Direct Primary Care Mebane

Social media influencers make everyone with an MTHFR SNP think they need to be on high doses of methylated folate and B12. This is not good advice. There are other genes to consider in the methylation pathways such as COMT. Over methylation can not only cause mood imbalances such as anxiety but cancer also benefits from both over methylation and under methylation.

Risk of over methylation and under methylation in cancer:

The relationship between methylation and cancer is complex because both overmethylation and undermethylation (hypomethylation) can contribute to cancer development or progression — but in different ways.

What “methylation” means in cancer
Methylation usually refers to adding a methyl group (CH₃) to DNA, proteins, neurotransmitters, hormones, or detoxification pathways. In cancer biology, the most important issue is often DNA methylation, which affects whether genes are turned on or off.

A simplified way to think about it:

Too much methylation in the wrong places → can silence protective genes

Too little methylation overall → can destabilize DNA and activate harmful genes

Both patterns are commonly seen in tumors simultaneously.

Why this matters.

Hypermethylation can silence:

Tumor suppressor genes
DNA repair genes
Cell cycle regulation genes
Immune surveillance genes

Examples include silencing of:

BRCA-related pathways
MLH1
p16
APC

This can help tumors evade normal growth control.

If you have cancer or are at increased risk of cancer please work with a functional medicine provider who understands cancer instead of listening to social media influencers.