Test Components
1. MTHFR (Methylentetrahydrofolate reductase) – Approximately 10% of the Caucasian and Asian populations have polymorphisms resulting in 70% diminished function of MTHFR. Approximately 40% of the population has a single genetic mutation resulting in suboptimal function of MTHFR. Sufficient levels of MTHFR enzyme are essential to the proper functioning of biochemical processes in the body.
2. MTR (5-methyltetrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase) – The MTR gene encodes the methionine synthase (MS) enzyme, which converts homocysteine to methionine through vitamin B12. Mutations in this gene result in higher homocysteine levels, disrupting the balance of methionine and homocysteine in the body.
3. MTRR (5-methyltretrahydrofolate-homocysteine methyltransferase reductase) – The MTRR gene encodes the enzyme methionine synthase reductase (MSR). MSR supports the conversion of homocysteine to methionine by activating the MS enzyme. Mutation in the MTRR with the MTHFR gene is common, resulting in higher plasma homocysteine levels and increased DNA damage.
4. COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) – COMT is an enzyme essential for the transfer of a methyl group from S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) to MSR. Polymorphisms in the COMT gene are associated with impaired DNA methylation, impaired neurotransmitter metabolism, decreased drug metabolism, and decreased detoxification, resulting in an increased chance of developing chronic conditions and some forms of cancer.
5. AHCY (S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase) – AHCY encodes an enzyme called S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase. Polymorphisms in this gene alter the activity and expression of this enzyme, resulting in poor methylation potential, severe myopathies, developmental delays, and hypermethioninemia.
Benefits Of Methyl Detox Testing
- Cardiovascular Diseases: hypertension, coronary artery disease, stroke
- Neurological Disorders: depression, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, ADD/ADHD, ASD, chronic fatigue syndrome, migraine, insomnia
- Metabolic Conditions: metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, reduced ability to metabolize medications, multiple chemical sensitivity
- Musculoskeletal Disorders: osteoporosis
- Eye Diseases: macular degeneration
- Cancer: colorectal, breast, and others