Methylation Pathways
Nutrients in Methylation Cycle
- Choline
- Folate
- Genistein
- Methionine
- Polyphenols
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B12
Nutrients in Methylation Cycle
- Carnitine
- CoQ10
- Creatine
- Cysteine
- Epinephrine
- Glutathione
- Melatonin
- Norepinephrine
- Seratonin
- Taurine
MTHFR Methylation Test Overview
The Methylation Panel is an innovative test designed to offer insight into the critical biochemical methylation pathway.The results are synthesized on a front-page Interpretation-at-a-Glance (IAAG) graphic for quick methylation status assessment. Within the report, results are shown in a methylation pathway graphic to provide a clear understanding of the biochemistry involved.
Methylation is a chemical process that happens billions of times per second in every cell of the body. Methyl groups are transferred and donated between many different molecules which change their structure and function. Methyl groups act like billions of switches which turn genes on or off, help regulate mood, detoxify hormones, produce energy, and promote healthy aging.
Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from the diet are needed to keep this process running smoothly. There are also genetic factors and oxidative stressors which can affect how well this pathway works.
Methylation is needed to create DNA and RNA and regulate gene expression. It helps make creatine, which is needed for skeletal muscle contraction. Methylation is involved in basic energy production, fat metabolism, immune responses, vascular health, and cell membrane repair. It produces and metabolizes neurotransmitters to regulate mood. Methylation also works to neutralize toxins and hormones.
When the methylation cycle is turned “off” due to lack of proper nutrients or genetic variants, a number of important molecules cannot be produced, including glutathione, CoQ10, epinephrine, melatonin, and serotonin – important hormones and antioxidants.
Methylation defects have been associated with many clinical conditions including, but not limited to cancer, autism, ADHD, congenital and neural tube defects, cognitive decline, depression, cardiovascular disease, and schizophrenia.
Genova’s Methylation Panel combines biomarkers with genetic information in one profile. Some genetic predispositions are not always expressed, therefore seeing combined results offers greater insight.
Not only does the Methylation Panel assess the methylation cycle, but it also incorporates the folate cycle and transsulfuration. Because these three processes are interconnected, the Methylation Panel is able to provide a complete picture regarding methylation status.
With these results, Vitalife can help tailor a personalized program to help target nutrient deficiencies. We source pre-methylated nutrients like Methylcobalamin (Vitamin B12) and Folate (Folic Acid) to help take out the guesswork and give your body proper nutrients that it can absorb and use. We can also support low levels of glutathione, CoQ10, carnitine, taurine, and other vital molecules produced by the methylation cycle to help target deficiencies and relieve symptoms.
special instructions
The NutrEval Test requires a urine sample. The day before your blood draw, please stop by the clinic to pick up urine sample supplies. The urine must be collected first thing after waking up the morning of the blood draw and brought in for collection and delivery to the lab.
Four Days Prior: Stop taking any oral supplements.
One Day Prior: Arrive at clinic to pick up urine sample collection kit. Consume no more than six (6) 8oz glasses of water 24 hours prior to collection.
Morning Of: Collect Urine Sample. Consume only water, coffee or tea prior to your appointment.
Fasted: Yes
Schedule your lab draw Monday - Thursday.
How to Get Started
Schedule a Draw
Get started by scheduling a lab draw online or over the phone. Draws are done Monday thru Thursday prior to 2:30 for overnight delivery to our lab partners.
Wait on Results
Results may take up to two weeks for MRT panels. A member of our staff will schedule your follow up consult at your draw and results will be uploaded to your client profile.
Start a Program
After the results are ready, a member of our medical staff will reach out to schedule a follow-up consult to review your test-generated LEAP protocol diet for diet elimination.