MTHFR 677C/T gene polymorphism and dietary habits: effects on trace element levels, amino acids, and biochemical...

Previous research has identified that, in individuals with lower folate and/or vitamin B₁₂ levels, homocysteine is associated with specific elements, while amino acids are associated with folate, thereby influencing folate availability during supplementation. This study investigates the impact of the MTHFR 677C/T polymorphism on levels of these compounds in individuals with differing meat consumption preferences, non-vegetarians and vegetarians.

The study was conducted on 162 Croatian subjects. MTHFR gene polymorphism was determined by PCR-RFLP, elements by ICP-QQQ, amino acids by GC-MS, and biochemical parameters by chemiluminescent immunoassay and enzymatic methods. Differences between the groups were tested by ANOVA, while associations between the parameters were examined by multiple regression analyses.

The CT + TT genotype had lower folate levels in comparison to the CC genotype. The influence of MTHFR 677C/T polymorphism on element levels was limited to Al and Ca: individuals with the CT + TT genotype exhibited higher plasma Ca levels than the wild-type (CC) genotype, while lower plasma Al values were observed only in vegetarians with the CT + TT genotype. The CT + TT genotype was also associated with higher levels of glutamic acid, proline, glycine (only in vegetarians), and aspartic acid.

Although we observed an effect of the MTHFR 677C/T polymorphism on folate, certain elements and amino acid levels, further research is required to validate our findings and establish a more comprehensive understanding of the link between elements, amino acids and the MTHFR gene polymorphism.