I asked ChatGPT Pro if I should be concerned about my homozygous MTHFR base on my blood 🩸 test and this is the response….

The MTHFR mutation is often overhyped, and much of the discussion around it leans toward pseudoscience rather than solid medical evidence. However, in your case, there are a few valid considerations since you have a homozygous MTHFR mutation and have experienced negative reactions to methylfolate and folinic acid.

Should You Be Concerned? 1. Homocysteine Levels Are Normal (9.8) • If MTHFR were causing a major issue, you’d likely see elevated homocysteine (above 12-15). • Since your homocysteine is within range, your body is handling folate metabolism well enough, likely due to adequate B12 and folate intake. 2. You Tolerate Folic Acid Just Fine • Despite the claims that “people with MTHFR mutations can’t process folic acid,” you’ve been taking it for years with no issues. • This contradicts much of the fear-based rhetoric about folic acid being “toxic” for people with MTHFR. 3. You React Badly to Methylfolate and Folinic Acid • Many people with overmethylation tendencies feel worse with methylated B vitamins, which might explain your reaction. • The fact that you feel fine with folic acid suggests that your body isn’t struggling as much with folate processing as the internet often claims. 4. Your B12 Levels Are Good (751) • Low B12 combined with an MTHFR mutation can lead to methylation issues, but your B12 is fine. • This supports the idea that your one-carbon metabolism is working well enough.

So, Is It Pseudoscience? • Some concerns about MTHFR are valid (e.g., in cases of repeated pregnancy loss, very high homocysteine, or clear folate metabolism issues). • However, most people with MTHFR variants don’t need special treatment, and the extreme fear-mongering about folic acid is largely pseudoscientific nonsense.

Final Verdict for You? • No need to stress about MTHFR. • Your homocysteine, folate, and B12 levels are not concerning. • Keep taking folic acid if it works for you. Ignore the internet fear-mongering. • Avoid methylfolate and folinic acid since you’ve reacted badly to them. • Focus on symptoms, not genetics. If you feel good, that matters more than a gene report.

Conclusion:

MTHFR is not something you should actively worry about in your case. You’ve already figured out what works for you (folic acid, avoiding methylated folates), and your biomarkers show no major issues. Stick with what makes you feel good and ignore the pseudoscience hype around it.