Methylation & Folate Metabolism
Performed by: HDRI Health Diagnostics and Research Institute
This category includes biomarkers that measure how well your body carries out methylation, a core biochemical process involved in energy production, detoxification, DNA repair, neurotransmitter balance, immune health, and hormone regulation. Many of these markers also reflect the activity of the folate cycle, which supplies the methyl groups needed for optimal cellular function.
Tests in this category evaluate key molecules such as SAM (S-adenosylmethionine), SAH (S-adenosylhomocysteine), folate derivatives (like 5-MTHF, 5-Formyl-THF, 10-Formyl-THF), and related cofactors. Imbalances can indicate issues such as impaired methylation, nutrient deficiencies (including folate, B12, or B6), oxidative stress, or increased metabolic demand.
Understanding these biomarkers can help identify:
• Reduced methylation capacity
• Folate cycle dysfunction
• Elevated homocysteine-related risk
• Nutrient deficiencies affecting DNA synthesis and repair
• Personalized nutrition or supplementation needs
This category is especially relevant for individuals exploring fatigue, neurological symptoms, cardiovascular risk, fertility concerns, or chronic inflammation—conditions where methylation plays a vital role.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
10-Formyl-THF is a key folate derivative used to build purines—the building blocks of DNA and RNA. This marker reflects how well your folate cycle supports cell growth, repair, and methylation. Low or high levels can indicate nutritional defici
Learn more5-CH3-THF (5-Methyltetrahydrofolate) is the body’s primary active form of folate and the essential methyl donor required to convert homocysteine into methionine. This marker reflects how well your folate cycle is functioning and helps assess me
Learn more5-Formyl-THF, also known as folinic acid, is a biologically active folate form that supports DNA repair, cell growth, and overall folate-cycle function. This marker reflects how well your body maintains and converts folate into forms needed for methy
Learn moreActive Folate (RBC) reflects folate levels stored inside red blood cells, providing a stable, long-term view of folate availability for DNA repair, cell growth, and methylation. Unlike serum folate, which can fluctuate with recent diet, RBC folate of
Learn moreAdenosine is a purine molecule involved in energy production, cellular signaling, and methylation balance. Measuring adenosine helps assess how well your body recycles purines and supports one-carbon metabolism. Abnormal levels may reflect metabolic
Learn moreFolic Acid (LCMSMS) measures the synthetic form of folate found in supplements and fortified foods. This marker reflects how well your body absorbs and converts folic acid into active folate forms such as 5-MTHF. Abnormal levels may indicate nutritio
Learn moreFolinic Acid (WB) is an active, readily usable form of folate measured in whole blood, reflecting longer-term folate availability for DNA repair, cell growth, and methylation. This marker helps assess nutritional status, folate metabolism, and overal
Learn moreS-Adenosylhomocysteine (RBC) reflects how efficiently your body carries out methylation, a process essential for DNA repair, detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, and cellular function. SAH is a natural byproduct of methylation, but when levels r
Learn moreS-Adenosylmethionine (RBC) reflects your body’s long-term ability to carry out methylation—the essential process that supports DNA repair, detoxification, neurotransmitter production, and overall cellular health. Measuring SAM inside red
Learn moreThe SAM/SAH Ratio is a key indicator of how efficiently your body performs methylation—the process that supports DNA repair, detoxification, neurotransmitter balance, hormone metabolism, and cellular energy. A higher ratio suggests stronger met
Learn moreTHF (Tetrahydrofolate) is the fundamental, active form of folate from which all other folate derivatives are made. It supports DNA synthesis, cell growth, and the production of methyl donors needed for healthy methylation. Measuring THF helps assess
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