What is undermethylation?
Undermethylation (also called histadelia) is a condition that occurs when too few methyl molecules are available to add to enzymes, hormones, and neurotransmitters. Undermethylators tend to respond well to serotonin-enhancing substances.
Why is it a problem?
Lack of methyl groups (a carbon group with three hydrogen atoms) to support neurotransmitter activity creates depressed levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. The problem is low activity at serotonin receptors due to rapid reabsorption after serotonin is released into a synapse; as well as high blood levels of histamine, another neurotransmitter. It’s actually not so much a serotonin deficiency, but an inability to keep serotonin in the synapse long enough. Suboptimal levels of these important neurotransmitters cause depression, perfectionism, obsessive-compulsive and ritualistic behaviors, addictive tendencies, high achievement and competition, and seasonal allergies.
Until recently, schizophrenia was seen in our overmethylation population, but we are now seeing quite a few undermethylation cases. According to my personal physician, Dr. Albert Mensah of Mensah Medical, one possible cause could be the liberal use of folic acid before, during, and after pregnancy. Folic acid decreases the presence of methyl in our DNA. This can be of great benefit to overmethylated individuals, but can create significant challenges for those who are undermethylated. Because folic acid is a common component of prenatal vitamins, and because we have no way of knowing the methyl biotype of a fetus while in utero, prolonged use of prenatal vitamins could actually be preselecting undermethylated children for increased risk of developing schizophrenic symptoms at some point in their lives. Please note research is currently under way on this clinical trend we are seeing.
Who can be undermethylated?
I often see high achieving, type A individuals with strong perfectionistic tendencies to be undermethylated. They are calm on the outside with lots of inner tension and often, severe depression. Undermethylation is also an underlying component of autism. Please note, we receive our methylation status in utero. Undermethylation is not the same condition as histamine intolerance or Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS). We are also more at risk of developing certain types of cancers.
How can we fix it?
Undermethylators have a genetic tendency to be very low in calcium, magnesium, methionine, and vitamin B6, with excessive levels of folate. This condition can be safely corrected and balanced with dietary and nutrient therapy, as well as lifestyle modifications. First, let’s see if you might be impacted by this. Take my free, five-minute life assessment to find out if this applies to you.

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A Healing Guide for Undermethylation
Methylation is a complex process but eating according to your methylation status doesn’t have to be. My Low Folate Cookbook contains low, high, and moderate folate foods, verified research, meal planning, and delicious low folate recipes to heal undermethylation (too few methyl groups).
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Undermethylation Articles
Breast Cancer, Methylation and Copper Toxicity
MTHFR Methylfolate vs. Folic Acid Facts and Myths
Dangers of Folic Acid Supplements while Pregnant
Methylation Diet Tips: Eating Right for Your Biotype
Histamine Intolerance: Methylation, the Gut, & Copper
The Underlying Cause of OCD/Perfectionism and What To Do About It
Folate: Friend or Foe?
Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder & Perfectionism Revealed
What is a Methylation Disorder?

Undermethylation Podcast Episodes
Bonus Replay: The MTHFR and Methylfolate Myth with Dr. Albert Mensah
Bonus Replay: The Gut-Brain Connection with Kiran Krishnan
EP 42: My Personal Healing Journey
EP 41: Environmental Toxins and Your Health with Lara Adler
EP 14: Breast Cancer And The Truth About Folic Acid In Cell Division With Dr. Albert Mensah
EP 03: How Biochemistry and Genes Impact Your Brain with Dr. Albert Mensah, MD, BCIP
EP 02: How Nutrient Deficiencies and Overloads Impact the Brain and Body
“Samantha is the most knowledgeable nutritionist I’ve worked with and has unique knowledge in the area of copper disorders and methylation. Her advice has helped me immensely in dealing with fibromyalgia and treatment-resistant depression.”
JOHN C.