Gene SNPs

If you've had genetic testing and discovered an MTHFR variant, there's a good chance your report mentions one or both of two names: C677T and A1298C. These are both variances in the same gene, MTHFR, but these two variants aren't the same (see the magic chair analogy for a simple explanation). They affect the MTHFR enzyme differently, and their practical significance can vary considerably. The question of MTHFR C677T vs. MTHFR A1298C is more complex.

With MTHFR and slow COMT, you may produce neurotransmitters inefficiently (MTHFR), but also break them down slowly (COMT). This can lead to fluctuating dopamine levels, periods of overstimulation or underperformance, and increased sensitivity to small biochemical changes.

MTHFR is one of those topics that can send parents down a rabbit hole very quickly. A child has anxiety, allergies, ADHD symptoms, food sensitivities, a tongue-tie, a sacral dimple, or a “sugar bug” vein between the eyes, and suddenly the internet says: “It’s MTHFR.” While it may be MTHFR, the truth is far more nuanced and definitely less scary.

Two human figures made of glowing wires and neor representing Norepinephrine and methylation. Norepinephrine is both a neurotransmitter in the brain and a hormone in the body, and more importantly, symptoms of low or high norepinephrine could tell us something about methylation patterns.

If you’ve been exploring your genetics, you may already be familiar with the MTHFR gene and its role in methylation. But if you also carry a slow MAOA variant, it adds an entirely different layer—one that directly impacts mood, stress response, and neurotransmitter balance. MTHFR and slow MAOA must be optimized together to avoid making symptoms worse.

PEMT quietly works alongside MTHFR, and when both are affected, the impact on health can be much more significant. MTHFR and PEMT must be managed together to avoid consequences to fertility, liver function, neurotransmitters, and more.