WORK IN PROGRESS

What is Methylation and Why is it Important?
A Methyl Group is a molecular grouping of atoms, consisting of 1 Carbon Atom and 3 Hydrogen Atoms (CH3). 

Methylation tends to be impaired in individuals within the autism spectrum. Methylation is required in order to produce glutathione which is an anti-oxidant critical to the body's natural process of detoxification and removal of heavy metals from the body. 

Methylation is a metabolic process within the body that uses methyl groups to perform functions that include:  regulating levels of histamine (which is a key factor in allergic responses), protecting DNA,  promoting detoxification, producing neurotransmitters, and carrying out other brain functions.  

Approximately 45%-85% of individuals or more within the autism spectrum are believed to be under-methylators (do no have enough methyl groups) and 10-15% are believed to be over-methylators (have too many methyl groups).  

Under-Methylators
Under-methylators tend to produce lower levels of the following neurotransmitters: serotonin, melatonin, dopamine, norepinephrine. 

Conditions that can be associated with undermethylation (but not always) include: low-energy, internal anxiety, depression, and anorexia.  

Supplements that tend to benefit undermethylators:  methyl donors (such as DMG (dimethylglycine), TMG (trimethylglycine), methyl-B12 (methylcobalamin), methyl-B6 (P5), and methylated folic acid (folinic acid or methyltetrafolate), methionine. 

Under-methylators tend to develop excessive levels of folates so levels of folic acid should be monitored carefully.   It is best to use a methylated version of folic acid (5-methyltetrahydrofolate) than non-methylated folic acid.  

Under-methylators tend to become more mentally alert when given supplements containing methyl donors.  

Over-Methylators
Over-methylators are believed to have elevated levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine levels.

Supplements that tend to benefit over-methylators: non-methylated B vitamins (folic acid, B-12, niacin (or niacinamide), B-6), and DMAE.

Conditions that can be associated with over-methylation (but not always): hyperactivity, outwardly expressed anxiety.  

Over-methylators tend to become hyper and “stimmy” given methyl donors.  Generally they should avoid methionine SAMe, TMG, DMG, and methylated B vitamins.  


Sources: 
http://www.autismcoach.com/category_s/32.htm
http://www.hriptc.org/index.php