Methylation Profile: Functional Assessment of Methyl Group Status

Understanding Methylation

Methylation is a fundamental biochemical process occurring billions of times per second throughout the body. This essential pathway supports DNA regulation, detoxification capacity, neurotransmitter balance, energy production, and cellular repair. When methylation is compromised, the downstream effects can be far-reaching.

The Methylation Profile from NutriPATH provides a direct, functional assessment of methylation status through plasma measurement of key metabolites—offering insights that genetic testing alone cannot provide.

Why Functional Testing Matters

While genetic testing (such as MTHFR polymorphism analysis) indicates potential for methylation challenges, it doesn't reveal how effectively the pathway is actually functioning. Two individuals with identical genetic variants may have vastly different functional methylation capacity depending on nutrient status, environmental factors, and cofactor availability.

This blood test measures what is happening in the body right now, providing actionable clinical data.

What the Test Measures

Methionine Metabolism Pathway

S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) – The body's most active methyl donor, essential for numerous biochemical reactions including neurotransmitter synthesis, gene regulation, and detoxification support.

S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) – The product formed after SAMe donates its methyl group. Elevated SAH can inhibit methylation, making it a critical marker to assess.

SAMe:SAH Ratio (Methylation Index) – This ratio provides the clearest picture of overall methylation capacity. A low ratio indicates reduced methylation activity regardless of individual marker levels.

Folate Metabolism Pathway

5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (5-MTHF) – The most abundant and biologically active folate form in plasma, directly involved in regenerating methionine from homocysteine.

Folinic Acid (5-formyl THF) – An active, reduced folate form that can be readily converted to other folate metabolites.

Tetrahydrofolate (THF) – The foundational reduced folate from which other active forms are synthesised.

Clinical Utility

The Methylation Profile provides objective data to support assessment of clients presenting with concerns related to energy, mood, cognitive function, detoxification capacity, and hormonal balance. Results help practitioners identify specific areas of the methylation cycle that may benefit from targeted nutritional support.

The comprehensive report includes reference ranges and interpretive guidance, enabling practitioners to develop individualised protocols based on each client's unique biochemistry.

Why Choose This Test

• Functional over Genetic – Measures actual pathway activity rather than theoretical genetic potential
• Comprehensive Panel – Assesses both arms of the methylation cycle (methionine and folate pathways) in a single test
• Clear Reporting – Results presented with visual pathway mapping and detailed interpretive comments
• Established Laboratory – NutriPATH has provided integrative pathology services to practitioners across Australasia for over two decades

Complementary Testing

For a more complete clinical picture, the Methylation Profile complements the Pfeiffer Profile.

This test is intended for use under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Results should be interpreted within the context of an individual's clinical history, presentation, and other relevant investigations.