Unless your major is college was chemistry, chances are you don’t remember learning about methyl donors. But if you find the field of brain nutrients and anti-aging interesting, you will certainly want to learn more about these supplements. A methyl donor is simply any substance that can transfer a methyl group [a carbon atom attached to three hydrogen atoms (CH3)] to another substance. Many important biochemical processes rely on methylation, including the metabolism of lipids and DNA. Scientists suspect that adequate methylation of DNA can prevent the expression of harmful genes, such as cancer genes. It’s quite likely that our body’s ability to methylate declines with age, contributing to the aging process, and therefore supplementation could well be beneficial. The research in this area is still very early and no firm answers are yet available.

In chapter 9 of Mind Boosters book, Dr. Sahelian mentions that two of the B vitamins, folic acid and B12, are also methyl donors. This chapter discusses four additional nutrients involved in methylation: TMG, DMG, SAM-e, and DMAE. All but SAMe have been sold over the counter for a number of years. SAMe became available in the US in 1996. Interestingly, some vegetables, such as onions, garlic, and beets, contain methyl donors (McCully 1997). You can buy DMAE here.

Health benefit of methyl donors
Methyl donors help in the production of several brain chemicals and hence improve mood, energy, wellbeing, alertness, concentration, and visual clarity. A few people notice enhanced sexual enjoyment.

Medical diseases that methyl donors may be useful
Methyl donors may be helpful in age related cognitive decline, Alzheimer’s disease, fighting depression, and overall health maintenance. They may perhaps also be helpful in Parkinson’s disease.

Trimethylglycine (TMG) and Dimethylglycine (DMG) methyl donors
Trimethylglycine, also known as betaine, is basically the amino acid glycine attached to three methyl groups. Dimethylglycine is similar to trimethylglycine, except it has two methyl groups. You may recall that a methyl group is a carbon attached to three hydrogen atoms (CH3). Both of these nutrients are powerful methyl donors. Methylation is an important factor in many biochemical processes in the human body. In chapter 9 I mentioned that the B vitamins folic acid and B12 lower levels of homocysteine, the harmful amino acid-like substance in blood which can cause hardening of the arteries and possibly damage brain cells. By reducing homocysteine levels, the risk for heart disease can be reduced. TMG and DMG are also known to reduce homocysteine levels and therefore could be helpful in reducing the rate of heart disease. It’s possible that as we age, the process of methylation becomes less effective and supplementation with TMG or DMG may provide health and anti-aging benefits.
   Methyl donors are also involved in the making of brain chemicals which accounts for their cognitive effects. Our clinical experience confirms that both TMG and DMG improve mood and energy.

Availability of methyl donors
TMG and DMG are sold in dosages ranging from 100 to 500 mg. Beets, broccoli, and shellfish are food sources of TMG. In fact, the source of most of the TMG sold over the counter is often from the sugar beet. Some DMG products are available in sublingual form that can be allowed to dissolve under the tongue for a quicker onset.

Side Effects of methyl donors
TMG and DMG, if taken in high dosages, can cause nausea, restlessness and insomnia. According to Dr. Frankel, an additional side effect on high doses can include muscle tension headache.

Recommendations
TMG and DMG are underutilized nutrients that hold a great deal of promise but unfortunately, few doctors are familiar with these nutrients. At this time the clinical uses of TMG and DMG are not well defined and whether they would be helpful in the therapy of Alzheimer and Parkinson’s disease is not known. Since the body’s ability to methylate declines with age, supplements of TMG or DMG in small amounts, such as 50 to 100 mg a day, may benefit middle aged and older individuals.

Dosage of methyl donors
We suggest not exceeding 250 mg of TMG or DMG on a daily basis until more is known about these supplements. Your dose of TMG and DMG should be reduced if you are taking B vitamins, SAMe, DMAE, or choline since all of these nutrients have overlapping functions.

Summary
Methyl donors are very interesting nutrients with a great deal of potential, particularly as antidepressants. Since our body’s ability to methylate declines with age, it’s possible that methyl donors may someday be found to have anti-aging benefits (Cooney, 1993). These nutrients can also be taken on days when one needs to be more focused and alert. In addition to their effects on the mind, methyl donors, along with B vitamins, can help lower homocysteine levels, thus reducing the risk for certain heart and neurological diseases.