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BHMT Gene and Pregnancy: How Your Genotype Can Affect Methylation and Nutrient Needs

Pregnancy increases demand for nutrients that support fetal growth and development. One key process is methylation, a set of biochemical reactions needed for DNA synthesis, gene regulation, and neural tube formation. The BHMT gene helps convert betaine, a nutrient derived from diet, into methionine, an essential amino acid used in methylation. Variations in BHMT can change how efficiently your body uses choline and betaine and may influence risk for certain birth defects when nutrient supply is limited.

Why BHMT Matters During Pregnancy

  • Methylation is essential for fetal development, including neural tube and facial structure formation.
  • BHMT supports recycling of homocysteine into methionine using betaine as a methyl donor.
  • If BHMT activity is reduced, your body may rely more on dietary choline, betaine, and B-vitamins to maintain healthy methylation.
  • Some BHMT variants are associated with modestly increased risk for cleft lip and related outcomes when methyl donor supply is insufficient.

General Nutrition and Lifestyle Recommendations for Pregnancy

  • Prioritize choline rich foods: eggs, liver, fatty fish, soybeans, and cruciferous vegetables.
  • Include betaine rich foods: beets, spinach, wheat germ, quinoa, and whole grains.
  • Ensure adequate B-vitamins: folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 from a balanced diet and prenatal supplements as recommended by your provider.
  • Aim for consistent daily intakes appropriate for pregnancy: commonly recommended choline targets are 450 to 550 mg, with higher targets considered when genetic risk is present.
  • Limit or avoid alcohol before and during pregnancy.
  • Discuss supplementation for choline or betaine with your healthcare provider if dietary intake is insufficient, especially during preconception and pregnancy.
  • Consider routine prenatal blood tests to monitor nutrient status including folate and B12, and follow your provider's guidance on additional testing if needed.

Supplements and Tests to Consider

  • Prenatal multivitamin with folic acid or methylfolate and vitamin B12 as directed by your provider.
  • Choline supplements (for example choline bitartrate or phosphatidylcholine) if dietary intake is low or your provider recommends higher intake.
  • Betaine supplements only under medical guidance; may be considered if dietary betaine is low and BHMT function is reduced.
  • Measure red blood cell folate or serum folate and serum B12 if there is concern about status.
  • Discuss homocysteine testing with your provider if there are concerns about methylation or B-vitamin status.

Genetic Interpretation for rs651852 (BHMT)

This section summarizes typical implications for different genotypes at rs651852 in the BHMT gene. Use the accordion to view the interpretation that matches your genotype. PlexusDx provides educational information only. This content is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting supplements or making changes to diet or medical care.

Two effect alleles (CC genotype)

What this means

  • You carry two copies of the C allele linked to reduced BHMT enzyme efficiency.
  • Your body may convert betaine into methionine less efficiently, increasing reliance on dietary choline and B-vitamins for methylation.
  • Research associates the CC genotype with a higher risk for cleft lip in offspring when methyl donor availability is limited. This likely reflects reduced capacity to recycle homocysteine and support methylation pathways during critical developmental windows.

Practical recommendations

  • Increase intake of choline rich foods. Aim for approximately 550 mg or more choline per day during pregnancy and preconception if tolerated and approved by your provider. Good sources include eggs, liver, fish, soybeans, and dairy.
  • Include betaine rich foods daily such as beets, spinach, wheat germ, quinoa, and whole grains. A target of around 600 mg betaine per day is often suggested when genetic variants reduce BHMT efficiency.
  • Ensure strong intake of B-vitamins. Confirm adequate folate, vitamin B6, and vitamin B12 through diet and prenatal supplementation as advised by your provider.
  • Limit alcohol completely during preconception and pregnancy.
  • Discuss choline or betaine supplementation with your provider. They can suggest appropriate doses and monitor for safety.
  • Consider testing folate and B12 status and discuss homocysteine testing if indicated.

Note

PlexusDx provides education only. Consult your healthcare provider before making changes to supplements or medications.

One effect allele (CT genotype)

What this means

  • You carry one copy of the C allele. BHMT function may be moderately affected, possibly reducing efficiency of betaine to methionine conversion.
  • The C allele has been associated with increased risk of cleft lip in offspring under conditions of limited methyl donor supply. This suggests paying attention to methylation support during preconception and pregnancy.

Practical recommendations

  • Prioritize choline rich foods with a practical target of around 550 mg daily during pregnancy. Sources include eggs, fish, liver, soybeans, and dairy.
  • Eat betaine rich foods daily: beets, spinach, whole grains, and wheat germ. A target of about 600 mg betaine daily may help support methylation.
  • Maintain adequate dietary folate and vitamin B12. Use a prenatal supplement containing folic acid or methylfolate and B12 as recommended by your provider.
  • Limit alcohol in the preconception period and avoid during pregnancy.
  • Consider discussing choline supplementation with your provider if dietary intake is low.
  • Ask your provider about basic nutrient testing if you have concerns about folate or B12 status.

Note

PlexusDx provides education only. Consult your healthcare provider before making changes to supplements or medications.

No effect alleles (TT genotype)

What this means

  • You carry two copies of the T allele. BHMT function is expected to be typical, supporting efficient conversion of betaine to methionine.
  • Your genetic risk from this variant for methylation related birth defects is not increased beyond population baseline.

Practical recommendations

  • Follow standard pregnancy nutrition guidelines. Aim for 450 to 550 mg choline daily during pregnancy through a mix of food and prenatal vitamins as appropriate.
  • Include betaine containing whole foods like beets, spinach, and whole grains to provide dietary methyl donors.
  • Continue routine prenatal care, including folate and B12 through diet and prenatal supplements.
  • Limit alcohol during pregnancy and follow general lifestyle recommendations for maternal health.
  • Consult your healthcare provider about any concerns and before starting new supplements.

Note

PlexusDx provides education only. Consult your healthcare provider before making changes to supplements or medications.

Final Notes and Safety Reminders

  • PlexusDx provides educational genetic interpretations only. This information is not medical advice and is not a substitute for professional medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment.
  • Always discuss genetic results, supplement plans, and pregnancy nutrition with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian experienced in prenatal care.
  • Changes to diet, testing, or supplementation should be guided by your provider based on your full medical history and lab results.