If you have experienced anxiety, anxiety attacks or even panic attacks. You know only too well that it can be a terrible feeling, even debilitating. Anxiety is now a very big problem for people all over the world, with many suffering from various anxiety disorders. Yet very few people are yet to discover that mthfr gene mutations play a very big part in anxiety & depression disorders.
MTHFR gene mutations are genetic mutations that instruct an important enzyme called MTHFR or Methylene Tetra-Hydro-Folate-Reductase to down regulate, this causes an inability for the body to use folate from your diet. When this happens many nutritional pathways in the body become disabled or reduced. This causes mthfr symptoms and or conditions associated to mthfr, one of the biggest being anxiety and even panic attacks.
The two main gene mutations that cause anxiety include the C677T and the A1298C genes. Each of the gene mutations has their own way of causing you anxiety. Often people with more severe cases have both of these mutations at the same time. Let’s take a look at how each of these gene mutations causes you anxiety.
MTHFR anxiety & C677T
The MTHFR gene C677T is the mutation predominantly involved in reducing your ability to convert folate from your diet into activated folate. This means that while you have this gene mutation you can end up with folate or folic acid deficiency. Some of the main symptoms of a folate deficiency include anxiety, depression, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating and poor memory.
It’s also important to understand that just having low folate levels is enough to cause anxiety symptoms, but it doesn’t stop there. When folate levels become depleted because of the gene regulation problem, this also causes a chain reaction of other nutritional problems. Specifically, the other B complex group of vitamins and their relationship to minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids.
The Role of Folic Acid in MTHFR Gene Mutation
Folic acid plays a crucial role in the MTHFR gene mutation, as it is essential for the conversion of folate into a usable form. The MTHFR enzyme is responsible for converting dietary folate into methylfolate, which is then used to produce neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, that regulate mood and other bodily functions. However, in individuals with MTHFR gene mutations, the enzyme’s activity is impaired, leading to reduced folate metabolism and increased homocysteine levels.
Research has shown that folic acid supplementation can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression in individuals with MTHFR gene mutations. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that folic acid supplementation improved depressive symptoms and cognitive functioning in individuals with major depressive disorder. Another study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that folic acid supplementation enhanced antidepressant response and improved clinical and social recovery in individuals with major depressive disorder.
B complex group of vitamins & anxiety
Vitamin B1 – When this vitamin becomes deficient lactic acid builds up in your body. which leads to lactic acidosis, this condition leads to anxiety and triggers panic attacks.
Vitamin B2 – When this vitamin becomes deficient it causes a reduction in a coenzyme that makes vitamin B6 work properly as an antidepressant. So vitamin B3 cannot be made properly from the amino acid tryptophan which leads to depression.
B3 Vitamin – When this vitamin becomes deficient it causes anxiety and depression.
Vitamin B5 – When this vitamin becomes deficient it causes fatigue with anxiety, restlessness, and irritability.
Vitamin B6 – When this vitamin becomes deficient it causes depression, nervousness, irritability, and fatigue.
B12 Vitamin – When this vitamin becomes deficient it causes irritability, anxiety or tension, shortness of breath and heart palpitations
As you can see when you have the C667T gene mutation you lose your ability to use folate properly and because folate works with the other B vitamins they also become unusable which leads to anxiety, depression and even panic attacks. Taking folate or folic acid and B vitamin supplements also becomes ineffective due to the lack of mthfr enzyme needed to make that conversion. Individuals with MTHFR mutations may also experience comorbid anxiety disorder, especially when neurotransmitter levels are affected.
MTHFR anxiety & A1298C
The mthfr gene A1298C is the mutation predominantly involved in reducing your ability to produce neurotransmitters that keep you happy and calm. Neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine keep you calm, happy and motivated, when you have the A1298C gene your production of these vital neurotransmitters is reduced or becomes unbalanced, this then causes you to feel low, worried, depressed and or anxious. This imbalance can increase the risk of developing generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
How MTHFR Mutations Affect the Body
MTHFR mutations can have a significant impact on the body, affecting not only mental health but also physical health. The mutations can lead to reduced folate metabolism, which can cause a range of symptoms, including:
Fatigue and weakness
Headaches and migraines
Digestive problems, such as bloating and gas
Hair loss and brittle nails
Increased risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke
In addition to these physical symptoms, MTHFR mutations can also increase the risk of mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. A study published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research found that individuals with MTHFR gene mutations were more likely to experience anxiety and depression than those without the mutations.
It is essential to note that MTHFR mutations can be inherited, and individuals with a family history of mental health disorders or cardiovascular disease may be more likely to have an MTHFR mutation. Genetic testing can help identify individuals with MTHFR mutations, and folic acid supplementation can help alleviate symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
In conclusion, MTHFR mutations can have a significant impact on both physical and mental health, and folic acid supplementation can play a crucial role in alleviating symptoms and reducing the risk of complications. If you suspect that you or a family member may have an MTHFR mutation, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Is MTHFR gene mutation causing your anxiety?
Over 50% of society has one or more mthfr gene mutations, a simple mthfr home test can tell you if you have one of the genes and specific anxiety treatments go a long way to helping you overcome your anxiety, depression & or panic attacks.
MTHFR gene mutation affects almost every area of your body, that means it can affect your organs, your brain and nervous system, this is why it can easily cause anxiety. MTHFR gene mutations are also linked to various psychiatric diseases, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression. MTHFR causes many mental health problems that are strongly associated to anxiety disorder such as:
Low self esteem
ADD / ADHD
Obsessive compulsive disorder
How to resolve anxiety with MTHFR and folic acid supplementation
Often people have experienced anxiety for many years of their lives and it can be difficult for them to imagine life without anxiety. Once you discover that your anxiety is coming from mthfr gene problems there is good news, correcting nutritional imbalances the right way by supporting the gene mutation is very successful at resolving anxiety. Get yourself tested for the mthfr gene mutations and seek professional treatments that can greatly help boost your resistance to anxiety.
Other gene mutations and anxiety
There are many gene mutations that can cause anxiety other than or in conjunction with mthfr, if you have anxiety and have tested for mthfr and didn’t find a positive result, it’s recommended that you get tested for additional gene mutations that cause anxiety. In addition to anxiety, MTHFR mutations have been linked to other conditions such as bipolar disorder. Some of the more common genes that cause anxiety include:
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