Methylation Update 2016
In this blog space we like to talk about health issues that mean something to the average person and give you tips that can make a difference right away.
Periodically we will circle back to methylation. Methylation can be quite a knot to unravel, however as we keep chipping away at it, we can slowly make sense of it and avoid the serious health issues that methylation problems will bring.
What is a Methyl Group?
A methyl group is a simple molecule of one carbon and three hydrogens or CH3. These methyl groups are shuffled around in various biochemical pathways for activation or deactivation of the target molecule. Let's talk about what methylation does.
Methylation and Heavy Metal Detox
The body attaches methyl groups to metals to make them water soluble and therefore ready for excretion.
Methylation and DNA Control
60-90% of adult DNA is methylated. This is one way to turn embryonic, generalized tissue into specialized tissue like a brain or heart cell.
Methylation can keep sections of DNA switched off that could transcribe virus or cancer precursors.
Methylation helps keep the lining of arteries healthy.
Monocytes and lymphocytes need to be properly methylated to avoid strokes and blood clots.
To put this another way, less than ideal methylation can lead to heavy metal toxicity, blood clots, altered brain development in infants, increased risk of cancer, decreased immune function and higher probability of some types of cancers and cardiovascular disease.
All sound like conditions you might want to avoid.
How to Improve Methylation
So how does one go about getting proper methylation? How does one figure out if methylation is an issue at all?
Genetic testing is helpful at pointing out defects in genes like MTRR and MTHFR. Of course, this story is way more complicated than a couple of genes but it helps to know what these are.
Folate Key
One of the key components of this cycle is folate. You can learn something about your folate needs by taking methyl folate. Some people really feel great when this is added to their routine. We recommend you begin with 800 micrograms and work up to maybe 2.5 mg per day. If you feel better, you have your answer. If you feel terrible, you have also learned something about your physiology.
Problem With Methyl Folate
So if methylation is so important, why would a person feel terrible after taking a methyl donor like methyl folate? The answer will most likely come from another set of genes related to neurotransmitter function, especially the COMT gene. The COMT is involved in neurotransmitter metabolism, especially dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. If you are having issues with your COMT pathways you will tend to have a buildup of dopamine, epinephrine and norepinephrine. If you add methyl B12 and methyl folate, the breakdown of these hormones and neurotransmitters will slow even further.
An Example
How might this look in a real person. This person has genetically slow COMT activity and now you add some methyl donors like methyl B12 (a common type used) and methyl folate (from a well-meaning doctor), they will tend to have a dopamine build-up making concentration and focus difficult and it might appear that they aren't even trying. Some authority figure confronts this person because this person's performance isn't up to par causing a fear reaction and a resulting adrenaline rush. This person is now has excess epinephrine and norepinephrine along with elevated dopamine. They feel both tired and wired, at the same time. They are even less able to function and the cycle continues. Over time, high levels of these catecholamines can lead to a greater probability of tachycardia and high blood pressure.
This person should try supplementing with vitamin B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate), DIM (3,3-diindolylmethane), magnesium and hydroxyl B12. How much methyl B12
Continuing our discussion of folate, what about folic acid? You will see this added to many multi-vitamins and supplements. Some people have little problem converting folic acid into a form your body can use but some people have problems with the four steps it requires to make the conversion to a useful vitamin. So folic acid added to a supplement may or may not be helpful, it just depends. Usually the folic acid is in small amounts so it is not a big deal, that is not a big help but not a big hindrance either.