. You can get a blood test to find out how much folate is in the blood, but in the meantime, if you are wondering about your serum folate levels, there are a few telltale signs of having low levels of folate. Having high levels of total homocysteine is also associated with some symptoms and signs that you can watch out for. You can also test your homocysteine levels through a blood test. Read more about homocysteine here. 

Low folate symptoms include:

•     Poor immune function (sick often)
•     Chronic fatigue
•     Digestion problems
•      Anemia
•      Mood changes
•      Premature hair graying.

High homocysteine symptoms include:

• Heart problems (strokes, heart disease, high blood pressure)
• Cognitive problems (Alzheimer’s, Dementia)
• Developmental problems as a child
• ADHD or behavior problems
• Chronic Migraines
• Depression
• Anxiety

Studies show that when an individual has low serum folate levels it is usually accompanied by high homocysteine levels in the blood. Just because you have another form of the MTHFR variant, doesn’t mean you can’t develop high homocysteine levels, it is important for everyone to know the signs and to get blood tests to find out your exact levels. If you are looking to lower homocysteine levels, BiomeIQ’s Methylation3 helps reduce these levels and supports healthy neurotransmitter production and breakdown. 

Due to the 677 variants having more of these issues, they usually have a harder time detoxing heavy metals and for individuals with two copies of the variant (T677T), they need more methylation support than an individual with one variant. Click here to learn more about detoxing heavy metals safely from the body. 

What can you do?

First and foremost, making lifestyle changes to support a folic acid free/heavy metal free diet is important. You can remove processed foods from your pantry, buy organic pesticide free fruits and vegetables, and drink filtered water. Eat leafy greens that are full of folate and vitamins B12 to start supporting your methylation cycle. Supplement-wise, finding a supplement with L-Methylfolate and B12 is the place to start. Now remember, if you don’t change your lifestyle and just try to add supplements into your toxic gut, the nutrients won’t be used effectively. Change your lifestyle first, and commit to the lifestyle. You can control what you allow to nurture your body. Click here for an MTHFR Friendly B Complex. 

Whenever you add a new supplement into your regimen, it’s important to start slow and allow your body to get used to a small amount of the nutrient and if you can tolerate it then increase it to the dose recommended for you. Dosing depends on the individual, their lifestyle choices, and their genetics. We usually recommend a higher dose of Methylfolate to individuals homozygous T677T because they need that extra support, but that isn’t always the case.

Last supplement recommendation: COQ10. Feeling tired, fatigued, low energy? COQ10 helps produce energy in your mitochondrial cells and sends that energy to all the body processes that are being neglected. This supplement works well for individuals with a 677 mutation because it can help send extra energy to the heart aiding in protection against cardiovascular issues. Click here for an MTHFR Friendly COQ10.  

Let’s Recap the process towards better health for individuals with a 677 variant (C677T, T677T):

1.  Make the necessary lifestyle changes to put yourself on the path towards optimal health. You might need to detox before starting supplements after changing your lifestyle, to get rid of all of those built up toxins. You need to get rid of inflammation in the gut.

2.  If you’ve made the lifestyle changes and are still feeling symptomatic, then add in supplements. Your body can’t produce the necessary nutrients it needs on its own, and that’s okay. Fortunately, there are supplements designed with MTHFR in mind. Start out with low doses. We recommend a combination of L-Methylfolate, B vitamins (especially B12), COQ10, and Vitamin D3.

Do you have questions regarding what supplements to take and lifestyle changes for MTHFR? Email us: [email protected]. Or click here to schedule a free 15-minute consultation call with our MTHFR Experts. We are happy to answer your questions and to help you get on the right path towards feeling better.

Click here for supplement recommendations specific to your MTHFR gene mutation!

References:

Liu, Annie et al. “Analysis of the MTHFR C677T Variant with Migraine Phenotypes.” BMC Research Notes 3 (2010): 213. PMC. Web. 28 Sept. 2017.

Ulvik, Arve, et al. “Functional Inference of the Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase 677 C > T and 1298A > C Polymorphisms from a Large-Scale Epidemiological Study.” Human Genetics, vol. 121, no. 1, Feb. 2007, pp. 57-64. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1007/s00439-006-0290-2