Methylation : Neuropathy

Although the term methylation may seem uncommon to most, its essential role in human physiology is without question. Methylation is a vital metabolic process involved in almost every biochemical reaction in the body, occurring billions of times every second at the cellular level. The methylation process involves the molecule CH3, which is a methyl group composed of one carbon atom linked to three hydrogen atoms. CH3 is used by the body to synthesize other important molecules and influence a variety of vital processes such as DNA repair, cellular detoxification, inflammation control, and energy production among others. The crucial nature of this process gains perspective when one considers how poor methylation increases the risk for developing a wide range of syndromes and disease including cervical dysplasia, colon cancer, lung cancer, osteoporosis, depression, mood dysregulation, cognitive dysfunction, neuropathies and cardiovascular diseases to name a few. Because methylation can be impaired by poor diet, toxins, and/or genetic predispositions, which facilitate homocysteine accumulation in the blood, supplying the body with methyl donors from specific B-vitamins may prove beneficial in supporting bodily system function and sustained health.*