Aside from MTHFR mutations here are a number of other SNPs that impact the flow of traffic through the traffic circles that make up the Methylation Cycle. The SHMT (serine hydroxy methyl transferase) SNP is like a detour to nowhere that diverts traffic from your Methylation Cycle. There is a purpose to the SHMT detour and that is to produce certain building blocks for your DNA and for your immune system. It is possible to simply add these building blocks to support your immune system and new DNA synthesis. This decreases the need for the detour to siphon off your Methylation Cycle intermediates and allows more of the supplements you are adding to remain in the set of four traffic circles that make up the Methylation Cycle.

A second key mutation that has the capacity to divert compounds from your Methylation Cycle are certain types of CBS (cystathionine beta synthase) SNPs. The CBS path is like an exit ramp out of the traffic circle that does not allow the traffic to reenter the Methylation Cycle. Some CBS mutations block this ramp, other types of CBS mutations divert a majority of the traffic flow through this exit ramp. The nutrigenomic test that I utilize looks only at those CBS mutations that divert traffic via this exit ramp, out of the critical Methylation Cycle traffic circles. Even if you have not run this particular nutrigenomic test, those with this type of CBS mutation will tend toward excessively high taurine levels on a urine amino acid (UAA) test once methylation support is in place. Until adequate support for the Methylation Cycle is in place the impact of the CBS SNP is often not seen.

Another way to think of the CBS mutations that force you to exit the highway with no path to reentry is as a leaky plug in a bath tub. Until you fill the tub with water you cannot tell that the drain plug isn’t sealing properly and is causing the tub water to flow down the drain instead of filling the tub. In a similar fashion, you cannot see the impact of the CBS SNP until you have sufficient methylation support in place such that the cycle is filling and at that point the taurine levels will rise well above the 50th percentile on a UAA. Work with your doctor to use UAA testing to monitor taurine levels. Once taurine levels do climb, work in conjunction with your doctor to add supports as needed to keep taurine in balance and use consistent UAA testing to track taurine levels.