Plasma Methylation Test (SAM:SAH), available through Lab Corp

This methylation test provides a focused assessment of active methylation compounds and inhibitors, specifically measuring S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH). Unlike the broader Doctors Data Plasma Methylation Test, this test does not measure homocysteine, cystathionine, methionine, and cysteine, concentrating instead on the crucial elements that directly influence methylation processes.

The advantage in ordering this test is simplicity in specimen collection. Patients do not need to have kit mailed to or from their home for collection.

After specimen collection at your local Lab Corp, samples are sent directly to the Baylor Scott and White Research Facility for analysis. Results are subsequently forwarded to Second Opinion Physician once received. This streamlined approach allows for a targeted evaluation of methylation status, providing essential insights particularly useful for individuals undergoing specific methylation-related treatments or investigations.

The SAM:SAH ratio is an essential indicator of methylation efficiency, reflecting the balance between S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), the principal methyl donor, and S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), a byproduct of methylation that acts as a potent inhibitor of methyltransferase reactions. The ratio provides insights into the body’s capacity to methylate various molecules, including DNA, RNA, proteins, and neurotransmitters.

Benefits of Optimizing the SAM:SAH Ratio:

1. Enhanced Neurotransmitter Metabolism:
   • Normal methionine activity is important for balanced serotonin reuptake. Correction improve conditions related to abnormal neurotransmitter activity including depression, OCD, autism,  schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder.
2. Reduction in Neurotoxicity:
   • Individuals with OCD often suffer from NMDAR toxicity or excessive glutamate activity. Improving the SAM:SAH ratio can enhance methylation, thereby potentially reducing hyperactivity of NMDARs and balancing glutamate levels.
3. Decreased Risk of Complex Health Issues:
   • Proper methylation affects DNA synthesis and repair, immune regulation, and detoxification processes. An optimal SAM:SAH ratio helps prevent a wide array of conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, autism, cardiovascular disease, and certain cancers.
4. Support for Detoxification and Antioxidant Defense:
   • The transsulfuration pathway, which diverts homocysteine to cysteine production, is critical for glutathione synthesis. Glutathione is crucial for combating oxidative stress and aiding in the detoxification of harmful substances.
5. Cardiovascular Health:
   • Elevated homocysteine is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease, but recent studies suggest that a high SAH level may be an even stronger predictor. Managing the SAM:SAH ratio can help mitigate this risk.