MTHFR

[nicoleharrison]

I was recently told that I have a genetic disorder called Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase(Homozygus)--Also called MTHFR. I was told that this could have caused my Preeclampsia, but they are not sure. I had a 26 weeker-- 1 pound, 11oz -- named Noah. If you could provide information on the following:

-What is MTHFR
-How should I regulate it?
-Does it cause Preeclampsia, even if I am taking supplements?
-Any other information would be helpful

Thanks!

Nicole Harrison
Columbus, Ohio

[expert on call]

MTHFR does not cause preeclampsia. You need no treatment & no supplements.

Expert on Call

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure". Responses generated by our Experts to specific questions are based on information anonymously submitted to this site via email, are not based on a complete review of any patient’s medical records and should not be construed as the only reasonable expert response to the info submitted and/or the scenario described.

[expert on call]

MTHFR is an enzyme that helps convert homocysteine to methionine (one amino acid to another), and when there is a deficiency of this enzyme homocysteine levels rise. This hyperhomocysteinemia has been associated (called a risk factor) with atherosclerosis, heart disease, and hypertension, later in life, as well as thrombotic events (called thrombophilias), preeclampsia, and host of fetal problems as well. Since folic acid and vitamin B12 deficiencies exacerbate homocysteinemia, Doctors correctly prescribe folate (B12 deficiencies are extremely rare, but we know from other diseases that supplemental folate may be needed in pregnancy. Also some may use low dose heparin when a previous pregnancy was associated with preeclampsia (re potential thrombotic events), but I am unaware of any completed trials regarding this strategy.)

Thus in specific response to the questions;

What is MTHFR? It is an important enzyme in the metabolic path of a specific amino acid.

How should you regulate it? You cannot, your genes do that. You can however correct deficiencies of vitamins that relate to the enzyme’s actions.

Does it cause preeclampsia even if supplements taken? Preeclampsia can still occur, and on theoretical grounds alone (I am not aware of trials evaluating the efficacy of the supplemental vitamins (though their theoretical use is valid)

Expert on Call

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure". Responses generated by our Experts to specific questions are based on information anonymously submitted to this site via email, are not based on a complete review of any patient’s medical records and should not be construed as the only reasonable expert response to the info submitted and/or the scenario described.