Methyl Detox

Methylation and why it's important to know your body.

Understanding Methylation: A Simple Guide

Imagine your body has countless little switches that control how well you function every day. Methylation is like the master switchboard operator, flipping these tiny switches on and off to ensure your body works smoothly. Specifically, methylation helps with critical processes like creating energy, balancing mood, supporting your heart, detoxifying harmful substances, and repairing DNA.

When methylation works well, you generally feel good: your energy levels are stable, your mood is balanced, you recover faster from exercise, and your body efficiently clears toxins and inflammation.

But here's the catch—due to genetics, lifestyle, or nutritional factors, some people don't methylate efficiently. When this happens, you might feel sluggish, experience brain fog, struggle with recovery from workouts, or notice your mood and energy fluctuating.

Why You Might Consider a Methyl Detox Test:

As your trainer/wellness partner, we recommend getting a methyl detox test because it helps us identify if your methylation process is working optimally. The test reveals whether you're efficiently processing nutrients and detoxifying your body or if adjustments are needed in your diet, lifestyle, or supplementation.

By understanding your methylation status, we can create a personalized fitness and nutrition plan that:

• Boosts your energy and workout performance

• Improves your mood and mental clarity

• Enhances your body's natural detox abilities

• Reduces inflammation and speeds recovery

Think of it like fine-tuning your body's internal engine. Once we see how well your "switchboard" is functioning, we can optimize your routine to help you reach peak performance and overall well-being.

The Methyl Detox Profile Test:

More than 50% of people are affected by genetic variants in the methylation pathway.

Methylation can play an important role in many chronic diseases. By understanding your genetics you can prevent and address these conditions with the right nutrition.

The MethylDetox Profile tests critical genes in the methylation pathway. By understanding your genes and how they impact methylation, you may prevent and address existing health problems with the right nutrition.

 Comprehensive testing for methylation and detoxification

The MethylDetox Profile gives more actionable information than MTHFR testing alone, giving you a more complete picture of your body’s methylation and detoxification. The MethylDetox profile includes suggestions for specific nutrient needs to address with practitioner guidance.

Standard MTHFR genotyping only evaluates folic acid metabolism. Scientific research reveals that a variety of genes are involved in maintaining methionine/homocysteine balance. Genetic variations (SNPs) in these important genes influence your methylation potential. Individual methylation is monitored using homocysteine levels. Important SNPs are included to evaluate your ability to methylate neurotransmitters, DNA, and toxins.

Who may benefit from this test?

Individuals with any of the following diagnoses or symptoms:

• Cardiovascular Diseases e.g. hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke ^4-10
• Neurological Disorders e.g. depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, ADD/ADHD, ASD, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, insomnia ^{7, 10-17}
• Metabolic Conditions e.g. metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, reduced ability to metabolize medications, multiple chemical sensitivity ^{10, 18-21}
• Musculoskeletal Disorders e.g. osteoporosis ^{10, 22}
• Eye Diseases e.g. macular degeneration ^{23, 24}
• Cancer e.g. colorectal, breast, and others ^{1, 10, 25}

Test components

1. MTHFR

The MTHFR gene’s purpose is to produce the important MTHFR enzyme in the body. This enzyme is an important part of maintaining optimal health. If the MTHFR gene has a variant, folate metabolism can be negatively impacted. Improper folate metabolism is implicated in many different diseases. ^{5, 6, 10, 26-29}

2. MTR

MTR codes for the enzyme, methionine synthase (MS). MS converts homocysteine to methionine using methylated vitamin B12. variants in this gene significantly impact homocysteine metabolism, which can increase the risk for a number of chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic and neurological conditions and certain cancers. ³⁰

3. MTRR

The MTRR gene codes for the important enzyme, methionine synthase reductase (MSR). Methionine synthase reductase is required for the proper function of methionine synthase (see MTR). Both genes act together to convert homocysteine to methionine. variants can be involved with the development of cancers, Parkinson’s disease, depression, hypertension and many others. ^31-36

4. COMT

COMT is the major gene involved in methylation. It plays an important role in a variety of disorders, including estrogen-induced cancers, Parkinson’s disease, depression, hypertension and many others. COMT is also necessary for maintaining the proper balance of neurotransmitters with SAMe obtained from methionine. Genetic variants in COMT can result in various neurological problems and has also been associated with Autism. ^31-36

5. AHCY

AHCY is the only enzyme known to convert S-Adenosylhomocysteine (AdoHcy) to homocysteine. It is crucial that AHCY immediately converts AdoHcy to homocysteine and adenine in order to maintain optimal methylation potential. Studies show a link between variants in this gene with poor methylation potential and severe myopathies, developmental delays and hypermethioninemia.

6. Homocysteine

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is involved in maintaining the methionine cycle. Elevated homocysteine levels are well known risk factors for chronic disease, particularly cardiovascular, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders ^{7, 10, 37}

Test results

Test results include suggestions from clinicians and scientists for specific nutrient needs to address with practitioner guidance.

How it works: X Factor Labs Test protocol

According to the test you order, a test specific test kit will be sent to you with instructions. Some tests require blood draws, which can be done locally at a qualified clinic or blood station. Some of the genetic tests require a simple cheek swab or buccal smear which can be done at home.

About our lab partner

MethylDetox tests are done exclusively by our lab partner Cell Science Systems, Corp. a specialty clinical laboratory that develops and performs laboratory testing in immunology and cell biology supporting the personalized treatment and prevention of chronic disease. Cell Science Systems, Corp. operates a CLIA certified laboratory and is an FDA inspected and registered, cGMP medical device manufacturer meeting ISO EN13485 2012 standards. ^{3, 17-19}

Committed to quality

Cell Science Systems fulfills high quality standards in accordance with state, federal and international regulations.

• CLIA-ID#10D0283906
• CE Marked. TUV Certified and safety monitored
• Supported by the EU and the State of Brandenburg
• ISO 13485:2003 + AC:2012