How Neurological Development Can Derail Without Adequate Methylation Capacity: The Role of Vitamin B12

In this blog post, we aim to uncover the mystery behind what goes awry in early neurological maturation in those who go on to develop autism.  I believe that much of the scientific literature cited here supporting this argument is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand a connection between methylation and autism.

The hypothesis being presented here depends upon a few premises:

• mitochondrial health is a contributing factor to methylation due to the energy requirements of maintaining methylation capacity
• methylation capacity must be maintained in order for the brain to develop according to its predetermined blueprint encoded in the genome
• if methylation capacity is insufficient during the critical window of neurodevelopment, either by mitochondrial dysfunction or otherwise, neurological deficits may manifest, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD)

The premises listed above rest on the understanding of epigenetic regulation of the genetic code as being critical for directing energy production to neurological development in early life.  Beyond the critical window of development, which happens mostly before age 2 and to some extent until age 6, epigenetic regulation then begins to allocate energy for maintenance, repair, and a modest amount of neurological growth.

The B12 Protocol as taught at Spectrum Sciences aims to optimize methylation capacity through activation and recycling of vitamin B12.  We have seen treatments aimed at improving methylation capacity have the effect of diminishing or even reversing the presentation of autism, even if methylation capacity is restored after the critical neurodevelopmental window has passed.

What makes vitamin B12 so important to the methylation cycle is its involvement in methionine synthase (the enzyme that removes homocysteine by transforming it into methionine).  Of course, its other coenzymatic role and its pharmacological role are also important, as those roles allow the mitochondria to provide enough energy to keep up with SAM production.

Early in life, there is a great deal of importance on methylation capacity in the context of neurodevelopment.  I will focus on three ways that methylation capacity is believed to contribute to early brain development.

1) DNA methylation

DNA methyltransferase enzymes (e.g. DNMT1, DNMT3A) regulate oligodendrite proginator cells' (OPCs) proliferation and differentiation.  DNA methylation silences cell cycle genes and activates myelin-related genes, enabling OPCs to transition into oligodendrocytes (OLs).(study)(study)

2) Histone methylation

PRMT5-mediated symmetric histone arginine methylation coordinates myelin gene expression and OPC survival during differentiation.(study)

3) RNA methylation

m6A mRNA methylation is essential for OL maturation and CNS myelination, influencing transcriptome regulation.(study)

Based on this understanding of how methylation capacity is intricately involved in early brain development, it stands to reason that poor methylation capacity at an early age could potentially contribute to the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several lines of evidence support this connection:

1. Impaired methylation capacity has been observed in children with autism. A study found that children with ASD had significantly lower plasma concentrations of methionine, S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), and other methylation-related metabolites compared to control children.
2. The same study found that the ratio of SAM to S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) was significantly lower in children with autism, indicating an impaired capacity for methylation.
3. DNA methylation plays a crucial role in neurodevelopment and gene regulation. Abnormal methylation patterns have been observed in the brains of ASD patients, particularly in genes related to synaptic function and immune response.
4. Locus-specific methylation of the Mecp2 promoter, which is involved in DNA methylation processes, has been shown to lead to autism-like behaviors in animal models.
5. Epigenetic dysregulation, including altered DNA methylation, has been implicated as a potential molecular mechanism linking genetic and environmental factors in ASD development.(study)(study)

These findings suggest that poor methylation capacity during critical periods of early development could disrupt normal neurodevelopmental processes, potentially contributing to the emergence of ASD.  We at Spectrum Sciences have witnessed the Vitamin B12 Protocol change lives of children (and adults) with autism.

While repairing methylation capacity will not always completely reverse autism symptoms, it almost always leads to improvements. Here's what our experience has been.

• Supporting methylation biochemistry is one of the most impactful biomedical strategies a parent can employ.
• The vast majority of children see at least some improvement in autism-related symptoms when they utilize a biomedical approach that focuses on improving methylation capacity.
• We have seen children experience reduced sensory issues, improved motor planning, increase both receptive and expressive language, improved social skills, advance in cognitive development, improved mood, reduced anxiety, improved sleep, improved behavior, increased attention, and enhanced learning.
• Measures of oxidative stress and DNA damage (both are associated with ASD) are reduced.

 

Addressing methylation issues may involve various approaches:

• Implementing the B12 Protocol
• Correcting dysbiosis and restoring a healthy microbiome 
• Ensuring adequate intake of dietary micronutrients essential for methylation, such as those contained in Protocol Support

 

It's important to note that while improving methylation capacity shows great promise in alleviating many ASD symptoms, autism is a complex disorder with multiple contributing factors. Methylation support through the B12 Protocol should be considered as part of a comprehensive treatment approach under the guidance of knowledgeable healthcare professionals.

We hope you have learned something useful from this blog post.  Spectrum Sciences is committed to bringing you the information you need in order to make informed decisions about your health.  We are also determined to bring you the best Vitamin B12 supplement by various means, including protocol enhancement and new product offerings.