What is Methylation?
Methylation is a vital metabolic process that happens in every cell and every organ in your body, taking place a million times a second. Life would simply not exist without it. Think of billions of little on/off switches inside your body that control everything from your stress response and how your body makes energy from food, to your brain chemistry and detoxification. That’s methylation.
For those of you who like to understand the ‘mechanics’ behind what happens in our body: Methylation is a biochemical reaction that involves the transfer of a methyl group onto amino acids, proteins, enzymes and DNA. The addition of a methyl group onto these molecules facilitates biochemical reactions vital to critical functions in our body such as:
- thinking,
- repairing DNA,
- turning on and off genes,
- fighting infections and detoxification (especially in the liver).
It is also important for the proper functioning of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis and critical for the synthesis of all neurotransmitters and histamine; for example, the enzyme that converts norepinephrine to epinephrine is dependent on methylation for activation.
What stops our methylation cycle from working properly?
Our methyl groups e.g. choline, methionine, MTHF (B9), B6 and B12 may not be working properly due to:
- A genetic mutation
- Shortage of methyl groups
- Diet
- Stress
- Aging
- Infections
- Alcohol
- Medications
Why should you be concerned about Methylation?
Methylation is involved in the following:
- 400 + enzymatic & cellular reactions
- DNA synthesis & repair
- Cell replication & repair
- Neurotransmitter synthesis & metabolism
- Energy production/metabolism
- Hormone regulation
- Detoxification
- Epigenetics – gene expression/regulation
- Telomere Integrity
Is there a test?
Yes – next time you see your GP for a blood test, ask that homocysteine be checked. Hyperhomocysteinemia is an established risk factor for mortality, primarily due to its oxidative effects on proteins and DNA [2-4]. Because of its strong oxidation activity, homocysteine levels are potential risk factors for premature telomere shortening, cellular ageing and accelerated mortality risk. Elevated homocysteine has also been linked with increased cardiovascular disease [5].
Homocysteine (Hcy) is a toxic metabolite or by-product of the methionine cycle requiring adequate levels of Vitamin B6, folate (vitamin B9) and vitamin B12 [1].
Potential mechanisms include oxidative stress and chronic inflammation, linking homocysteine, vitamin B6 and telomere length with mortality. Hyperhomocysteinemia disrupts antioxidant defence mechanisms in tissues, causing intra- and extracellular damage whilst also causing inflammation [6]. Systemic inflammation also increases vitamin B6 catabolism and cellular uptake, reducing plasma concentrations of this vital nutrient [7].
Methylation turns genes on and off
When the methyl group is “lost” or removed, or if we are short of methyl groups, the reaction stops. When we are short of methyl groups our body cannot respond to the nutrients, vitamins, minerals or herbs we ingest, affecting many biological reactions in the body.
When a molecule receives a methyl group, this “starts” a reaction (such as turning a gene on or activating an enzyme). For example molecules receiving methyl groups “turn on” detox reactions that detox the body of chemicals, including phenols. So if you are phenol sensitive, and increase your methylation, then theoretically your body can process more phenols and you can eat high phenol containing fruits without enzymes!
Another example is molecules receiving methyl groups “turn on” serotonin, and thus melatonin, production. Therefore, if you are an under-methylator, you can increase your methylation and have higher levels of serotonin and melatonin – both are implicated in mental health and sleep. The methylation cycle requires important co-factors including the B- Vitamins, i.e folate, B12 and B6. These B vitamins have to be in their activated form, namely Methylcobalamin, Folinic acid, 5 MTHF and Pyridoxyl-5-Phosphate. Remember that if supplementing B-Vitamins should always be taken together in a balanced formula.
Our methyl groups e.g. choline, methionine, MTHF, B6 and B12 may not be working properly due to:
- A genetic mutation e.g. MTHFR.
- Shortage of methyl groups – from environmental pollutants like Bisphenol A in plastics, chemicals & heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium (from smoking).
- Diet – humans ingest approximately 50 mmol of methyl groups per day; 60% of them are derived from choline. When they are deprived of choline, they use more methyl groups from folate, increasing dietary folate requirements. Conversely, when they are deprived of folate, they use more methyl groups from choline, increasing the dietary requirement for choline.
- Stress – if the stress response is using up the methyl groups then this shortage will affect other organs like the brain, thyroid, adrenals & pancreas.
- Aging – methyl groups decline with age. So cognitive decline can be greater if we have a decrease of methyl groups.
- Infections – viruses/bacteria, fungi.
- Alcohol – the ethanol in alcohol inhibits methylation.
- Medications e.g. antacids, methotrexate – can hinder the methylation pathway.
Methyl-Related Foods*
- Folate – strawberries citrus fruits & leafy green vegetables – preferably organic to avoid the pesticide and herbicide chemicals.
- Vitamin B12 – fish, meat, milk & eggs – wild caught not farmed fish, organic and free range meat and eggs.
- Choline oxidises to form a source of methyl called Betaine – which is found in beef liver, toasted wheat germ, eggs, cod, beef, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, shrimp & salmon (not farmed). Two large eggs contain 252mg choline, nearly half of the recommended 550mg per day for men.
* It is important to choose whole foods, preferably organic to avoid pesticides and herbicides; wild caught fish not farmed varieties (such as salmon); organic free range meats and eggs
What is MTHFR?
An enzyme that adds a methyl group to folic acid to make it usable by the body. The MTHFR gene produces this enzyme that is necessary for properly converting folic acid to its active form 5MTHF (5-Methyl-tetrahydrofolate). This enzyme is also important for converting homocysteine into methionine.
