Find Out Your Genetic Methylation Profile
Methylation is one of the most essential processes in our bodies, influencing everything from energy production to detoxification, mental wellbeing, and longevity. Whether you’re struggling with fatigue, mood swings, digestive issues, or inflammation, knowing your methylation profile can help you modify your diet, change your lifestyle, and more effectively supplement to better support your health.
You'll receive a detailed report describing your individual methylation profile and the implications of this for your health. Based on your methylation profile we'll provide personalised nutrition guidelines and a supplement prescription specific to you. Find out more about the different methylation profiles here.
Unlike many other DNA tests on the market, Our Genetic Methylation Check is performed by an Australian NATA accredited laboratory. 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.
The simple cheek swab test covers the methylation genes MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, MTHFD1, AHCY, PEMT, CBS and COMT which are essential to the methylation process.
Methylation is a vital biochemical process that impacts numerous functions, including:
- Mood and Cognitive Health
- Immune Function
- Energy and Vitality
- Detoxification
- DNA Repair and Cellular Function
Interpretation of your results is provided along with personalised nutrition and lifestyle recommendations to help you optimise your methylation pathways.
What we test
Methylation Profile
Your methylation profile describes your body's ability to regulate methylation, a vital process affecting DNA repair, detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, and cardiovascular health. Imbalances can result in undermethylation which is linked to high histamine, detox challenges, and depression, or overmethylation which is associated with low histamine, anxiety, and mood instability. Poor methylation may also elevate homocysteine levels, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and impaired cognitive function.
Genetic Methylation Genes
This genetic methylation test includes the essential MTHFR, COMT, MTRR, MTR, MTHFD1, AHCY, PEMT and CBS methylation genes. Knowing your methylation genotype can uncover needs for nutritional support such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals and help guide dietary and lifestyle treatment plans.
The MTHFR enzyme is essential for processing folate and converting homocysteine into methionine. Individuals with this mutation may have higher homocysteine, though the effects depend on whether they have one or two copies of the mutation.
This mutation can also reduce the efficiency of the MTHFR enzyme. While its impact is typically less severe than the C677T mutation, having one or two copies of A1298C may impact neurotransmitter and hormone production and contribute to oxidative stress.
The CBS gene helps convert homocysteine into important substances for our body, like proteins and antioxidants that fight cell damage. Mutations in this gene can weaken this process, potentially raising homocysteine levels.
The methionine synthase enzyme is required to convert homocysteine to methionine. The mutation may reduce enzyme efficiency, potentially contributing to elevated homocysteine levels, especially when combined with other genetic or nutritional factors.
This gene encodes an enzyme essential for regenerating methionine synthase. Similar to MTR, mutations in this gene may impair enzyme function, potentially leading to elevated homocysteine levels.
MTHFD1 helps convert folate from one form into another which is critical for methylation. Mutations in MTHFD1 may result in lower levels of active folate as well as folate intermediates, which are a key input for crucial making DNA and RNA, and downstream biological pathways.
This mutation is associated with lower choline production in the liver. Choline is essential for production of acetylcholine which helps send messages through to various organs, ensuring smooth communication within our nervous system and proper functioning of our organs.
Similar to PEMT C744G, this mutation is also associated with lower choline production in the liver. Both PEMT variations can lead to lower phosphatidylcholine levels, which may increase the risk of fatty liver disease and issues with fat metabolism.
A COMT mutation can change how quickly your body breaks down dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline - this can affect neurological systems that regulate mood, cognitive function, and stress.
The AHCY gene is involved in a process called the methionine cycle, which plays an important role in the metabolism of the amino acid methionine.
Cardiovascular Health
Methylation plays a key role in cardiovascular health by regulating processes essential for heart and blood vessel function. Methylation also helps produce nitric oxide which relaxes blood vessels to improve blood flow, supports fat metabolism and repairs cardiovascular cells. Methylation defects (specifically MTHFR, MTR, MTRR or CBS) can raise blood homocysteine levels - homocysteine is an inflammatory byproduct with no useful role in the body. Elevated levels of homocysteine can increase the risk of heart attack and stroke, and in rare cases drive whole-body inflammation.
Cognitive Function
Methylation is essential for brain health through its effects on neurotransmitter production, brain cell repair, and inflammation regulation. Elevated homocysteine levels are linked to brain inflammation, oxidative stress, and an increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases. This test highlights genetic inefficiencies in these areas, helping you understand your risk factors for cognitive decline or chronic inflammation.
Emotional & Psychological Wellbeing
Methylation is essential for balancing neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline, which regulate mood, memory, and focus. Variations in methylation genes - such as COMT and MTHFR - may affect these pathways, leading to anxiety, depression, or brain fog. Optimising intake of B vitamins, methylated folate, or dietary and lifestyle changes may support neurotransmitter balance and brain health.
Sleep & Restorative Health
Sleep onset, maintenance and quality can be influenced by genetic variations in the PEMT and COMT genes. These genes play crucial roles in neurotransmitter regulation and sleep-wake cycles. Variations in these genes can disrupt neurotransmitter balance, leading to difficulties falling asleep and staying asleep.
Knowing your genetic profile can help you optimise your nutrient intake and lifestyle to enhance sleep quality.
Nutrition & Gut Health
Methylation supports gut health by regulating the genes involved in digestion, inflammation, and gut barrier function. Proper methylation helps maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining, preventing "leaky gut". Methylation also influences the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which play a key role in gut-brain communication. Impaired methylation can lead to inflammation, poor nutrient absorption, and imbalances in the gut microbiome, affecting overall digestive health.
Energy Production & Detoxification
Methylation is crucial for energy production as it influences the function of mitochondria, the cell's powerhouses. Methylation defects can impair mitochondrial function, leading to reduced energy production and fatigue. Methylation also plays a vital role in detoxification processes, particularly in the liver - genetic variations can compromise the liver's ability to efficiently eliminate toxins, causing their accumulation and potential health issues.
Immune Health & Inflammation
Methylation plays a crucial role in regulating immune response and cellular repair. Abnormal methylation patterns can disrupt immune regulation, causing the body to attack its own tissues and contributing to autoimmune diseases. Poor methylation can also reduce the body’s ability to combat oxidative stress, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Identifying genetic variations that affect methylation helps assess your predisposition to inflammatory, autoimmune, and oxidative stress-related conditions.
Test instructions
Your cheek swab test kit and all instructions are posted directly to you - there is no need to visit a collection centre.
Mail your sample back to the lab using the prepaid envelope and packaging.
Results for this test typically available in 2 weeks and will be published in your online dashboard.
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