MTHFR Signs – Myths or Actual?

There has been a lot of discussion lately about MTHFR.  That’s good; discussions need to happen. But with all the talk comes some misinformation about MTHFR.  We’re Sorting myths from facts of recognizing and living with MTHFR in your child.

Stork Bites, Sugar Bugs and Sacral Dimples – Are These MTHFR Signs?

Do Stork Bites Indicate MTHFR?

There are claims floating around the web that some birthmarks are indicative of the MTHFR gene mutation. One such claim is about red circular patches of skin prominently located on the head and neck of a baby.  These marks are known as stork bites, but a USA Today article reports they are not specific to babies with MTHFR.. Stork bites occur when the blood vessels in an area are stretched or dilated and appear in up to 50% of babies. They have a rash-like appearance and are a rosy color.  If you want to read more about stork bites, Methyl Life does a nice job of detailing this phenomenon in their article Are Stork Bites a Potential Sign of MTHFR.

What Sugar Bugs Really Mean

Other marks, such as the blue vein on the bridge of the nose are known as sugar bugs. A sugar bug is a visible vein on the bridge of an infant’s nose and between the eyes. The official term for this vein is prominent dorsal nasal vein.  Sugar bugs are common and usually mean your baby’s skin is light and thin.  Most go away on their own. Still, if the vein looks swollen, pulsates, is  oddly lumpy or if skin color near it changes, see your pediatrician.

A lump could be a cyst.  Swelling in that bluish tint could be a sign of abnormal growth of blood vessels. Or it could just mean until your baby’s skin thickens, as it naturally will, you may see the vessels on the bridge of the nose. Doctors saysugar bugs aren’t limited to MTHFR babies and don’t indicate the MTHFR gene mutation. 

Sacral Dimples

Indentations near the crease of the buttocks are called Sacral dimples.According to the Mayo Clinic, most sacral dimples are harmless and don’t need medical care.  Alternatively, if the dimple is large, near a tuft of hair, skin tag, lump or discolored area, talk to your pediatrician. A sacral dimple can be a sign of a serious spinal problem, but not MTHFR.

Bottom line, stork bites, sugar babies or sacral dimples do NOT indicate your baby has the MTHFR gene mutation. USA today in their fact check article rated all three of these signs as false indicators of the condition.“There is no evidence that a “stork bite,” blue vein on the note or sacral dimples are indicators of the MTHFR gene.”

Because around 30 to 40 percent of people in America have the MTHFR gene mutation, it is a good idea to be aware of true symptoms. The physical signs of the MTHFR gene include fatigue, chronic pain, confusion and anxiety.  The production of red blood cells is tied to the bodies ability to methylate B vitamins.  Without this process, babies can become anemic, and may seem lethargic. There are many side effects that may not be obvious, such as an inability to detoxify the body, and elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood. From the beginning, Sammy’s Milk has Methylated B vitamins in its ingredients list.  These vitamins, including folate are activated making them easier for all babies to process and absorb.  Yet methylation is especially important for babies with the MTHFR gene. The good news is we’ve got you covered on this.