Rachel-

I did some research and found this quote in one article:

"One thing that is absolutely certain is that methionine and/or SAMe usually harm low-histamine (overmethylated persons)..... but are wonderful for high-histamine (undermethylated) persons. The reverse in true for histadelic (undermethylated) persons, who thrive on methionine, SAMe, Ca and Mg..... but get much worse if they take folates & B-12 which can increase methyl trapping.

I guess the bottom line is that undermethylated persons generally exhibit very elevated folate levels.... and these persons get worse if additional folate is given."

This may explain why I did so poorly on Methyl B12 and why B complex gave me palpitations. i feel like I have symptoms of both, but I know that copper toxicity comes with an undermethylated profile and I assume I am undermethylated as I have high Cysteine and histamine levels.

The methyl trapping is what I mentioned before...that in some cases methyl B12 can cause Mercury to cross the blood brain barrier.

Anywho- I still don't understand how my undermethylation problem can be improved and how it ties in with my sulfur intake.

Nancy

I posted alot about histamine/folate/copper in the OMG thread.....but its been awhile so its not too fresh in my mind now.


I do know that those who have high histamine levels need to avoid folate.....mainly because folate produces excess histamine.....worsening the condition. Folate should be avoided in supplements and sometimes the diet has to be modified as well (low folate). Usually people with high histamine need to avoid foods containing high levels of histamine.

The other thing is that copper reduces histamine.....so high copper = low histamine.....and low copper = high histamine.

What type of testing did you have for copper?

Have you had your histamine levels checked?

Alot of times copper can 'appear' to be high....when in fact its deficient. This is because the copper is 'biounavailable'....meaning its there but its not being utilized. This can happen when there are problems with mineral transport. A person can have high levels of copper coming out of the hair...but this doesnt mean that copper in the cells is elevated. It could be that copper is unable to get into the cells....and so its coming out in the hair....and it *appears* to be high....when in fact the cells are deficient.

So if you truelly do have high histamine levels....I would have to wonder about the copper.

An 'undermethylator' would typically have high histamine, low copper.....and not do well with folate/b12.

An 'overmethylator' would typically have low histamine, high copper and do better with folate/b12.

I fit the profile of an overmethylator because my histamine levels were not elevated, my copper is high and I have folate deficiency. I also have multiple food/chemical sensitivities......but have no seasonal allergies.