What is Methylation and Why Should You Care?
Methylation is a simple biochemical process that can affect how some molecules act in the body. Methylation is the transfer of four atoms—one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms (CH3) from one substance to another. When methylation is optimal, it has a significant positive impact on many biochemical reactions in the body that regular the activity of the cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive, and detoxification systems, including those related to DNA production, neurotransmitter production, detoxification, histamine metabolism, estrogen metabolism, eye health, fat metabolism, cellular energy, and liver health.
Think of methylation, and the opposite action, demethylation, as the mechanism that allows the gears to turn, and turns biological switches on and off for a host of symptoms in the body.
CH3 is provided to the body through a universal methyl donor known as SAMe. SAMe readily gives away its methyl group to other substances in the body, which enables systems to perform their functions.
Unfortunately, the system that produces SAMe is reliant on one switch being turned on by a critical B vitamin, 5-MTHF (also known as active folate or methylfolate).
Simply put, if enough 5-MTHF is present, the methylation cycle will work efficiently.
Folic acid from the diet or supplements must be converted to this active form, 5-MTHF, before it can be used in the body in the methylation cycle. Unfortunately, approximately 60 percent of people in the United States have a genetic mutation that makes it challenging for their bodies to create enough 5-MTHF.
When the methylation switch is turned off and isn’t creating enough SAMe, then a number of important molecules cannot be efficiently produced, including glutathione, coQ10, melatonin, serotonin, nitric oxide, l-carnitine, cysteine, and taurine.
Genetic testing is the best way to find out if you have a methylation issue. If you do have a methylation issue, talk to us about how to best supplement for the condition.
The source of this information is Thorne.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent disease.