Methylation is responsible for making, maintaining and repairing DNA
Methylation is the process where nutrients called ‘methyl donors’ are added to our gene markers and proteins to keep them active. Vitamins B12 and folate play important roles in this process. Testing of the cofactors Methylmalonic acid (MMA) and Formiminoglutamic acid (FIGLU) is more effective than measuring the levels of the B vitamins themselves - this is because impaired methylation can cause these vitamins to build up in the blood where they are measured, but the vitamins can't get into the cells where they are needed.
Understanding your B vitamin levels are especially important if you have elevated homocysteine levels. Elevated homocysteine is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. It is a multifactorial condition with genetic and environmental factors involved, and can often be managed providing there are sufficient B vitamins.
What we test
Methylation Cofactors
Methylation is a key biochemical process that impacts everything from hormone metabolism to DNA repair to mental wellbeing. When methylation is impaired, you might experience anxiety, hormonal imbalances, brain fog, or poor detoxification.
MMA is a associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. It's a byproduct of the metabolism of certain amino acids, and its conversion to succinyl-CoA requires vitamin B12 as a cofactor. Elevated levels can indicate impaired vitamin B12 absorption, utilisation, or genetic disorders.
FIGLU is associated with folate deficiency. It's a byproduct of histidine metabolism, and its conversion to glutamic acid requires folate as a coenzyme. Elevated levels indicate inadequate folate intake, impaired folate absorption, or genetic defects in folate metabolism.
Test instructions
Your test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you, and there is no need to visit a collection centre.
Results for this test available in 2-4 weeks depending on region and will be published in your online dashboard.
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