Methylation Panel

What this laboratory test evaluates

Why choose Genova Diagnostics' Nutritional Products?
Genova’s Methylation Panel combines phenotypic and genotypic information in one profile. Complex biochemistry is summarized with easy-to-interpret graphics. The most comprehensive methylation assessment available – includes methylation and transsulfuration markers, as well as multiple genetic SNPs to provide a more complete assessment.

A Personalized Approach to Healthy Aging
The Methylation Panel is an innovative test designed to offer insight into the critical biochemical methylation pathway. Methylation metabolites are measured in plasma, and genetic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are analyzed via buccal swab.

Patient results are synthesized on a front-page Interpretation-at-a-Glance (IAAG) graphic for quick methylation status assessment. Within the report, results are shown in a methylation pathway graphic to provide a clear understanding of the biochemistry involved.

What is Methylation?
Methylation is a chemical process that happens billions of times per second in every cell of the body. Methyl groups are transferred and donated between many different molecules which change their structure and function. Methyl groups act like billions of switches which turn genes on or off, help regulate mood, detoxify hormones, produce energy, and promote healthy aging. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from the diet are needed to keep this process running smoothly. There are also genetic factors and oxidative stressors which can affect how well this pathway works.

Why is Methylation important?
Methylation is needed to create DNA and RNA and regulate gene expression. It helps make creatine, which is needed for skeletal muscle contraction. Methylation is involved in basic energy production, fat metabolism, immune responses, vascular health, and cell membrane repair. It produces and metabolizes neurotransmitters to regulate mood. Methylation also works to neutralize toxins and hormones.

Which patients can benefit from the Methylation Panel?
Because of its all-encompassing role in basic human physiology, the range of symptoms associated with methylation defects is broad. The Methylation Panel can offer insight in patients with: • questionable detoxification (patients who take hormone therapy, drink alcohol, or have toxin exposure)
• cancer risk
• cardiovascular disease (non-coronary atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary artery disease)
• psychiatric and mood disorders (schizophrenia, autism, bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression)
• neurologic disorders (Parkinson’s disease, cognitive decline),
• chronic fatigue

How are the results of the Methylation Panel helpful?
The Methylation Panel can uncover needs for nutritional support such as amino acids, vitamins, and minerals. Knowing this can help guide dietary and nutraceutical treatment plans. Additionally, knowing genetic predispositions can help focus supplementation to override potential methylation defects.

Additional test information

Methylation is a chemical process within cells that can be linked to mood regulation, hormone detoxification, energy production, and healthy aging. Vitamins, minerals, and amino acids from the diet are needed to keep the methylation process running smoothly. This comprehensive panel provides an assessment of methylation and transsulfuration markers. Methylation Panel results are delivered via easy-to-interpret graphics, summarizing this complex biochemistry into clear and actionable information.

Collection and processing

• Sample type: Plasma, Whole blood
• Fasting: No
• Estimated laboratory processing: Results should arrive 14 business days after the lab receives samples.

How Sunridge uses laboratory information

Sunridge considers the medical question, symptoms, history, medications, prior results, and whether the finding could change care before recommending testing. A laboratory result is not interpreted in isolation and does not establish a diagnosis by itself.

Before requesting this test

Availability, collection requirements, eligibility, and processing estimates can change. Sunridge reviews each request and, when appropriate, creates the order through Fullscript. Follow the current instructions supplied with the approved order.

Related Sunridge care

Learn how Sunridge approaches Complex Multi-System Illness and ask whether this test is appropriate for your clinical question.