You may have heard the term MTHFR gene before, especially in conversations about energy, mood, or vitamin absorption. But what does it really mean? Let’s break it down in simple terms.
What MTHFR Normally Does
When you eat foods rich in folate (vitamin B9) — like spinach, beans, or avocado — your body can’t use it straight away. It first has to convert folate into its active form, called 5-MTHF.
This is where the MTHFR enzyme comes in. We all have it — it’s like the body’s “activation switch.” Its job is to turn folate into the form your body can actually use.
For many people, this switch works well. However, for some, the switch is naturally slower due to a common genetic change. When that happens, more folate stays stuck in its less useful form instead of becoming active.
Why does that matter? Because active folate (5-MTHF) teams up with vitamin B12 to:
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Recycle homocysteine (keeping it from building up to unhealthy levels, possibly leading to heart issues).
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Make methionine, which your body uses for DNA repair and growth
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Support brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that influence mood and focus
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Boost energy production at the cellular level
When the MTHFR enzyme functions more slowly, this entire cycle becomes less efficient — and the result can be higher homocysteine levels, lower energy, brain fog, or mood struggles.
The Main Variants of MTHFR
The two most common gene changes (variants) that slow down MTHFR are:
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C677T – the most studied. This one often leads to higher homocysteine levels and lower folate activity.
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A1298C – another common variant. This one tends to affect neurotransmitters and mood more than homocysteine.
Some people carry just one copy of a variant (heterozygous), while others carry two copies (homozygous), which slows the enzyme even more.
What That Means in Real Life
If your MTHFR enzyme runs more slowly, you may notice:
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Folate from food doesn’t get fully activated
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Homocysteine can build up, linked to fatigue, “brain fog,” or mood changes
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Energy and DNA repair may not run at full speed
And importantly, this isn’t just about feeling tired. High homocysteine levels also matter for your heart. As one review puts it:
“Evidence that elevated homocysteine levels are implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular disease is substantial.” (US Cardiology Review)
In other words, keeping homocysteine under control isn’t just about energy or focus — it’s also about protecting your heart and blood vessels.
👉 The good news: taking folate and B12 in their active forms (methylfolate and methylcobalamin) helps overcome a sluggish MTHFR enzyme, lowering homocysteine and supporting both energy and cardiovascular health. Both of which are available right here as:
My Personal Connection
I have the MTHFR C677T variant. I used to have terrible brain fog, lack of energy and focus. I take the Vitamin B12 patches every day for increased energy and the B-complex patches once a week for increased focus - both keep brain fog away. For me, learning this was a turning point in my life and inspired me to start this business to help others with brain fog, lack of focus and no energy because of these MTHFR impairments.
The Takeaway
Everyone has the MTHFR enzyme, but some people have slower versions.
- The main variants are C677T and A1298C.
- A slower enzyme can lead to higher homocysteine levels, which are associated with fatigue, mood changes, and increased cardiovascular risk.
- Taking active B12 (methylcobalamin) and active B9 (methylfolate) helps bypass the problem, allowing your body to get what it needs — faster and more effectively — than synthetic forms like cyanocobalamin.
✅ Knowing about MTHFR gives you more control over your health. If you’ve struggled with energy, mood, or unexplained fatigue, it may be part of the puzzle — and active B vitamins could make all the difference.