Ordering the Methylation Pathway Extended Test
Ordering the Methylation Pathway Extended Test by Health Diagnostics and Research Institute helps identify how your body processes nutrients, manages stress, and supports brain function. This test checks for imbalances in the methylation cycle, which can affect energy, mood, and how your body handles toxins. Interestingly, methylation also plays a role in how your body repairs DNA, which can impact how you respond to environmental stressors.
When ordering this test, you can expect the following specific benefits:
- Pinpoints nutrient deficiencies that may affect energy and focus
- Reveals imbalances linked to mood changes, anxiety, or depression
- Shows how well your body detoxifies and removes harmful substances
- Identifies genetic mutations that may impact how you process vitamins
- Helps guide targeted nutrition and supplement plans for better results
Who Should Consider Advanced Methylation and Nutrient Pathway Testing
People who feel tired even after a full night’s sleep, struggle with memory, or notice frequent mood changes may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has tried different diets and supplements but still feels foggy or irritable could use this test to find out if their body is missing key nutrients or not processing them well.
Other scenarios where ordering this test may be helpful include:
- Frequent headaches or migraines that don’t improve with common treatments
- Unexplained joint or muscle pain that comes and goes
- Digestive issues like bloating or trouble absorbing nutrients
- Family history of heart problems or early memory loss
- People who have trouble recovering from stress or illness, which can be linked to methylation imbalances
Testing for these markers can help you find out if your body is missing important building blocks for energy, focus, and mood. Delaying this test could mean missing the chance to address nutrient gaps or genetic factors that may be affecting how you feel every day.
How to Prepare for the Test
Fasting is not required for the Methylation Pathway Extended Test, so you can eat and drink as usual before your sample collection. Always follow any specific instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected correctly and your results are as useful as possible.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Methylation Pathway Extended Test
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Marker Means | Low and High Levels of Methylation Pathway Extended Test |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amino Acids in Plasma | |||
| Glutathione (oxidized) | 0.5–2.0 | Glutathione (oxidized) shows how much of your body’s main antioxidant is used up fighting stress and toxins. | High levels mean your body is under oxidative stress or fighting toxins.
Low levels mean your antioxidant reserves may be low, making it harder to handle stress or detoxify. |
| Glutathione (reduced) | 3.8–5.5 | Glutathione (reduced) is the active form that helps protect your cells from damage and supports detoxification. | High levels mean your body has strong antioxidant protection.
Low levels mean you may be more sensitive to toxins and stress. |
| S-Adenosylmethionine (RBC) | 80–120 | S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe) is needed for making neurotransmitters and supporting mood, focus, and energy. | High levels mean your body is making more methyl groups, which can affect mood and energy.
Low levels mean you may have trouble making neurotransmitters or processing nutrients. |
| S-Adenosylhomocysteine (RBC) | 20–40 | S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is a byproduct of methylation and can build up if the cycle is not working well. | High levels mean your methylation cycle may be blocked, affecting energy and detoxification.
Low levels mean the cycle is moving quickly or efficiently. |
| Methionine | 15–45 | Methionine is an amino acid that starts the methylation process and helps with energy and mood balance. | High levels mean your body may not be using methionine well.
Low levels mean you may not have enough building blocks for methylation. |
| Cysteine | 200–300 | Cysteine helps make glutathione and supports detoxification and immune function. | High levels mean your body may be breaking down proteins quickly.
Low levels mean you may have less support for detoxification and antioxidant protection. |
| Cystathionine | 0.10–0.40 | Cystathionine is a step in the pathway that helps your body process homocysteine and make glutathione. | High levels mean your body may be having trouble converting homocysteine.
Low levels mean the pathway is moving quickly or efficiently. |
| Homocysteine | 5–12 | Homocysteine is a marker for methylation and heart health; high levels can increase risk for heart and brain issues. | High levels mean you may have a higher risk for heart or brain problems.
Low levels mean your methylation cycle is working well. |
| Folic Acid Byproducts | |||
| 5-CH3-Tetrahydrofolate | 4–15 | 5-CH3-Tetrahydrofolate is the active form of folate that helps convert homocysteine to methionine. | High levels mean your body is getting enough folate or not using it efficiently.
Low levels mean you may have trouble processing folic acid or need more folate. |
| 10-Formyl-Tetrahydrofolate | 1–8 | 10-Formyl-Tetrahydrofolate is a folate form used in DNA repair and cell growth. | High levels mean your body is making or using folate for cell repair.
Low levels mean you may have less support for DNA repair. |
| 5-Formyl-Tetrahydrofolate | 1–8 | 5-Formyl-Tetrahydrofolate helps your body use folate for energy and cell repair. | High levels mean your body is storing folate.
Low levels mean you may need more folate for energy and repair. |
| Tetrahydrofolate (TFH) | 4–15 | Tetrahydrofolate is a key folate form for making DNA and supporting cell growth. | High levels mean your body is getting enough folate.
Low levels mean you may have trouble making new cells or repairing tissue. |
| Folic Acid (Serum) | 5–20 | Folic Acid (Serum) shows how much folate is in your blood and available for use. | High levels mean you are getting enough folic acid from food or supplements.
Low levels mean you may need more folate in your diet. |
| Folinic Acid | 1–8 | Folinic Acid is a form of folate that helps your body use and recycle folic acid. | High levels mean your body is storing folate or not using it efficiently.
Low levels mean you may need more support for folate recycling. |
| Folic Acid (RBC) | 140–628 | Folic Acid (RBC) measures long-term folate stores in your red blood cells. | High levels mean your body has good folate reserves.
Low levels mean you may have a long-term folate deficiency. |
| Nucleoside | |||
| Adenosine | 0.5–1.5 | Adenosine is involved in energy transfer and helps regulate sleep, mood, and blood flow. | High levels mean your body may be under stress or have trouble with energy balance.
Low levels mean you may have less support for energy and sleep regulation. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their methods or as new research becomes available.
Methylation Pathway Extended Test FAQ
Is there Methylation Pathway Extended Test 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. Since symptoms like fatigue or brain fog can make travel difficult, having a convenient collection site helps you get tested without extra stress.
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 next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see for the test includes standard shipping to you and back to the lab, but draw fees may apply. Ordering this test can help you find out if nutrient imbalances are slowing your progress, so you can address them and feel better sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting every 6 to 12 months is recommended, especially if you are making changes to your diet or supplements, or if your symptoms change. Regular testing helps track your progress and adjust your plan for better results.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and mass spectrometry for precise measurement of amino acids and folate markers, with a specificity of 98% and sensitivity of 97%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- This test cannot be mailed and collected in New York state.
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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