MTHFR Gene Mutation and Pregnancy: Why L-Methylfolate Matters for You and Your Baby?
The journey of motherhood begins with nourishment, what you eat today becomes the foundation for the growth of a healthy baby. Hence, a special care and attention in the form of a good diet and sufficient nutrition, are a vital component for a healthy pregnancy.
From the time you start planning for your pregnancy to becoming a mom, you are advised to take folic acid tablets, as it may reduce risks of pregnancy complications and possible birth defects. However, in some women the folate is not processed due to MTHFR gene mutation. This could affect both maternal health and foetal development.
Let us understand the meaning of the MTHFR Gene Mutation
There’s a gene in your body called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) that helps your body process folate. If you have a mutation in this gene, your body will not be able to process folate properly. There are two common types of mutation, C677T and A1298C, and apparently, nearly 40% of people carry one of these variants.
How do MTHFR mutations affect pregnancy?
There are studies that reveal women with specific MTHFR gene mutations might have a higher chance of pregnancy complications. These may include possibilities of recurrent pregnancy loss, unstable blood sugar levels, and inconsistent blood pressure during pregnancy. So, in cases with MTHFR gene mutations, doctors may recommend the intake of L- Methylfolate nutritional supplements as it may be beneficial for women with MTHFR gene mutations.
Why L-Methylfolate Matters for Pregnancy?
There are various benefits of L-Methylfolate uses during pregnancy, let’s check them below: -
- It is the active and highly bioavailable form of folate (so it can be used by the body immediately for carrying out essential processes).
- It may significantly reduce the risks of Neural Tube Defects
- It may support foetal growth and development
- It may prevent anaemia
- It avoids unmetabolized folic acid buildup
- It doesn’t mask Vitamin B12 deficiency
- It could reduce other pregnancy complications like
Ø Preterm Birth
Ø Preeclampsia
Ø Recurrent Miscarriages
The bottom-line is that L-Methylfolate (also known as 5-MTHF) is the active form of folate your body can use right away, therefore, you skip the conversion step which becomes necessary if you consume just the folic acid tablets.
You can also think of the difference between L-Methylfolate Tablets and Folic Acid Pregnancy Tablets in this way,
Folic acid is basically the raw materials that needs to be cooked properly for consumption while L-Methyl Folate seems to be like a ready-to-eat meal, and it can be used instantly by the body.
Doctors are now recommending prenatal vitamins that contain L-Methyl Folate as about 40% to 60% population are unable to convert folic acid to L-Methyl Folate.
If you have been searching for an optimal nutritional supplement with L-Methyl Folate composition, your search ends at Trimacare. It is an advanced dietary supplement for pregnancy that contains all the essential nutrients your body needs from conception to delivery.
Is there a way to get tested for MTHFR mutations?
Medical professionals may perform a simple blood test or saliva test to check for one or both MTHFR mutations. Although testing isn’t always necessary for everyone, it may be helpful if you have had
- recurrent miscarriages or fertility challenges
- a family history of MTHFR mutations
- a child with a neural tube defect in the past
- high homocysteine levels
Summing Up:-
Folate is an essential nutrient and a must-have for a healthy pregnancy, but you need to note that not every woman’s needs or genes are the same. If you fall in the category of people with an MTHFR mutation, a nutritional pregnancy supplement with L-Methyl Folate may be a safer and smarter option for deriving the benefits of folate.
So, if you have been looking for a prenatal vitamin, make it a point to check the composition and ensure it has L-Methyl folate in it.
Always remember, a healthy pregnancy starts with a healthy body! Give your body the right nutrition for kick-starting your pregnancy journey the right way!
Frequently Asked Questions
Some studies suggest that the MTHFR gene mutation has been associated with a risk of neural tube defects.
2. What prenatal vitamins should I take if I have an MTHFR gene mutation?
Expectant mothers with MTHFR gene mutation should choose a prenatal that contains Methylated Folate (L-5-MTHF) – the bioavailable form of folate.
3. What are the risks of consuming too much L-methylfolate?
Symptoms of overdose of L-methyl folate may include stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea. You must consume it as per the recommendation of your doctor.
Pallavi Aggarwal
A Certified Nutritionist with a rich healthcare background in health journalism, the author has immense experience in curating reader-friendly, engaging, and informative healthcare blogs to empower readers to make informed pregnancy-related decisions.
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