# Methylation Overview Methylation is the process of attaching a methyl group (one carbon and 3 hydrogen atoms) to a chemical. The body uses methylation as a switch to turn genes on and off. There are several nutrients involved in the methylation cycle which can become deficient due to genetic or environmental factors. When your methylation cycle isn’t working properly your body can’t methylate your genes appropriately you are considered “undermethylated” or “hypomethylated”. When undermethylated, the body slows down production of new cells because cellular division requires a lot of methylation to modify the DNA of the new cell. Suddenly increasing methylation levels may kick start cellular division. This can cause a drop in the potassium levels, folate levels, or levels of other nutrients also required for cellular replication. This is why some undermethylated people may feel ill when they start methylated B vitamins. If this happens to you, you will need to take small, frequent doses of multiple methylation support supplements. ## MTHFR Polymorphisms The MTHFR gene codes for an important enzyme in the methylation cycle. If you have a "flavor" of MTHFR that works slowly, you may have difficulty keeping up with methylation, especially when the body is under stress. Thankfully, the treatment is rather cheap and easy - you simply bypass this slow step in the process by taking methylated forms of B12 and folate. ## Methyl-B12 Also called methylcobalamin, this supplement is much more effective when taking via injection into the muscle rather than by mouth. Olympia compounding pharmacy provides a 10 ml vial of methylcobalamin for around $65, including shipping. This will last you 12 months if you use it at my normal starting dose of 1,000 mcg per week (though you can increase the dose or frequency if you want). ## Methyl-folate The methylated form of folate can be taken orally as a pill. I don't have a specific dose I recommend but it's impossible to overdose on so aim high. ## Side effects Some people have a negative reaction to methylated B vitamins. There is a theory that suddenly increasing methylation levels will kick start cellular division and replication. This can cause a drop in the potassium levels which is why some undermethylated people feel ill when they start methylated B vitamins. If this happens, I would recommend switching to [liquid methylfolate + methylB12 tincture](https://www.amazon.com/Methyl-Folate-15mg-Plus-Cofactor/dp/B0B83PXLXW?th=1) which can be titrated to small doses. By improving methylation status slowly we can allow the body to keep up with the changes.