Genes related to the methylation cycle (MTHFr is the best known) affect many, many processes in the body. I think of the methylation cycle as one of the biochemical "hubs" in the body because it impacts so much. Three of the main systems affected by methylation are:
1) ability to make new cells - particularly affecting cells that should be reproducing quickly
developing babies (leading to miscarriage)
blood building inside the bone marrow (affecting both red and white blood cells, oxygen carrying and immune function)
intestinal lining (making GI system more sensitive and slower to heal)
2) Ability to produce serotonin in particular, as well as dompamine
impacts mood, and often related to anxiety, depression, poor focus, insomina
may also impact urges & addictions
3) Ability to detoxify histamine, chemicals, hormones and heavy metals, as well as reducing homocystine
slows elimination of heavy metals and other toxic chemicals that we are exposed to daily
can cause imbalances in immune function, hormones and nervous system
slows breakdown of hormones
involved in hormone imbalances
increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, autoimmune and other chronic illness
Other symptoms / conditions that are commonly associated with these genes are:
IBS
Migraines
Slow healing
Autism / Asperger / Sensory Integration
ADD / ADHD
Higher risk for heart disease
family history of mood issues, mental illness, addiction, "self medicating" behaviour
and many more
People with slow MTHFr genes are often fatigued, depressed and or anxious and have been feeling progressively worse over many years. They often have "weird" responses to medications or treatments that seemed like they should work. For many people, addressing slow MTHFr (or other related challenges) can be a "game changer" in their healing journey.
I have been working with MTHFr related issues since 2009 and do my best to stay current with this rapidly evolving body of information. I review and explain (to the best of my ability) these genetic reports, and combined with your symptom picture can make specific suggestions for diet and supplementation to support the re-balancing of your body. I recommend starting with getting your genome mapped by 23andMe, and most often recommend the interpretation panel by Dr. Ben Lynch at mthfrsupport.com.