Post: ADHD May Be Linked to the MTHFR Gene Mutation: What to Know

Some research suggests the MTHFR gene mutation, linked to conditions like depression and bipolar disorder, may play a role in ADHD’s onset, too. Treatments like folate supplementation may help.

Although gene studies are a relatively recent scientific development, researchers have begun to connect certain gene mutations with a higher risk of certain conditions.

For example, researchers have found mutations of the MTHFR gene , or methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, to be linked to conditions like depression, bipolar disorder, certain cancers, and high blood pressure.

According to some limited evidence, it may be connected to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) too.

In this article, we outline what the research says about the link between ADHD and the MTHFR gene in particular, as well as what to do if you have it. Is ADHD related to MTHFR?

There’s some evidence suggesting that ADHD is related to the MTHFR mutation.

First, this mutation is linked to folate deficiency. Researchers have already hypothesized that ADHD is linked to reduced folate levels as well.

People with this mutation tend to have higher levels of homocysteine in their blood, which is linked to conditions like osteoporosis. Lower levels of folate and other essential vitamins are also linked to conditions like celiac disease .

In a 2022 review of five studies that included more than 1,000 participants, researchers concluded that one key MTHFR mutation (1298A>C) is linked to both ADHD and bipolar disorder .However, researchers note the need for larger studies and more research to confirm this finding and rule out any potential environmental factors.Furthermore, in a 2018 review of the MTHFR gene mutation and mental health conditions, researchers concluded that while there are so far very few studies exploring this connection, it does appear to be linked to the inattentive type of ADHD in particular.However, researchers also point to older research from Turkey that found no link between MTHFR mutations and ADHD in children.One 2019 study included 64 children with ADHD and their mothers and 40 children without ADHD and their mothers. The mothers with one mutation of the MTHFR gene, C677C, were significantly more likely to have children with ADHD.This supports a […]

ADHD May Be Linked to the MTHFR Gene Mutation: What to Know