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DNA methylation

DNA methylation, which can change the activity of a DNA segment without changing its sequence, has been implicated in aging and disease.

Our evidence-based analysis on dna methylation features 2 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
Research analysis led by and reviewed by the Examine team.
Last Updated:

Summary of DNA methylation

DNA methylation is an epigenetic mechanism (i.e., a change in gene activity or function that is not associated with any change of the DNA sequence itself) involving the transfer of a methyl group to the C5 position of the cytosine ring of DNA.[1] It is essential for normal development and plays an important role in many key processes, such as repressing the expression of potentially harmful genetic elements.

Aging brings an increase in DNA methylation variability (i.e., an increase in DNA methylation in some tissues and a decrease in others) due to concurrent genetic and environmental influences.[2]

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Human Effect Matrix

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The Human Effect Matrix looks at human studies to tell you what supplements affect DNA methylation.

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Grade Level of Evidence
Robust research conducted with repeated double-blind clinical trials
Multiple studies where at least two are double-blind and placebo controlled
Single double-blind study or multiple cohort studies
Uncontrolled or observational studies only
Level of Evidence
? The amount of high quality evidence. The more evidence, the more we can trust the results.
Supplement Magnitude of effect
? The direction and size of the supplement's impact on each outcome. Some supplements can have an increasing effect, others have a decreasing effect, and others have no effect.
Consistency of research results
? Scientific research does not always agree. HIGH or VERY HIGH means that most of the scientific research agrees.
Notes
grade-c
Creatine
Minor - See study
The effect of creatine supplementation on DNA methylation cannot be properly assessed due to a lack of comparisons with other agents.
grade-c
Resveratrol
Minor - See study
A decrease in DNA methylation rates has been noted

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Click here to see all 2 references.

This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 2 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of research information and references for DNA methylation.

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