Use your genetic raw data to optimize your health.
The methylation cycle is a foundational biological pathway that affects many aspects of your wellbeing. In a nutshell, methylation is the donation of a methyl group that is needed for a variety of reactions such as DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis, and detoxification of some toxins. A methyl group is a carbon plus three hydrogens, and this can be easily used in biological reactions. Many of the molecules that make up your body have a backbone of carbons and hydrogens, so adding another carbon plus three hydrogens (methyl group) can modify the compound.
Problems within the methylation cycle often cause high homocysteine levels, which is a marker that doctors test for heart disease risk. Other issues that researchers have linked to methylation cycle problems include an increased risk of depression, anxiety, miscarriage, stroke, and certain cancers. Clinicians often find that methylation cycle problems cause brain fog, mood issues, and fatigue.
Utilize our Methylation Cycle Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)
Getting enough folate in your diet? We’ve collected some simple nutritional tools and recipes to get you on track.
BHMT is involved in homocysteine methylation and impacts the methylation cycle. (Member’s article)
Check your 23andMe or AncestryDNA data for the MTHFR C677T and A1298C variants. Learn what the scientific research shows about MTHFR.
Some supplements interact with COMT variants to impact the rate at which neurotransmitters are broken down. Check your COMT genotype and discover how this may affect your reaction to different supplements or combinations of supplements.
This article explains where the MTR and MTRR genes fit within the methylation cycle. I’ll show you how to check your 23andMe or AncestryDNA raw data for the MTR and MTRR SNPs, and then explain how to optimize your diet for these variants.
This new study shows that people who carry the MTHFR 677 A/A genotype are at a 42% increased relative risk of high blood pressure throughout adulthood.
We are all genetically unique, and a common genetic variant in the MTHFR gene causes some people to be more susceptible to having low folate levels. This article explains the research linking MTHFR variants, folate, and depression — and gives you information on how diet or supplements may help.
Your genes may be playing a role in your infertility — and knowing which genetic variants you carry may help you figure out solutions to try.
Riboflavin, or vitamin B2, is an essential cofactor for many biological pathways. Learn how to check your genetic raw data to see if you may need more riboflavin.
An essential nutrient, your need for choline from foods is greatly influenced by your genes. Find out whether you should be adding more choline into your diet.
A lot of people use the MTHFR variants as a reason not to vaccinate their kids. Is there any science to back this up? See what the research says.
Wondering why your neurotransmitters are out of balance? It could be due to your COMT genetic variants. The COMT gene codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase which breaks down (metabolizes) the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine.
Your genes play a role in your susceptibility to migraines. Find out what is going on when you have a migraine and solutions that fit your genes.
Methylfolate may be a better option than folic acid if you have certain genetic variants in the MTHFR or DHFR genes.
Some clinicians recommend a low sulfur diet for people with CBS mutations. Find out what the research shows – and why that recommendation is not backed up. (Member’s article)