Methylation, in simple terms, refers to the transfer of methyl groups (one carbon and three hydrogen molecules (CH3)) from one substance or compound to another in the body. Various biological compounds throughout our body require methylation in order to function properly, including supporting the production and maintenance of amino acids, neurotransmitters, hormones, and much more. Methylation affects nearly all physiological processes, on a cellular and systemic level, even regulating activity of cardiovascular, neurological, and detoxification systems.
Methyl groups are provided by a variety of micronutrients and compounds, collectively known as “methyl donors”. These include essential B vitamins (folate (B9), vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin (B2)) and betaine, especially in their most bioactive forms. These are star players in supporting optimal methylation, as they directly support various steps in interlinking metabolic pathways that drive methylation processes, including the folate and methionine cycles.
The folate cycle is critical for feeding the active form of folate (5-MTHF), one of the most important methyl donors, into the methionine cycle. Folic acid (from certain supplements and fortified foods) and folate (from dietary sources) require multiple steps of conversion, relying on proper functioning of enzymes to arrive at its fully active form. One of these is the MTHFR enzyme, for which over half the U.S. population has a gene variant impacting its efficiency. Active folate is required for the proper metabolism and conversion of homocysteine, (plus the help of other important methyl donors such as vitamin B12 and betaine) into methionine.
Methionine, an essential amino acid important for the production of various proteins throughout the body (everything from muscles and antibodies, to hormones), is also required for the synthesis of SAM-e, the body’s universal methyl donor. SAM-e, with the help of specialized enzymes called methyltransferases, supports all methylation processes in the body. Once SAM-e donates its methyl groups, it is converted back into homocysteine to feed back into the cycle. These cycles with their supportive nutrients in their bioactive forms drive methylation. mbg’s methylation support+ is focused, precision nutrition solution for whole-body methylation health and function.*