Methylation is one of the most essential processes in our bodies, influencing everything from energy production to detoxification, mental wellbeing, and longevity. Despite its importance, most of us know very little about how well we methylate — or how methylation impacts our health.
What is Methylation?
Methylation is a biochemical process where a ‘methyl group’ is added to molecules in your body, enabling key functions like DNA repair, neurotransmitter production, detoxification, and immune regulation. Methylation acts like a switch turning processes on or off to keep your body in balance.
The methylation process itself is part of a network of interconnected processes, forming primary and universal methyl donors. The universal methyl donor, SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), isn't just used for direct methylation but also acts as a cofactor. A cofactor is a substance that assists enzymes in their activity, helping to catalyze biochemical reactions. Some of the intermediates in these pathways also function as cofactors, aiding various cellular processes and recycling pathways.
When your body isn’t methylating properly, the effects can be far reaching impacting a number of systems in your body. These include:
- Nervous system – causing mood imbalances, anxiety, or brain fog
- Cardiovascular function – causing elevated homocysteine levels and increased heart disease risk
- Detoxification pathways - causing toxin build-up and chemical sensitivities)
- Immune system - causing chronic inflammation and increased vulnerability to illness
What is a Methylation Profile?
Each of us fits into a unique methylation profile, shaped by specific genetic variations in our DNA. Genetic methylation testing identifies these variations in key methylation-related genes—MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, MTHFD1, PEMT, CBS, and COMT—which play crucial roles in supporting the methylation process.
Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, mood swings, digestive issues, or inflammation, knowing your methylation profile can help you to modify your diet, change your lifestyle, and more effectively supplement to better support your body’s methylation processes.
So, what type of methylator are you? Let’s explore five common profiles.
1. The Undermethylator
Undermethylators often have reduced methylation activity, resulting in a lack of methyl donors and key co factors for critical processes such as DNA/RNA synthesis, neurotransmitter synthesis and balance, detoxification, immune regulation and inflammation control. This reduced activity affects the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, potentially resulting in mood instability, low motivation, and heightened sensitivity to stress. Inefficient methylation also hampers detoxification pathways, triggers oxidative stress leading to cell and tissue damage and metabolic issues, inflammatory regulation, contributing to symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, weakened immune function, and histamine-related issues such as allergies or skin reactions.
One of the most clinically significant traits of undermethylators is an increased risk of cardiovascular problems due to elevated levels of homocysteine, a key marker of inflammation.
2. The Overmethylator
Overmethylators tend to have overactive methylation processes, leading to an excess of methyl donors. This imbalance disrupts related pathways. SAM (S-adenosylmethionine) aids in creating precursors for neurotransmitter and hormone synthesis. However, too many methyl donors can overwhelm these pathways, preventing new neurotransmitters and hormones from being properly broken down and balanced. This imbalance can temporarily boost energy levels but the excess buildup of certain neurotransmitters and hormones can overstimulate the nervous system, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, irritability, insomnia, headaches, and restlessness.
Excessive methylation often results in elevated levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. While these chemicals are essential for mood and energy regulation, their overproduction or slow breakdown can overwhelm the nervous system, causing increased emotional and physical tension.
3. The Toxin Sensitive Methylator
Toxin sensitive methylators exhibit traits similar to undermethylators but face additional challenges with toxin clearance. These individuals often experience chemical sensitivities, chronic inflammation, and hormone imbalances due to inefficient detoxification processes.
Methylation inefficiencies hinder the body’s ability to eliminate metabolic byproducts, toxins, and heavy metals, leading to their accumulation. This build-up can contribute to chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and systemic issues like fatigue, brain fog, and skin sensitivities, placing further strain on the liver and immune system.
4. The Gut-Impaired Methylator
Gut-Impaired methylators often face digestive issues, nutrient deficiencies, and gut microbiome imbalances. These challenges are linked to inefficient methylation, which affects gut lining repair, nutrient absorption, and microbial balance.
When methylation is compromised, gut lining repair may be impaired, leading to intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and digestive discomfort. This disruption can hinder the proper digestion and absorption of fats, proteins, carbohydrates, and vital nutrients like vitamin B12, creating conditions that can imbalance the gut microbiome
5. Immune Compromised Methylator
Immune compromised undermethylators often struggle to maintain a resilient immune system. This profile is characterised by difficulties in DNA methylation, DNA repair, immune cell production, and managing oxidative stress, which can increase susceptibility to infections, chronic inflammation, and autoimmune disorders.
Methylation plays a critical role in immune regulation by stabilizing DNA, supporting blood cell production, and neutralising free radicals. When methylation is inefficient, the body faces challenges with DNA methylation, which may activate harmful oncogenes, as well as with DNA repair. Additionally, reduced antioxidant defenses and impaired production of red and white blood cells compromise oxygen transport and immune response, leaving the system more vulnerable.
Knowing Your Methylation Profile is a Game-Changer
You can find out your methylation profile with a i-screen’s Genetic Methylation Check. This simple cheek swab test covers a staggering 92 genes and 113 SNPs across a broad range of health categories. This includes the methylation genes MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, MTHFD1, PEMT, CBS and COMT which are essential to the methylation process.
You’ll receive a comprehensive report which tell you:
- Your Genetic Methylation Profile
- Which mutations you have in your methylation genes
- Key health risks associated with your methylation profile
- Recommended dietary and lifestyle changes to support your methylation processes
- A supplement prescription to help you optimise your body’s methylation processes
- Advice regarding further testing to understand how your body’s methylation processes are currently performing in spite of mutations in your methylation genes. These insights are valuable in tailoring any lifestyle or supplement interventions.
Unlike other DNA tests on the market, i-screen’s Genetic Methylation Check is performed by a NATA accredited laboratory in Australia so you can be confident of reliable results. Your data is managed in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles (APP) using the latest encryption meaning you can be sure of complete discretion and confidentiality.
Ready to take control of your health?
Imagine knowing exactly what your body needs to feel its best. Whether it’s a specific nutrient, a dietary change, or avoiding environmental triggers - understanding your methylation profile puts you in the driver’s seat. Follow-up testing can also fine-tune these strategies, helping you achieve noticeable health benefits.
Take the first step with i-screen’s simple Genetic Methylation Check cheek swab test – because you and your family deserve to feel your best.
