Methylation is a set of chemical steps that happens billions of times a second, and it affects energy, mood, detoxification and blood vessel health. Methylation & Homocysteine Balance gathers the nutrients I commonly use to support the methylation cycle and keep homocysteine in a healthy range.
Creating a Fullscript account is free, and you can look through every product before you decide anything.
The mechanisms this protocol supports
In one-carbon metabolism, the body passes methyl groups from folate and B12 to homocysteine, recycling it into methionine. A second pathway uses trimethylglycine, also called betaine, to do the same job, and the MTHFR enzyme that activates folate depends on riboflavin.
Methylation also controls which genes are switched on and off, and changes in DNA methylation patterns are one of the ways researchers measure biological aging. B12 status often drops with age and with long-term use of metformin or acid-blocking medications.
Research has linked higher homocysteine levels with blood vessel and brain aging, and trials have linked TMG with lower homocysteine levels. Trials have also linked riboflavin with healthier homocysteine and blood pressure in people with a common MTHFR gene variant.
What is in the protocol
The exact products and directions are listed in the Fullscript plan, and here is what each one is commonly used to support.
- Methyl-Guard Plus from Thorne provides active folate, B12 and B6, which help recycle homocysteine into methionine.
- TMG from Life Extension provides trimethylglycine, which supports a second pathway for recycling homocysteine.
- Riboflavin 5′-Phosphate from Thorne provides the active form of vitamin B2, the cofactor the MTHFR enzyme relies on.
- Vitamin B12 from Thorne provides methylcobalamin, an active form of B12 that supports methylation and homocysteine metabolism.
Related protocols you may find helpful include Brain Health & Cognitive Aging and Heart & Lipid Balance.
How to use it thoughtfully
- Please talk with your provider before starting, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.
- This page does not list amounts, so follow the label or the specific guidance your provider gives you.
- When you can, add one product at a time so it is easier to notice how you feel.
- Sleep, nourishing food, daily movement and stress care are the foundation, and supplements are meant to build on them.
- Methyl donors can feel overstimulating for some people, so it helps to start slowly.
- If you have a history of bipolar disorder, please use methylated B vitamins only with your provider’s guidance.
- TMG can raise LDL cholesterol in some people, so it is worth rechecking lipids if you use it long term.
- Riboflavin naturally turns urine bright yellow, which is harmless.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need genetic testing to use this protocol?
No, a homocysteine blood test is often more useful than genetic testing, and your provider can help you decide whether either one makes sense.
What is TMG?
TMG, or trimethylglycine, is a nutrient also called betaine that donates methyl groups to recycle homocysteine through a second pathway.
Do I need an appointment to order these products?
No, you can create a free Fullscript account and order directly, although I always recommend checking with your own provider first, and a free 15-minute consult is available if you would like to talk it through.
Ready to see the full protocol?
Every product I use for this protocol is waiting for you in my Fullscript dispensary.
Not sure this is the right fit for you? Book a free 15-minute consult and we can talk it through together.
Educational purposes only. This page shares general information and is not medical advice. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration, and these products are not intended to replace care from your own healthcare provider. Please talk with your provider before starting any supplement, especially if you take medications, are pregnant or nursing, or have a health condition.
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