What Is Methylation & Genomics Testing?
Methylation is the most studied biochemical process in functional medicine. It governs DNA stability, neurotransmitter production, hormone clearance, detoxification, energy generation, and the epigenetic marks that influence biological aging. Genetic variation in the methylation cycle is common — and clinically actionable.
This protocol identifies the SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) that meaningfully shift how your methylation cycle functions, then translates that genetic picture into specific supplement, lifestyle, and clinical recommendations. We do not test what cannot be acted on.
What Gets Read
- MTHFR (C677T, A1298C) — folate cycle and methylation efficiency
- COMT — catecholamine clearance, estrogen metabolism, stress resilience
- APOE — lipid handling and neurodegeneration risk
- MTRR, MTR, BHMT — methionine cycle support
- CBS, NOS — sulfur and nitric oxide pathways
- Phase I and Phase II detoxification genes — CYP450 family, GSTs, NAT2
- Vitamin D receptor (VDR), folate transport (FOLR), and other clinically relevant variants
How Results Are Used
Genomic results are static. Functional output is dynamic. We pair the SNP picture with active functional markers — homocysteine, B vitamin status, urinary organic acids, hormone metabolites — to determine which genetic variants are actually expressing as clinical issues, and which are silent.
The protocol that emerges is targeted: the right form of folate (methylfolate vs folinic acid vs unmethylated, depending on COMT context), the right B vitamin doses, the right hormone metabolism support, the right detoxification scaffolding.
Protocol Details
A single saliva or whole-blood sample is collected in-clinic. Results are returned in 3 to 4 weeks and reviewed in a dedicated visit alongside your functional markers and clinical picture.
Panel selection — comprehensive vs targeted — is determined during your physician consultation.
What to Expect
No fasting required. The genomic report itself is a one-time output; what changes over time is the functional layer that informs how the SNPs are being expressed. The interpretive session is where the genetic picture becomes a protocol.
Safety & Physician Oversight
All methylation and genomics testing at The FMR is ordered, interpreted, and integrated by our licensed physicians. Genomic findings are read in clinical context — never as standalone verdicts.
We do not provide genetic risk counseling for hereditary disease syndromes; those are referred to a board-certified genetic counselor when appropriate.
Frequently Asked Questions
I already did 23andMe / AncestryDNA — can you use that data?
Yes, in many cases. Raw genotype files from consumer services can be analyzed against the same panels used for clinical interpretation, with the caveat that consumer data has known accuracy limitations on certain SNPs. We will review with you whether re-testing is warranted.
Does an MTHFR variant mean I need methylfolate?
Not automatically. The clinical answer depends on the specific variant, your homocysteine and B vitamin functional status, your COMT context, and your symptom picture. Reflexive methylfolate dosing without that context can cause more problems than it solves.
Is this covered by insurance?
Generally not. Some panels carry partial reimbursement when ordered with appropriate clinical indication. We provide superbills for patients pursuing reimbursement.
How is this different from epigenetic age testing?
Genomics reads the static genetic blueprint. Epigenetic age reads the dynamic chemical marks layered on top of that blueprint. They are complementary — one tells you what you have to work with, the other tells you what is happening with it now.