Methylation is the biochemical process
of the transfer of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, CH3 – a
methyl group, from one substance to another. Supporting healthy
methylation is vital to promoting healthy genetic expression and
cellular functions. When sufficient methyl groups are available, it has
a positive effect regulating many biochemical reactions throughout the
body including cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive and
detoxification systems.
It is suggested that 60% of the population suffers from a genetic mutation compromising the proper conversion of unmethylated Bs
Through a series of biochemical
reactions with homocysteine, the coenzyme factors of vitamin B12 and
folate are critical to the methionine synthase pathway, supporting
healthy homocysteine metabolism and S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
production. This methylation cycle only works if enough folate (5-MTHF)
and B-12 as methylcobalimin are present.
It is suggested that 60% of the
population suffers from a genetic mutation compromising the proper
conversion of unmethylated vitamin Bs. Without proper methyl transfer
for homocysteine modulation, the necessary formation of methyl donors
involved in cardiovascular, neurological, reproductive and
detoxification functions cannot be adequately produced.
The 3 Super Stars: Folate (as 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate), B12 (as Methylcobalamin), B6 (as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate)
Premier Research Labs’
Phyto-Methylate contains three fully active co-enzymes of the blood
-circulating forms of folate (as 5-methytetrahydrofolate), vitamin B12
(as methylcobalamin) and B6 (as pyridoxal-5-phosphate). While the body
is able to absorb food-source vitamin Bs, it must further convert them
to these three coenzyme forms in order for it to become metabolically
active in the body. Unfortunately, over half of the U.S. population is
unable to metabolize the unmethylated forms of specific B vitamins,
namely folate and vitamin B12. When folate (as
5-methyltetrahydrofolate) and vitamin B12 (as methylcobalamin) are
provided to the body in these active biologically forms, they are able
to yield optimal bioavailability as well as tissue retention which can
promote healthy methyl formation.
Choline Substantially Contributes to the Pool of Methyl Groups
The enzyme, methylene
tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), catalyzes the first steps of the
biosynthesis of sulfur-containing amino acids, including that of
methionine via homocysteine. Vitamin B12 (preferably
methylcobalamin) is a cofactor for methionine synthase, the enzyme which
directly catalyzes this conversion. These relationships are important
to acknowledge, as fluctuations in bioavailable B vitamins can shift the
dynamics of reactions requiring free choline as well. Choline intake
has also been shown to have a direct inverse effect on levels of plasma
homocysteine by working in synergy with end-chain B vitamins in
homocysteine metabolism because of their shared roles in methylation and
amino acid synthesis.
Choline substantially
contributes to the pool of methyl groups that can be used for one-carbon
transfer reactions with DNA and protein. Choline is oxidized in a
two-step process and subsequently remethylates homocysteine to
S-adenosylmethionine, a methyl donor necessary for the synthesis of DNA
and RNA, the myelin insulation for neurons and other biological
materials.
