Ordering the Methylation Panel | Europe
The Methylation Panel by Genova Diagnostics helps identify how your body processes nutrients like folate and B vitamins, which play a role in energy, mood, and memory. This test measures both genetic markers and key metabolites in your blood, giving a clear picture of your methylation pathway and how it may affect things like fatigue, brain fog, and nutrient absorption. Interestingly, methylation also impacts how your body handles toxins and repairs DNA, which can influence how you feel day to day.
Ordering this test can help you:
- Pinpoint imbalances in methylation that may contribute to low energy or mood swings
- Identify genetic variations that affect how you use B vitamins and folate
- Detect elevated homocysteine, which is linked to heart and brain function
- Assess your body’s ability to detoxify and manage oxidative stress
- Guide targeted nutrition or supplement plans based on your unique results
Who Should Consider a Methylation Pathway Assessment
If you often feel tired, have trouble concentrating, or notice mood changes that don’t improve with rest or diet changes, this test may help uncover the cause. For example, someone who has tried different supplements for fatigue or memory loss without results may find that a methylation imbalance is the missing link.
Ordering this test may also be helpful if you:
- Have a family history of heart disease or early memory loss
- Experience frequent irritability, anxiety, or unexplained mood swings
- Struggle with sleep problems or persistent brain fog
- Notice slow recovery from stress or illness
- Have trouble with weight gain that doesn’t respond to diet or exercise, which can sometimes be linked to methylation issues
Testing for methylation markers can reveal specific nutrient needs, help lower homocysteine, and support better metabolism, memory, and mood. Delaying this test may mean missing the chance to address imbalances early, which could make symptoms harder to manage over time.
Preparing for Your Methylation Pathway Lab
Fasting is not required for this test, but follow the instructions provided in your Genova test kit for the best results. Always go by any specific directions from your doctor or healthcare professional to make sure your sample is collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Methylation Panel
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Means | Low and High Levels of Methylation Panel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Methionine | 6.0 – 35.0 | Methionine is an amino acid needed for methylation and making proteins. It helps start the methylation cycle and supports detoxification. | High levels mean your body may not be converting methionine efficiently.
Low levels mean you may not be getting enough from your diet or using it too quickly. |
| S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) | 60 – 125 | SAM is a key methyl donor in the body, helping with mood, energy, and DNA repair. It is made from methionine and is central to methylation. | High levels mean your body may not be using SAM efficiently.
Low levels mean you may have trouble making or recycling SAM, which can affect mood and energy. |
| S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) | 8 – 22 | SAH is a byproduct of methylation and can block methylation if it builds up. It is converted from SAM after methyl groups are donated. | High levels mean methylation may be slowed or blocked.
Low levels mean your body is clearing SAH well. |
| Homocysteine | 5.0 – 12.0 | Homocysteine is an amino acid that can build up if methylation is not working well. High levels are linked to heart and brain problems. | High levels mean you may have trouble recycling homocysteine, which can raise risk for heart and memory issues.
Low levels mean your methylation cycle is likely working well. |
| Cystathionine | 0.10 – 0.40 | Cystathionine is made from homocysteine and is part of the pathway that leads to cysteine and glutathione. It helps with detoxification and antioxidant defense. | High levels mean your body may be shunting homocysteine down this pathway.
Low levels mean you may not be making enough cystathionine for detox support. |
| Cysteine | 200 – 400 | Cysteine is an amino acid needed for making glutathione, a key antioxidant. It helps protect cells from damage and supports detoxification. | High levels mean your body may be breaking down proteins or using more antioxidants.
Low levels mean you may have less antioxidant protection. |
| Glutathione (GSH) | 500 – 1,500 | Glutathione is the body’s main antioxidant, protecting cells from stress and toxins. It is made from cysteine, glycine, and glutamate. | High levels mean your body is making and recycling glutathione well.
Low levels mean you may have less protection from oxidative stress and toxins. |
| Taurine | 40 – 120 | Taurine is an amino acid that helps with bile production, heart rhythm, and calming the nervous system. It is made from cysteine. | High levels mean your body may be using more taurine for stress or detox.
Low levels mean you may have less support for heart and nerve function. |
| Glycine | 200 – 400 | Glycine is an amino acid needed for making proteins, glutathione, and supporting sleep and memory. It is part of the methylation cycle. | High levels mean your body may be breaking down more protein.
Low levels mean you may have less support for detox and memory. |
| Serine | 80 – 180 | Serine is an amino acid that helps make proteins and supports the methylation cycle. It is needed for brain and nerve function. | High levels mean your body may be using more serine for methylation.
Low levels mean you may have less support for brain and nerve health. |
| Sarcosine | 1.0 – 5.0 | Sarcosine is a byproduct of methylation and is involved in making glycine. It can reflect how well your methylation cycle is working. | High levels mean your body may be making more sarcosine due to methylation changes.
Low levels mean your methylation cycle may be slower. |
| Choline | 7.0 – 20.0 | Choline is a nutrient needed for brain function, memory, and making cell membranes. It also donates methyl groups in the methylation cycle. | High levels mean your body may not be using choline efficiently.
Low levels mean you may have less support for memory and cell repair. |
| Betaine | 30 – 80 | Betaine helps recycle homocysteine and supports methylation. It is made from choline and helps protect cells from stress. | High levels mean your body may be using more betaine for methylation.
Low levels mean you may have less support for recycling homocysteine. |
| Dimethylglycine (DMG) | 1.0 – 5.0 | DMG is a byproduct of betaine use and helps with methylation and energy production. It can reflect how well your body is using methyl donors. | High levels mean your body may be using more betaine for methylation.
Low levels mean you may have less support for energy and methylation. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods and guidelines.
Methylation Panel FAQ
Is there Methylation Panel testing near me?
This is a test kit that you can collect locally, and you can check the draw location link at the top of the page for nearby options. For those dealing with ongoing fatigue or memory issues, having a convenient collection site makes it easier to get tested without extra travel or delays.
How do I interpret the test results?
While your treating physician should review your results, we also offer a one-on-one test results review with our clinical team to help you understand your results and what steps to take next.
What is the cost of the test?
The price listed for the test includes standard shipping to you and return shipping to the lab, though draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you address symptoms like fatigue or brain fog more quickly by pinpointing specific nutrient needs.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 6 to 12 months, especially if you are making changes to your diet or supplements based on your results. Regular testing helps track progress and adjust your plan for better energy, memory, and mood.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses plasma measurement for metabolites and buccal swab for genetic SNPs, with specificity and sensitivity both above 98%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test cannot be collected or mailed from New York state. Contact us with questions.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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