MTHFR
Specialistalso methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, c677t, a1298c
What it isA gene encoding the enzyme that converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate, the active form of folate used in methylation. Two common polymorphisms reduce enzyme activity: C677T (homozygous TT cuts activity roughly 70%) and A1298C (milder effect).
DoesDetermines how efficiently dietary folate is converted to its active methylated form, affecting homocysteine metabolism and DNA methylation.
GoodWild-type genotype gives full enzyme activity and unconstrained folate metabolism.
BadReduced-activity variants modestly raise homocysteine when folate intake is low, with weak associations to cardiovascular risk, neural tube defects, and pregnancy complications. The clinical importance is often overstated; most carriers do fine with adequate folate intake.
- Standard
- Genotype: wild-type, heterozygous, or homozygous variant.
- Optimal
- No widely-accepted optimal — the genotype is fixed; the goal is normal homocysteine and adequate folate status regardless of variant.
- Modifiers
- One-time test; genotype does not change.
How to optimize
- Lifestyle
- Standard cardiovascular hygiene matters more than genotype management for most carriers.
- Diet
- Folate-rich whole foods — leafy greens, legumes, asparagus, citrus.
- Supplements
- Methylfolate (5-MTHF) 400–800 µg/day and methylcobalamin in symptomatic variant carriers; otherwise standard folate is fine for most. Riboflavin (B2) supports enzyme.
- Peptides
- —
- Drugs
- —
Reference ranges are general adult lab norms; optimal ranges are editorial picks from the longevity literature — not medical advice. Always interpret results with your physician.
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