MTHFR GENE TEST
What Is The MTHFR Gene?
The MTHFR gene, technically called Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase, is a key enzyme required to metabolise homocysteine. It is an enzyme that converts folate you eat into the active form (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate).
The MTHFR gene test is used to detect two relatively common mutations in the MTHFR gene that are associated with elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood.
What Do High Levels of Homocysteine Mean?
High homocysteine levels in the blood are recognised as a risk factor for:
Coronary artery disease
Venous thrombosis and stroke
Type 2 Diabetes
Obesity
High homocysteine levels in the blood have also been associated with:
Neural tube defects
Recurrent miscarriage
Autism Spectrum Disorders
Stillbirths
Depression and other mood disorders
What Causes High Levels of Homocysteine?
The major cause of high homocysteine levels is folate deficiency. Other factors include insufficient vitamin B12 and genetic mutations in the MTHFR gene. Folate is Vitamin B9 and is not the same as folic acid. (Folic acid is synthetic and is not found in nature. It must undergo various transformations to utilisation.)
When Is The MTHFR Gene Test Used?
The MTHFR Gene Test maybe ordered for the following reasons:
If a person has a personal or family history of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) or inappropriate blood clots (thrombosis)
When a close relative has MTHFR gene mutations
A defective (mutated) MTHFR gene can increase the risk of:
Coronary heart disease
Dementia
Stress and toxin buildup
Arteriosclerosis
Fatty liver degenerative disease
Depression
IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Miscarriages
Migraines
How Does The MTHFR Gene Test Help?
You can’t change a defective gene. But you can help it do its job better and minimize problems.
Our highly qualified Naturopaths at Brisbane Livewell Clinic is able to perform a MTHFR gene blood test onsite and if defects are found then help with the following:
Help design a diet with foods to avoid, especially certain processed foods
Provide information and supplements, such as Vitamin B, to counter balance effects caused by the mutated gene
Meet Our Qualified Practitioners
Trudy Cadoo – Chermside
In her work with patients she explores a variety of aspects including mental, emotional and physical wellbeing. Her specialties include detoxification, women’s, men’s and children’s health, and weight loss, nutrition and diet.
Jen Strachan – Cannon Hill
Jen is proud to be an Integrative Naturopath, understanding the need in some cases for co-management and combining a scientific, evidence based understanding of health with a natural approach.
She spent 3 years in a very busy practice, specialising in thyroid conditions, seeing thousands of patients and gained a solid grounding in treating hormone related conditions. Jen is familiar with a range of subsequent health concerns and has a special interest in reproductive health and digestive complaints.
Emma Pumfrey – Kenmore & Chermside
Emma is passionate about client education and long-lasting results – setting you up with any tools or education you may need to create the structure for a balanced and healthy lifestyle!
Within clinic, Emma utilises herbal and nutritional supplementation, flower essences for emotional health and wellbeing, as well as a combination of dietary and lifestyle recommendations. She may use diagnostic tools to help get a better overview of your current health status which may include iridology, tongue analysis or referrals for pathology testing.
| Naturopathic Consultations | |
|---|---|
| Initial 60 Minute Consultation incl Full Health Review | $150.00 |
| MTHFR Gene Test (requires referral) | $97.00 |
| Subsequent 60 Minute Consultation with Results | $120.00 |
| Extended Subsequent 45 Minute Consultation | $110.00 |
| Standard Subsequent 30 Minute Consultation | $85.00 |
