Methyl Donors Reduce Genetic Damage and Cancer Cells

Methyl donors are beneficial category of nutrients that supply CH₃ group also known as methyl group. This process is known as methylation. Methylation is a very important process for fat metabolism, neurological functioning and maintenance of DNA integrity. Examples of methyl group donors are methionine, betaine, trimethylglycine, methylsulphonylmethane, S-adenosyl methionine etc.

Methyl donors are required for the process of DNA Methylation:

Our body contains trillions of cells with their own intelligence machinery. Cell being a basic structural part of tissues and organs, itself is very complex to understand. Cell’s main centre is known as nucleus. Nucleus consists of genetic machinery such as DNA, RNA and other important entities. DNA replicates itself, and forms RNA. RNA comes out of the nucleus and synthesizes proteins. These proteins are then sent to various parts of the body for carrying out their functions. Small part of DNA carrying piece of information is called as gene. Any mutations in the gene can cause damages in the DNA and thereby affect cellular health. Gene mutations lead to conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and other conditions. Genetic mutations may also arise if there is inadequate DNA methylation. It has also been researched that DNA methylation can prevent the expression of harmful genes. Thus methyl donors play an important role in DNA methylation. 

Process of DNA Methylation:

DNA methylation is an important process for normal development of the body. It is important in protecting the body from processes such as carcinogenesis and aging. DNA methylation involves addition of methyl group to DNA. Addition of methyl group is done by methyl donors such as methionine, choline etc. In simple words, DNA requires something to protect itself from aging and mutations. So it has its helper methyl donor, who donates its methyl group to DNA. So both DNA and methyl group act like friends. DNA is the friend in need and methyl donor is the friend in deed. Both are important to protect the cell from undergoing aging and carcinogenesis. Any alterations or improper DNA methylation can result into carcinogenesis. As human body starts aging, its DNA methylation capacity is lost.  

Methyl donors protect from cancer and genetic damage:

DNA methylation plays an important role in gene regulation. DNA methylation is important in maintaining genomic stability.  

Hypomethylation: When there are very less methyl donors available for methylation, there is very low level of DNA methylation. This condition is known as hypomethylation. This can cause cancer.  Low level of methylation can occur because there are very few methyl donors in the body or the body has started the process of aging. The only solution to hypomethylation is to supply with methyl donors such as methionine, choline, folate and vitamin B 12. These methyl donors are abundantly found in green leafy vegetables such spinach, kale and broccoli.

SAMe is an important methyl donor for DNA methylation and is considered to be the primary methyl donor. Moreover dietary folate also plays an important role in DNA methylation. Deficiency of such methyl donors or inadequacy of nutrients that are responsible for synthesis of methyl donors such as SAMe, may largely affect the process of DNA methylation, and may develop phenotypes with increased disease risk.
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Disclaimer: This blog contains general information and does not offer any medical advice. The information shared on this blog is not a substitute to professional medical advice and thus you may seek guidance from a medical practitioner.