MTHFR stands for methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. It’s an enzyme (a type of protein) that helps your body break down and use folate.
Some people have a change, or variant, in their MTHFR gene that makes the body use folate more slowly than usual. MTHFR variants are inherited, meaning they are passed from parents to children through genes.
Folate vs. Folic Acid
Folate is the natural form of folic acid. It’s found in foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, and citrus fruits. Folic acid is the manmade form of folate, which is found in fortified foods and vitamin supplements. Fortified means a food has folic acid added to it. Some examples of foods that are fortified with folic acid include cereal, bread, and pasta.
Why folic acid matters if you have an MTHFR variant
If you have an MTHFR variant, taking 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day before and during early pregnancy can help prevent neural tube defects (NTDs) in your baby. NTDs are birth defects of the brain, spine and spinal cord.
How much folic acid do you need?
Having enough folate in your blood to help prevent an NTD depends on:
- How much folic acid you get each day from foods, vitamins or supplements fortified with folic acid
- How long you take folic acid before getting pregnant
Clinical experts recommend that all women take 400 mcg of folic acid every day, starting before pregnancy and continuing through the first 12 weeks of pregnancy.
You may have heard that other forms of folate, like 5-MTHF, are better for people with an MTHFR variant. However, folic acid is the only type of folate shown to help prevent NTDs. Taking 400 mcg of folic acid daily before and during early pregnancy can reduce the risk of having a baby with an NTD by more than 70 percent.
Talk to your provider if you know you have an MTHFR variant, or if you think it may run in your family. If you have certain health conditions or have already had a baby with an NTD, talk to your provider about the best plan for you.
This article was written over two years ago and some information may have changed. For questions about your health, talk to your healthcare provider.