Methylation is a critical process that occurs billions of times in every cell, every minute.
It is one of the most essential metabolic functions of the body and depends on a variety of enzymes. Methylation provides the body with adaptation to the stresses and challenges of life. Without adequate methylation, the individual cannot adapt effectively and will suffer the debilitating effects of accelerated aging.
Methylation is the controlled transfer of a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) onto proteins, amino acids, enzymes and DNA in each of the body's cells and tissues to help with healing, energy production in the cell, DNA gene expression, liver detoxification, and immune support. There are many symptoms associated with demethylation deficiency including the following:
- cardiovascular diseases
- neurotransmitter imbalances
- cancer
- diabetes
- abnormal immune function
- chronic fatigue
- multiple sclerosis
- dementia
- Alzheimer's disease
- psychiatric disorders
- autism
- Down syndrome
- chronic inflammation
- fertility and miscarriage
- pregnancy problems
Why is methylation such an important process?
Methylation is involved in almost every biochemical reaction in the body, and occurs billions of times per second in our cells
There are many key functions of methylation; for example methylation is intimately involved in all of the following processes:
Gene regulation - important in cancer for example
Chemicals and toxins: processes that help reduce our toxic load
- production of neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline)
- processes and metabolism of hormones such as estrogen
- manufacture of immune cells T lymphocytes and NK cells
- synthesis of DNA and RNA (thymine is formed from uracil)
- energy production (CoQ10, carnitine and ATP)
- production of a protective coating for our nerves (via myelination)
What influences the methylation process?
Methylation is regulated by key activating enzymes and cofactors. This process depends on certain vitamins and minerals. When we are deficient in the necessary substrates and cofactors, it compromises the methylation processes.
There are many essential nutrients that play a role in methylation. These include zinc, magnesium, vitamins B2, B6, folic acid, vitamin B12, niacin and others. Many people eat foods that are deficient or deplete their bodies of these essential nutrients. Other people have genetic polymorphisms that reduce their ability to absorb and use these nutrients.
Drugs such as the pill, NSAIDs and antacids deplete these nutrients and require massive amounts of methyl groups for proper detoxification. Heavy metal exposure, chronic infections, alcohol consumption and heavy emotional stress also deplete methyl groups and put us at risk.
Genetic variations play a very important role in the methylation process. The presence of SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) is often a major factor in identifying the underlying cause of unbalanced methylation.
Testing for methylation imbalances
Methylation imbalances are often not considered by most physicians. Most health care practitioners have received little or no education about the importance of methylation. Those who are well educated on the subject are the exceptions when it comes to finding the underlying cause of your health problems.
A specific blood test can show an individual's genetic risk for methylation imbalances by analyzing their SNP profile. In case of problems, supplementation with S-Adenolsyl Methionine or Same is recommended.