How ‘Methylation’ Affects Parkinson’s
Research is increasingly pointing to impaired methylation as a modifying factor in Parkinson’s — meaning it doesn’t cause the disease directly, but it may influence how it progresses or how severe symptoms become.
For example:
Low methylation capacity can reduce dopamine production and clearance, amplifying symptoms like rigidity, mood changes, and fatigue.
Poor methylation may also worsen oxidative stress, increasing damage to neurons.
Methylation affects detoxification — meaning individuals may accumulate toxins that harm mitochondrial and brain function.
In some studies, people with Parkinson’s have been shown to have reduced levels of SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine), a key compound made during methylation that supports both mood and dopamine synthesis.
What Gene Variants Affect Methylation?
Through functional genomics testing (like DNA Life, 3X4, or Genova's Nutrigenomic Panel), we can uncover methylation gene variants that might influence your health — especially if symptoms don’t respond well to standard care.
Key methylation-related genes include:
MTHFR (C677T and A1298C): Affects your ability to convert folic acid into usable folate. 30–50% of people have some variant.
COMT: Helps break down dopamine, estrogen, and stress hormones. Variants can slow this down, worsening symptoms like anxiety or fatigue.
CBS: Involved in processing sulfur-containing compounds. Certain mutations may increase oxidative stress.
MTR & MTRR: Affect how well your body recycles B12 — crucial for myelin and nerve health.
A 2022 review in Frontiers in Neurology highlighted how MTHFR variants may correlate with earlier onset and more rapid progression of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s.
What You Can Do
Even without testing, you can support methylation through lifestyle and targeted nutrition:
Supportive actions:
Prioritise methylated B vitamins: methylfolate (B9), methylcobalamin (B12), and P-5-P (active B6)
Eat dark leafy greens, eggs, liver, and beets — all rich in methyl donors
Limit alcohol and processed foods that deplete methyl groups
Ensure adequate magnesium, zinc, and choline — key methylation co-factors
Reduce toxic burden: use clean products, filter water, and avoid pesticides when possible
If gene testing shows impairments, we can tailor support more precisely.
Why This Matters for You
If you’ve been told there’s nothing more you can do… or if you’re experiencing fatigue, poor mood, worsening cognition, or limited response to medication — methylation might be one of the hidden missing links.
At the Parkinson’s Wellness Centre, we use root-cause and functional medicine tools to assess these systems and create personalised plans — including gene-informed nutrition and targeted testing for methylation, detoxification, and mitochondrial health.
Next Step
Ready to dig deeper?
📥 Download your free guide:
“Beyond Diagnosis: 5 Root-Cause Strategies to Support Parkinson’s Naturally”
Or book your Root-Cause Review Call and let’s explore whether methylation testing could give you the answers you’ve been searching for.
