Author: Kate Scott, DipNut, mBANT, rCNHC, mIFM – DNApal co-founder | Nutrition & genetics specialist | BANT registered nutritionist 

Methylation: A Guide to Understanding the Genes & Health Implications

If you’ve heard the word methylation or about the MTHFR gene, it’s probably because of people like Gary Brecka or Dr. Ben Lynch who’ve made it a hot buzzword in the growing global biohacking and wellness communities. Beyond all the hype though, methylation is simply a fundamental biochemical process that happens every single second in your body affecting many aspects of your overall health.

As a clinical nutritionist, I’ve been specialising in a branch of science called nutrigenomics (how your genes and lifestyle impact your health) for over 10 years, and have delved deeply into the genes (including the MTHFR gene) that play a role in the way methylation impacts the body. Let’s dive into what methylation is, why it matters, and how knowing your methylation genes can offer valuable insights into improving your health and wellbeing.

What is Methylation?

Essentially, it plays a vital role in maintaining cellular health and overall bodily function.

Methylation is a crucial biochemical process where a methyl group (a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms) is added to a molecule, often a DNA molecule. This process regulates gene expression, detoxification, and various metabolic pathways. Methylation influences how genes are turned on or off, affects neurotransmitter (chemical messengers) production, and helps repair DNA.

Why is Methylation Important?

The importance of methylation cannot be overstated. Proper methylation is essential for:

1. Gene Expression: It determines which genes are active or silent, impacting everything from how you metabolise nutrients to how your body responds to stress.
2. Detoxification: Methylation helps the liver process and eliminate toxins, reducing the burden on your system and supporting overall health.
3. Mood Regulation: Proper methylation affects neurotransmitter levels, influencing mood and cognitive functions.
4. DNA Repair: It plays a role in repairing DNA and maintaining genomic stability.

The Role of Methylation Genes

Several key genes are involved in the methylation process. Understanding these genes can provide valuable insights into your health:

• MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase): This gene is crucial for processing folate (vitamin B9) into its active form (methylfolate). Variations in the MTHFR gene can affect how well your body converts folate, impacting cardiovascular health, mental health, fertility and more.
• MTR (Methionine Synthase): MTR helps convert homocysteine to methionine, an essential amino acid. Dysfunction in this gene can lead to elevated homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular and Alzheimer’s disease
• MTRR (Methionine Synthase Reductase): This gene supports MTR in converting homocysteine. Variants can disrupt this process and contribute to increased homocysteine levels.
• AHCY (Adenosylhomocysteinase): AHCY is involved in breaking down adenosylhomocysteine to homocysteine. Variations can affect this balance and impact methylation efficiency.
• CBS (Cystathionine Beta-Synthase): CBS helps regulate homocysteine levels by converting it into cysteine. Variants in CBS can affect homocysteine metabolism and overall methylation.
• COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase): COMT helps metabolise catecholamines like dopamine, adrenalin and oestrogen. Variants can influence mood, stress response, and detoxification processes which impacts oestrogen levels.

Symptoms of Poor Methylation

When methylation isn’t functioning optimally, various symptoms can arise, including:

• Cardiovascular Issues: Elevated homocysteine levels, which is linked to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Scientists and doctors are starting to view homocysteine as a marker of equal if not more importance than cholesterol when it comes to cardiovascular risk
• Detoxification Problems: Difficulty in processing and eliminating toxins, leading to chronic fatigue, poor immune function and oestrogen dominance
• Mood Disorders: Increased risk of anxiety, depression, irritability and mood swings due to imbalances in neurotransmitter production and difficulty processing adrenalin and dopamine.
• Cognitive Issues: Impaired memory and concentration due to disrupted neurotransmitter balance and DNA repair.
• Fertility and pregnancy issues: poor methylation has been linked to frequent miscarriages, pregnancy complications and problems with foetal development linked to low folate status. Check out our article: Female Fertility: Folate and a gene called MTHFR

It’s important to note that while methylation is a crucial process influencing our health by regulating gene expression and various biological functions, it’s just one piece of the intricate puzzle of overall well-being.

DNApal Genetic Health Tests

At DNApal, our approach to health is holistic, and we recognise that a multitude of factors – beyond just “methylation genes” – contribute to good or poor health. That’s why our DNA reports cover over 40 genetic markers covering:

• Nutrition
• Mental health
• Stress
• Sleep
• Fitness
• Gut health
• Immunity and
• Hormone health

By integrating these diverse aspects, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of health that goes beyond individual processes, helping you to achieve a balanced and informed approach to your wellness journey.

Our tests have helped people make the specific diet and lifestyle changes needed to support optimal fertility, healthy pregnancy, boost energy, improve menopause and peri-menopausal symptoms, better sleep, manage IBS symptoms, improve allergies and obtain an ideal weight.

Understand your methylation genes and so much more! Start your wellness journey with DNApal

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