Methylation impairment
Problems with the methylation cycle may also be related to autism, mental illness such as depression, food allergies, asthma, and the development of heart disease.
Methylation can be supported by adequate magnesium, Vitamin B12, folate and activated B6, or by supplementing TMG (Trimethylglycine).
SAMe (activated methionine) directly donates methyl groups (methyl groups turn on serotonin and thus melatonin production) and therefore works as an antidepressant.
The odds of having depression were 36% greater if a person had two copies of the MTHFR SNP.
Nutritional deficiencies
From a nutritional perspective the parent molecules for neurotransmitter synthesis are the amino acids L-Tryptophan and L-Phenylalanine. Both pathways require several cofactors. Tryptophan is the direct precursor for serotonin synthesis and L-Phenylalanine is the direct precursor for dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline synthesis. A cofactor deficiency in these pathways can directly lead to depression, behavioural changes and mood disorders…
Nutrients always play a multifunctional role and deficiencies are evident in many different pathways and body functions.
Deficiency of nutrients like B vitamins, magnesium, zinc, vitamin C, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids, CoQ10, and amino acids are commonly detected in patients with mental health disorders like depression as well as neurodegenerative diseases.
Therefore, it is important to eat a nutritious diet or use nutritional supplements to protect yourself against the risk of these conditions.