Methylation Support - 120 Capsules

Methylation is a core process in all cells to help make biochemical conversions, such as in neurotransmitter production, protect and repair our cells from damage, enhance our immune system, etc.

Akasha Naturals comprehensive formula features calcium L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate— an easy to metabolize, nature identical folate, along with N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, vitamins B₆ and methylated B₁₂, and betaine HCl. Together, these nutrients support methylation which in turn promotes healthy homocysteine metabolism essential in the production of Glutathione, the so-called scavenger amino acid.

Properties:

• Support for heart, blood vessel, brain, nerve, and bone health
• Supports cardiovascular and neurological function
• Supports the maintenance of healthy homocysteine levels, important in glutathione production
• Contains Riboflavin 5'-phosphate, added for extra homocysteine metabolism support
• Supports adrenal function by optimizing the methylation of the major hormones:  estrogen dopamine epinephrine, among others
• Facilitates the excretion of heavy metals and environmental toxins
• Plant-based

Methylation is responsible for:

1. Cellular Repair – production and repair of DNA and mRNA.  If DNA is not protected, it is susceptible to viruses, bacteria, heavy metals, solvents, and environmental toxins.
2. Detoxification and Neurotransmitter Production – interconversion of amino acids
3. Healthy Immune System – formation and maturation of RBC, WBC, Platelets.
4. Breakdown of histamine.  Sometimes the common methyl donor SAMe can help reduce histamine levels (when a methyl group joins histamine, histamine break up
5. Protecting cell membranes.
6. Enhancing the production of Glutathione, the body's primary antioxidant and detoxifier.

Methylation FAQs

1. What is methylation and why is it important?

Crucial to optimal health, elimination, increased energy and overall well-being,  Methylation is a biochemical process affecting a range of metabolic functions.  If it is out of balance, it can lead to various health conditions. 

MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase), the  enzyme that is responsible for the process of methylation in every cell in your body is composed of a methyl group is one carbon and three hydrogen molecules. When a methyl group attaches to an enzyme, the enzyme performs a specific action. When people with MTHFR genetic mutations are exposed to more toxins than their bodies can handle, they have a harder time getting rid of them, which can lead to a variety of medical conditions. 

MTHFR can make you susceptible to illness because the pathway is the primary source of glutathione (scavenger amino acid) production in the body. Glutathione is the body’s primary antioxidant and detoxifier. People with MTHFR anomalies usually have low glutathione and high homocysteine which makes them more susceptible to stress and less tolerant to toxins. As we age, MTHFR problems worsen due to the accumulation of toxins and the cumulative effect of oxidative stress. 

However, there are specific vitamins that can support this process.

Specifically, methylation is the process in which a molecule called a “methyl group” is added to another substance, like a protein or DNA, in order for that substance to function. A methyl group is one carbon and three hydrogen molecules. Methyl groups are produced via a process called the “methylation cycle”.

The methylation cycle supports our bodies both physically and mentally because there are so many essential bodily functions that use this process. These include immune, cardiovascular, and nervous system function, as well as hormone balance, energy production, and heavy metal detoxification.  

2. What are the symptoms of poor methylation?

Fatigue is possibly the most common symptom of undermethylation. Other symptoms can include depression, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, inflammation, and muscle pain. Conditions can include allergies, digestive issues, and irritable bowel syndrome, addictions, miscarriages, and autism. In addition, poor methylation can increase the risk for conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, osteoporosis, birth defects, as well as lung and colon cancer.

The most common cause of undermethylation is a defective MTHFR enzyme. B2, B12, and folic acid are not bioavailable if MTHFR is not functioning properly. That is to say, they are not activated such that our bodies can absorb them.

MTHFR is the enzyme that controls the process of methylation in our bodies. MTHFR gene mutations can prevent the body from producing enough methyl groups.

3. How do you support methylation?

MTHFR gene mutations can cause people to not produce enough methyl groups. For people whose MTHFR isn’t activating or absorbing B vitamins on its own, adequate intake of active forms of supplemental B vitamins can support healthy methylation. In addition, there are other supplements and dietary changes that can aid in undermethylation. A diet containing plentiful B vitamins and folate is important, as is avoiding certain medications. 

Minimizing exposure to lifestyle and environmental factors that are known to affect methylation is also important. These factors include exposure to toxins (pollution, radiation, and heavy metals), chronic inflammation, poor nutrition, and the aging process.  

A wholesome lifestyle that includes a well-balanced diet, elimination of and protection from toxins, stress management, exercise, and sleep aids in healthy methylation.

4. Do B vitamins help with methylation? 

Research shows that an adequate supply of certain B vitamins is necessary for a healthy methylation cycle. Vitamins B2, B6, and B12, in addition to other vitamins and minerals, are essential for enzyme activity during the cycle. B9 or folate is also a vital nutrient that helps produce methyl groups which in turn allows methylation to occur. A deficiency in any of these B vitamins can lead to impairment in the methylation cycle.

While all of these vitamins are available as dietary supplements, it is recommended to get as many of them as possible from food. Foods that can improve methylation in the body include avocado, green leafy vegetables, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, asparagus, legumes, etc. Of note, those with undermethylation may do poorly on diets without any animal protein. 

5. Can improved methylation help with weight loss? 

There is a known link between MTHFR gene mutations and weight gain or the inability to lose weight. Many people diagnosed with MTHFR gene mutations have found it to be a significant contributing factor to their weight gain.

Your weight gain could be related to an MTHFR gene mutation if:

• You are obese
• You have a slow metabolism
• You struggle with diet and exercise
• You are unable to lose weight
• You have a family history of weight problems
• You accumulate abdominal fat first
• You have a larger body mass index (BMI) and a larger hip to waist ratio
• You have a fatty liver
• You have high blood pressure (a sign of cardiovascular disease)
• You store high levels of unmetabolized folic acid

6. How long does it take to correct methylation?

Methylation can take three to four months to correct and takes longer in people with A blood type. Corrective measures do not correct the genetic MTHFR defect, and therefore should be undertaken indefinitely.

To improve methylation, start by adding key nutrients including folate, B vitamins, and choline to your diet. A high-fiber diet is suggested with anti-inflammatory foods that contain protein, healthy fats, and no added refined sugar. This type of nutritious diet can play a significant role in healthy methylation, and will also improve your overall health.

Lifestyle modifications can enhance the methylation process in the body too, such as engaging in regular exercise. Also, excess alcohol consumption and caffeinated beverages should be avoided. Stress management, quitting smoking, and eliminating exposure to toxins are also important measures.

Supplement Facts

Serving Size: 2 Capsules
Servings Per Container: 60
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Riboflavin 1.6mg 94%
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCL) 25mg 1,250%
Folate (as calcium L-% methyltetrahydrofolate) 800mcg 200%
Vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) 1,000mcg 16.667%
Zinc (as zinc citrate) 1.5mg 10%
Manganese (as manganese citrate) 0.4mg 20%
Molybdenum (as molybdenum glycinate) 15mcg 20%
Other Ingredients: Capsule (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose), silicified microcrystalline cellulose, sterile acid (vegetable), magnesium stearate (vegetable), and silica

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