What is methylation pathway?
Methylation is the transfer of a methyl group, one carbon and three hydrogens, from one molecule to another. Your body runs this reaction billions of times a day. It helps recycle homocysteine, build neurotransmitters, process hormones, make cell membranes and regulate which genes are switched on. The main methyl donor is a molecule called SAMe, which your cells make from the amino acid methionine with help from folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, choline and betaine.
How your genes play a role
The pathway is a chain of enzymes, and your genes hold the instructions for each one. Common variants can make certain enzymes work a little faster or slower, which may shift how much you rely on particular nutrients. Some genes handle folate, others handle B12 transport, and others offer backup routes through choline and betaine. Looking at them together gives a fuller picture than any single gene.
Because methylation supports so many everyday processes, small differences in the pathway can be linked to how you respond to certain vitamins, how you clear homocysteine and how you handle stress hormones. Knowing your tendencies can make conversations with your clinician more specific. It may help explain why one form of a nutrient suits you better than another, or why some people feel different on similar diets. The goal is understanding, not worry, since the body has several ways to keep this cycle in balance.
What your report shows
Your Methylation Pathway results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Folate handlingHow your variants may influence the way you convert dietary folate into its active form.
- B12 transport and useWhether your genes point to typical or less efficient movement and recycling of vitamin B12.
- Backup routesHow your choline and betaine pathways may support methylation when the folate route is slower.
- Messenger clearanceYour tendencies for breaking down catecholamines and estrogen through methylation.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| MTHFR | Makes the enzyme that converts folate into methylfolate, the… | Typical |
| MTR | Makes methionine synthase, which uses vitamin B12 and methylfolate… | Moderate effect |
| MTRR | Keeps methionine synthase active by regenerating the vitamin B12… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| MTHFR | Makes the enzyme that converts folate into methylfolate, the form your body uses to recycle homocysteine. |
| MTR | Makes methionine synthase, which uses vitamin B12 and methylfolate to turn homocysteine back into methionine. |
| MTRR | Keeps methionine synthase active by regenerating the vitamin B12 it depends on. |
| BHMT | Offers a second route for recycling homocysteine, using betaine that can come from choline or foods like beets and spinach. |
| COMT | Uses methyl groups to break down dopamine, adrenaline and certain estrogens. |
Full panel: 14 genes
MTHFR, COMT, PEMT, MTR, MTRR, SHMT1, DHFR, TCN2, UMPS, MS, BHMT, FOLH1, FUT2, GNMT
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Foods naturally rich in folate are often the first thing people discuss when looking at this pathway.
Animal foods and fortified options supply B12, which is worth reviewing if you eat mostly plants.
Eggs, fish and legumes provide choline, which feeds the backup methylation routes.
Steady sleep and stress care may ease the demand stress hormones place on methylation.
Questions
Is a slower methylation variant a problem?
Not on its own. Many people carry common variants and feel entirely well. Your genes describe tendencies, and diet, lifestyle and the body's backup routes all play a part.
Should I start taking methylated vitamins?
That is a decision best made with your clinician. Your report can give them useful context, and they may also want to look at blood markers such as homocysteine, folate and B12.
Why look at so many genes instead of just MTHFR?
Methylation is a network, not a single switch. Seeing the folate, B12, choline and clearance genes together shows how the parts may balance each other.
Only interested in this area? The Methylation Pathway Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
