Can MTHFR cause ADHD? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #187

Can MTHFR cause ADHD? | Masterjohn Q&A Files #187

Author: Chris Masterjohn, PhD January 25, 2021 Duration: 5:58

Question: Can MTHFR cause ADHD?

So, methylation will reduce the background level of tonic dopamine. And make you more mentally flexible. And a lack of methylation will generally lead to a higher level of background dopamine and make you not as mentally flexible. So, I really don't think that the ADHD is solely a consequence of MTHFR. Low methylation state and glycine wasting is probably playing into some of the aggravating factors, particularly glycine wasting.

If you would like to be part of the next live Ask Me Anything About Nutrition, sign up for the CMJ Masterpass, which includes access to these live Zoom sessions, a private discussion group, premium features on all my content, and hundreds of dollars of exclusive discounts. You can sign up at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/masterpass/ and use the code QANDA to get 10% off the membership for life.

From now through March, I will be working full-time on finishing my Vitamins and Minerals 101 book, while reserving a portion of my time for consulting clients. You can pre-order my book at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/book. You can sign up for a consultation at https://chrismasterjohnphd.com/consultations.

DISCLAIMER: I have a PhD in Nutritional Sciences and my expertise is in performing and evaluating nutritional research. I am not a medical doctor and nothing herein is medical advice.

Access the show notes, transcript, and comments here.

Chris Masterjohn, PhD, is the Founder and Scientific Director of the mitochondria test Mitome.


Chris Masterjohn, PhD hosts Mastering Nutrition, a podcast that digs into the science of how our bodies work at a fundamental level. The focus here is on mitochondrial health-the energy powerhouses within our cells-and how optimizing them forms the cornerstone of lasting vitality. Chris brings his background as a nutrition scientist and his experience founding BioOptHealth to these conversations, which move beyond generic diet advice. Instead, the podcast explores how individual differences, informed by tools like whole genome sequencing and detailed biochemical data, can reveal personalized paths to better metabolic function. Listeners will hear deep dives into cutting-edge research, practical interpretations of complex studies, and discussions on how to apply these insights in a real-world context. This isn't about quick fixes or trending superfoods; it's about building a coherent, scientifically-grounded understanding of nutrition from the cellular level up. Each episode aims to provide the kind of nuanced, evidence-based perspective that can help you make sense of conflicting health information. Whether the topic is a specific nutrient, a metabolic pathway, or a broader principle of wellness, Chris works to translate dense science into actionable knowledge. Tune in for a thoughtful, detailed exploration of what it truly means to master your own nutritional landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 712

Mastering Nutrition
Podcast Episodes
Self Experiments In the Biochemically Unoptimized State [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 3:24:10
Finally, the long-awaited results of my self-experiments conducted from September through January are released! First, make sure you get my MTHFR Protocol, my free 7-page quick guide to optimizing and personalizing your…
My MTHFR Protocol [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:49
I have a free gift for you. That is my MTHFR Protocol, a 7-page quick guide to optimizing and personalizing your methylation status using foods and supplements. My MTHFR Protocol is free to anyone who subscribes to my Su…
Getting to the Bottom of My Health: Biotin and (V)LCAD [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:41:09
For nearly 20 years, I have strongly suspected that I have a genetic disorder in synthesizing or recycling something that is absent or poorly available from plant foods, is very rich in organ meats, and is not present in…
Phosphatidylcholine and TMAO | Masterjohn Q&A Files #312 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:55
Question: If I'm at risk of heart disease and phosphatidylcholine increases my TMAO, should I stop the supplement? Short Answer: On a scale of one to ten, my concern about TMAO and cardiovascular disease is a three. Ther…
Does Erythritol Cause Heart Disease? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:37
This analysis of the recent study by the Hazen group at Cleveland Clinic published in Nature Medicine claiming erythritol contributes to cardiovascular disease shows the following: Why elevated plasma erythritol is likel…
Low Blood Sugar on Vegan Keto | Masterjohn Q&A Files #311 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:22
Question: How do I fix low blood sugar on vegan keto? Short Answer: Consider how important it is for your ketones to be elevated. Most likely you need to eat more protein, which will lower your ketones. I would aim for a…
Brain Fog on Calcium, Vitamin D, or K2 | Masterjohn Q&A Files #310 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:04
Question: Why would vitamin D, vitamin K2, and calcium give me brain fog? Short Answer: Most likely by decreasing serum phosphorus. The solution is to balance these nutrients with vitamin A and phosphorus. This is a clip…