Epigenetic noise

What is epigenetic noise

Epigenetic noise refers to random changes in the epigenetic markers of our DNA that occur as we age. These markers determine which genes are switched on or off without changing the underlying DNA sequence. Epigenetics plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression, and when this process is disrupted, it can lead to a range of health problems, including aging, reduced organ function, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease.

The role of methylation in epigenetics

Methylation is one of the most important epigenetic processes. It involves the addition of a methyl group to DNA, which influences gene expression. This process is essential for building and repairing DNA, producing RNA and proteins, and regulating neurotransmitters. When methylation capacity declines, problems arise, such as elevated homocysteine levels, a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Reduced methylation can also lead to the accumulation of toxic substances, accelerating aging and disease development.

Causes of epigenetic noise

As we age, the efficiency of our methylation capacity decreases, contributing to epigenetic noise. This can be caused by:

• Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of essential nutrients such as folate and vitamin B12, which are crucial for the methylation cycle.
• Lifestyle and environmental factors: Exposure to toxins, stress, poor diet, and insufficient sleep can all contribute to epigenetic noise.
• Chronic disease and inflammation: Prolonged inflammatory responses and chronic illnesses disrupt normal methylation processes.

Consequences of reduced methylation

A disrupted methylation cycle can lead to:

• Elevated homocysteine levels: This increases the risk of cardiovascular disease.
• Accumulation of toxic substances: Because methylation helps detoxify harmful substances, reduced capacity leads to a buildup of toxins in the body.
• Accelerated aging and disease development: Reduced methylation contributes to cellular aging and raises the risk of chronic disease.

Countering epigenetic noise: the role of nutrition

To counter epigenetic noise, it's important to support the methylation cycle through diet and supplements:

Folate and vitamin B12

These two nutrients play an essential role in the methylation cycle. A deficiency in either folate or vitamin B12 can disrupt the cycle, resulting in elevated homocysteine levels and reduced methylation capacity.

Your blood shows whether you have enough. Synapse applies stricter lower limits than many guidelines: functional markers such as methylmalonic acid and homocysteine only reach their optimal values above those limits. The cut-offs below are those of our reference guide.

• Folate: optimal is 4.5 to 16 ng/mL. Between 3 and 4.5 ng/mL your folate is too low, and at 3 ng/mL or less we speak of a deficiency. Extra attention is needed with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, alcohol misuse, or chronic medication use.
• Vitamin B12: optimal is 350 pg/mL or more, up to your lab's upper limit. Between 180 and 350 pg/mL your vitamin B12 is too low, and at 180 pg/mL or less we speak of a deficiency. Does your lab report say ng/L? That is the same value.

Supplements: when are they needed?

Supplements may be needed when your body is not getting enough folate or vitamin B12 from your diet. Have your levels measured before you start: that tells you whether a supplement makes sense.

• Folate: a supplement may be useful if your folate is below 4.5 ng/mL, especially with inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, alcohol misuse, or chronic medication use. Discuss the dose with your GP. 5-MTHF is the biologically active form of folate.
• Vitamin B12: if your vitamin B12 is below 350 pg/mL, this can disrupt methylation and raise your homocysteine, increasing your cardiovascular risk. Discuss the dose with your GP. Methylcobalamin is the form your body can use immediately.

By taking supplements when needed, you can help counter epigenetic noise, optimise the methylation cycle, and work toward a healthier future.

Conclusion

Epigenetic noise is a complex but important process that affects our health and aging. By being aware of the causes and consequences of disrupted methylation, and by keeping nutrients like folate and vitamin B12 at a good level, we can reduce the impact of epigenetic noise and improve our long-term health. Supporting the methylation cycle is not only essential for health today: it's also an investment in a vital, healthy future.

Sources

Abildgaard, A. et al. Reference intervals for plasma vitamin B12 and plasma/serum methylmalonic acid in Danish children, adults and elderly. Clin Chim Acta 525, 62–68 (2022)

Muskiet, F. A. J. & Mathus-Vliegen, E. M. H. Commentaar op het 'NHG-Standpunt Diagnostiek van vitamine-B12-deficiëntie'. Ned Tijdschr Klin Chem Labgeneesk 40, 73–77 (2015)

Vos, M. J. et al. Folate reference interval estimation in the Dutch general population. Pract Lab Med 16, e00127 (2019)

Khan, K. M. & Jialal, I. Folic Acid Deficiency. StatPearls (2023)