Have you ever wondered how your child’s brain keeps developing, thinking, and repairing every second of the day? One of the unsung heroes behind the scenes is a process called methylation—and it happens billions of times per second in every cell of the body.

Methylation is like your child’s brain and body master builder, relying on B vitamins to keep everything running smoothly—from focus and mood to energy and immunity.

Why It Matters: Methylation

✔ Boosts brain growth and mood – Methylation creates brain cells and vital brain chemicals like serotonin and dopamine, which support attention, calm, and motivation.

✔ Protects long-term brain health – When methylation isn’t working properly, a compound called homocysteine can build up in the blood. High levels of homocysteine are linked to brain shrinkage and reduced memory, even in children and teens.

✔ Methylation drives detox and defences – it supports the detoxing of harmful compounds (like mercury), building joint health, making red blood cells, and powering your child’s natural antioxidant system by helping to make glutathione, the body’s master antioxidant.

What You Need to Know

✔ Your child’s methylation depends on having enough B vitamins—especially B6, B12, folate (B9), and others. These nutrients help keep homocysteine levels low.

✔ Too much homocysteine = time to reduce it! Ideally, your child’s level should be below 7, and for optimal protection, below 5 is best. Levels over 11 have been linked to increased brain shrinkage.

✔ It’s a team effort: Even if your child eats well, they also need enough omega-3 fats (like from fish) to support brain building. Methylation and omega-3s work together to power up the brain.

✔ You can test your child’s homocysteine level through Food for the Brain’s online testing tool: Take the Test

How to Implement Change

Today’s Challenge: Take 5 minutes to watch this short explainer video with your child:           

Why Lowering Homocysteine Matters – Video

💬 Encouragement for Parents

You’re already doing an incredible job exploring ways to support your child’s brain health. This topic might feel technical—but understanding methylation gives you a real advantage in supporting long-term focus, mood, and learning. Keep going—this journey is worth it!

In the next emails we’ll explain exactly which nutrients are key to keeping your Homocysteine level optimal and therefore what your child need to eat and drink, or not eat and drink, and what to supplement.

📌 Next email: Three Steps to Keep Your Child’s Homocysteine Optimal