Activated folate (5MTHF) goes on to give its methyl group to other nutrients & substances – “methylation.” 5MTHF is required for the creation of every cell in our body, and is also used to:
- create neurotransmitters (serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine & dopamine);
- create immune cells;
- process hormones (i.e oestrogen);
- as well as to produce energy & detoxify chemicals.
MTHFR Gene Mutation
Those with a defective MTHFR gene have an impaired ability to produce the MTHFR enzyme (estimates range from 20%-70% or more). This can make it more difficult to break down and eliminate substances like heavy metals.
Individuals with the MTHFR gene mutation have difficulties processing B9 in the form of folic acid (commonly present in supplements and added to processed foods). This type of B9 may even cause a build-up in the body leading to toxicity which can raise levels of homocysteine.
Elevated homocysteine levels are associated with a higher risk of heart disease, inflammation, birth defects, difficult pregnancies, and potentially an impaired ability to detoxify. This also affects the conversion to glutathione, which the body needs to remove waste and which is a potent antioxidant.
Many factors can contribute to the expression of the MTHFR mutation including; our environment, foods, chemical exposure & stress.
How do we get this Mutation?
The reason for the types of mutations is variations in the specific genes passed on from each parent. In other words, if both parents pass on a healthy gene, a person won’t have a mutation at all. If one parent passes on a healthy gene but the other passes on a mutated gene, several variations can occur. If both parents pass on a mutated form, there are many more scenarios that can occur.
The two most problematic mutations in the MTHFR gene that can occur are the following SNP’s: C677T and A1298C. While a ‘normal’ MTHFR gene would be C 677C (c= cytosine), a mutation has made the gene C 677T (t= thymine). The letter represents the nucleotide base and the number refers to the location of the mutation on the gene.
The most common forms of MTHFR mutation involve various combinations of these genes being passed on from each parent:
- Homozygous: the same gene passed on from both parents – can occur if both pass on the 677 mutation or the 1298 mutation.
- Heterozygous: one parent passed on the 677 mutation or the 1298 mutation but the other parent passed on a normal gene.
- Compound Heterozygous: one parent passed on the 677 mutation and the other passed on the 1298 mutation.
There are also some theories regarding the activation of impaired genes and the rising numbers of MTHFR SNPs – the main one relates to fortification of foods using synthetic forms of B-vitamins but especially to the increased supplementation and fortification of Folate. This inactive form seems to lead to increased methylation tendencies.
What is a SNP?
When the methylation cycle does its job it supports a wide range of bodily functions. But when SNPs are present in key places in the cycle, they can cause an over or underproduction of certain chemicals, undermining the task of methylation.
SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) are the most common type of genetic variation among people. Each SNP represents a difference in a single DNA building block, called a nucleotide. For example, a SNP may replace the nucleotide cytosine (C) with the nucleotide thymine (T) in a certain stretch of DNA. Commonly tested SNPs include; MTHFR C677T & MTHFR A1298C.
How do you know if you have a SNP?
There are several tests available to assess whether or not you have any of the genetic mutations which can affect your methylation. True Medicine offers DNA testing including specific tests for:
- General health
- Dietary intolerances
- Sports fitness
- Oestrogen
True Medicine stocks only high-grade neutraceutical supplements which, when prescribed, address your unique needs. Never self-prescribe or try and self-diagnose methylation imbalances. Any health assessment should always be undertaken by a trained professional.
[1] Herrmann, W., Herrmann, M., & Obeid, R. (2007). Hyperhomocysteinaemia: A critical review of old and new aspects. Current Drug Metabolism, 8(1), 17–31. https://doi.org/10.2174/138920007779315008
[2] Fan, R., Zhang, A., & Zhong, F. (2017). Association between Homocysteine Levels and All-cause Mortality: A Dose-Response Meta-Analysis of Prospective Studies. Scientific Reports, 7(1), 4769. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-05205-3
[3] Sibrian-Vazquez, M., Escobedo, J. O., Lim, S., Samoei, G. K., & Strongin, R. M. (2010). Homocystamides promote free-radical and oxidative damage to proteins. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 107(2), 551–554. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.0909737107
[4] Wang, D., Chen, Y.-M., Ruan, M.-H., Zhou, A.-H., Qian, Y., & Chen, C. (2016). Homocysteine inhibits neural stem cells survival by inducing DNA interstrand cross-links via oxidative stress. Neuroscience Letters, 635, 24–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neulet.2016.10.032
[5] Pusceddu, I., Herrmann, W., Kleber, M. E., Scharnagl, H., Hoffmann, M. M., Winklhofer-Roob, B. M., März, W., & Herrmann, M. (2020). Subclinical inflammation, telomere shortening, homocysteine, vitamin B6, and mortality: The Ludwigshafen Risk and Cardiovascular Health Study. European Journal of Nutrition, 59(4), 1399–1411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-019-01993-8
[6] Li, J.-J., Li, Q., Du, H.-P., Wang, Y.-L., You, S.-J., Wang, F., Xu, X.-S., Cheng, J., Cao, Y.-J., Liu, C.-F., & Hu, L.-F. (2015). Homocysteine Triggers Inflammatory Responses in Macrophages through Inhibiting CSE-H2S Signaling via DNA Hypermethylation of CSE Promoter. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 16(12), 12560–12577. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms160612560
[7] Ulvik, A., Midttun, Ø., Pedersen, E. R., Eussen, S. J., Nygård, O., & Ueland, P. M. (2014). Evidence for increased catabolism of vitamin B-6 during systemic inflammation. The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 100(1), 250–255. https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.114.083196