How to Support Methylation Based on DNA Polymorphisms: Foods, Nutrients, Nutraceuticals & Peptides

By Dr D. Michael Elliott MSc, D.C., CFMP

Functional & Lifestyle Medicine | Able Bodied Healthcare & Chiropractic

Why Methylation Matters

Methylation is one of the most fundamental biochemical processes in the human body. It regulates:

• Detoxification

• Neurotransmitter balance

• Hormone metabolism (including oestrogen clearance)

• DNA repair

• Immune function

• Energy production

Because methylation relies on enzymes that require specific nutrients, polymorphisms in methylation genes can reduce enzyme efficiency—making some people far more sensitive to nutrient deficiencies, stress, toxins, and inflammation.

This is why DNA-guided functional medicine is so powerful:

When we know which methylation polymorphisms you carry, we can target support with precision.

Below are the most clinically significant methylation polymorphisms and two foods, two nutraceuticals, and two peptides that can support each pathway.

1. MTHFR C677T / A1298C

Role: Converts folate → 5-MTHF (active methyl folate).Impact: Reduced methylation capacity, higher homocysteine, impaired detoxification.

Two Helpful Foods

1. Dark leafy greens (spinach, chard, kale) – richest natural folate source

2. Beetroot – supports methyl donors and nitric oxide

Two Key Nutraceuticals

1. 5-MTHF – bypasses the MTHFR bottleneck

2. Methylcobalamin or Adenosylcobalamin (B12) – essential MTHFR partner

Two Peptides That May Support MTHFR Function

1. Epitalon – supports DNA repair & telomere stability (helps compensate for impaired methylation-driven DNA repair)

2. Thymosin Alpha-1 – improves immune signalling often disrupted by methylation defects

2. COMT V158M / H62H

Role: Breaks down dopamine, norepinephrine, oestrogen, and catechol toxins.

Impact: Slow COMT → mood swings, anxiety, PMS, oestrogen dominance.

Two Helpful Foods

1. Broccoli & cruciferous vegetables – support COMT-mediated estrogen clearance

2. Green tea – supports catechol detox without overstimulation

Two Key Nutraceuticals

1. Magnesium glycinate – COMT requires magnesium as a cofactor

2. SAMe – supplies methyl groups for catechol metabolism

Two Peptides

1. Selank – regulates anxiety and catecholamine tone in slow-COMT individuals

2. BPC-157 – supports gut and liver detox pathways indirectly assisting COMT load

3. BHMT Polymorphisms

Role: Shortcut methylation pathway using betaine → remethylate homocysteine. Impact: Reduced backup methylation → homocysteine elevation, fatigue.

Two Helpful Foods

1. Beets / beet juice – natural betaine source

2. Quinoa – high in betaine and choline

Two Key Nutraceuticals

1. Betaine (TMG) – primary BHMT activator

2. Phosphatidylcholine – supports choline-dependent methylation

Two Peptides

1. GHK-Cu – enhances liver regeneration & methylation burden reduction

2. CJC-1295 (with or without Ipamorelin) – supports metabolic repair linked to methylation stress (used in biohacking, not standard therapy)

4. CBS Upregulation

Role: Breaks down homocysteine → taurine, sulphur compounds Impact: Overactive CBS → low homocysteine, sulphur intolerance, adrenal strain

Two Helpful Foods

1. Low-sulphur vegetables (zucchini, carrots, cucumber)

2. Wild blueberries – antioxidant support reduces sulphur load

Two Key Nutraceuticals

1. Molybdenum – supports sulphite → sulphate conversion

2. B6 (P5P form) – cofactor for CBS regulation

Two Peptides

1. Thymosin Beta-4 – reduces inflammation and oxidative load that worsen sulphur sensitivity

2. Oxytocin peptide (low dose) – supports stress modulation and autonomic balance in CBS-driven system overload

5. MTR and MTRR Polymorphisms

Role: Convert homocysteine → methionine (via B12 cycling).Impact: Poor B12 recycling, fatigue, neuropathy, impaired detox, high homocysteine.

Two Helpful Foods

1. Eggs – rich in methionine and methyl donors

2. Wild-caught fish – high in B12 and choline

Two Key Nutraceuticals

1. Methylcobalamin (B12) – direct correction of impaired MTR/MTRR cycling

2. L-Carnitine – supports mitochondrial methyl-dependent pathways

Two Peptides

1. Cerebrolysin (European nootropic peptide) – supports methylation-dependent neurorepair

2. Semax – targets cognitive decline linked to methylation deficits

Why This Matters Clinically

Methylation polymorphisms do not equal disease—but they create vulnerabilities .When we address these vulnerabilities with DNA-guided food, supplements, and peptide signalling support, we see:

• Better detoxification

• Better hormone balance

• Better mood & cognitive performance

• Better energy & mitochondrial efficiency

• Better aging and repair

This is the future of precision functional medicine.  If your interested in taking your health to the next level and would like your DNA analysed, please contact us at Able Bodied Health Care.