What is Methylation?
Methylation is a fundamental biochemical process occurring a billion times per second, which means the transferring of a methyl group (CH₃) to DNA— simply stated, a light switch that helps initiate tasks like increasing energy, cellular repair, neurotransmitter synthesis, processing nutrients, gene regulation, and supporting various body systems. It also ‘activates’ (turns on) or deactivates (turns off) genes, thus methylation slows down or speeds up body processes.
Methylation has roles in numerous body functions:
- Hormone, heavy metal, and chemical detoxification
- Nitric oxide production and vascular health
- Neurotransmitter metabolism
- Histamine metabolism
- Glutathione production
- DNA and RNA synthesis
- Cell membrane repair
- Epigenetic modification
- Immunomodulation
- Energy (ATP) synthesis
- Myelination
- And more
How does methylation impact health?
Methylation pathways virtually overlap with all organ systems and metabolic functions in the body, having a myriad of health implications on energy, detox, and emotional and psychological health. Essential nutrients like folate and vitamin B12 are vital for methylation. Deficiencies can impair methylation, leading to illness and reduced quality of life. Genetic abnormalities in methylation-related genes can also disrupt these cycles— the great news is that we can test for all of this!
Impairments in methylation may manifest in many different ways depending on the individual and their unique biochemistry. Symptoms include (but not limited) to: headaches, lack of energy, fatigue, poor detoxification pathways, sleep issues, changes to cognitive function, hormonal imbalances and more.
Testing:
A methylation investigation may include a blood draw looking at Homocysteine, Folic acid, and Vitamin B12. All of these are typically covered under OHIP, depending on the indication and case. You can always run the test through a private health care practitioner and costs may vary.
It is speculated that many individuals have a genetic mutation affecting the methylation (MTHFR) pathway— which prevents optimal production of 5-MTHF, thereby hampering the methylation cycle. This is known as an MTHFR mutation. You can run a methylation genetic test with your functional medicine practitioner, to see if you have a genetic mutation, which may provide insight into some of your health challenges.
Who can benefit from this test?
- Cardiovascular disease
- Psychological and mood disorders
- Migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s
- IBD, Colorectal cancer
- and more
🛎️ George’s Guidance:
Methylation essentially means how your b-vitamins are regulating your biochemistry. At the very least, I would encourage you to check your homocysteine, folic acid, and vitamin B12 levels. If you can, run a genetic test to see if you have a mutation in this pathway— it can be life changing.
