Who is Gary Brecka and why should I do methylation testing?
/Who Is Gary Brecka?
Gary Brecka is an American human biologist, biohacker, and longevity expert known for his cutting-edge work in functional and preventative health. With years of experience in the health and life insurance industry — where he specialised in mortality prediction— Gary Brecka now helps individuals take control of their health and prevent the development of disease.
He is the co-founder of 10X Health System, a wellness company offering blood analysis, genetic and methylation testing, and hormone optimisation. He is also the founder of The Ultimate Human, a platform designed to educate people about personalised health interventions that are rooted in their unique biology.
Gary Brecka & Methylation: Why It Matters
Central to Gary Brecka’s work is the process of methylation, a critical biochemical reaction that influences nearly every system in the body. Methylation plays a key role in:
● DNA repair
● Detoxification
● Energy production
● Hormone balance
● Immune function
● Mental health
One of the most significant areas of focus is the MTHFR gene mutation—a genetic variant that affects almost half of the population. This mutation limits the body’s ability to convert synthetic folic acid into its usable form, methylfolate, leading to potential nutrient deficiencies. These deficiencies can manifest as:
● Chronic fatigue
● Anxiety and depression
● Digestive issues
● Hormonal imbalances
● Poor cognitive function
What Can You Gain from DNA Methylation Testing?
Methylation DNA testing evaluates how well your body is performing this essential process, helping you to identify hidden root causes of symptoms or suboptimal health. It also allows you to make informed decisions about your nutrition, supplements, and lifestyle - all based entirely on your genetic blueprint. Here’s a more in-depth breakdown of the benefits:
1. Understand Your Genetic Weaknesses
Methylation testing identifies specific genetic variants (SNPs) that affect how your body processes vital nutrients and chemicals. Commonly tested genes include:
● MTHFR – Involved in folate and homocysteine metabolism. Mutations may lead to poor detoxification, anxiety, fatigue, and cardiovascular risk.
● COMT – Breaks down dopamine and oestrogen. A slow COMT gene can result in mood swings, irritability, and insomnia; a fast COMT may lead to low motivation or burnout.
● MTR / MTRR – Affects how your body utilises vitamin B12. Mutations here can cause brain fog, low energy, and neurological issues.
● BHMT – Plays a role in choline metabolism and liver function. Defects can result in poor detox, sluggishness, and inflammation.
When these genes are mutated—especially in a homozygous state (both copies affected)—your body may struggle to methylate efficiently. Testing helps pinpoint exactly where support is needed. ORDER HERE
2. Optimise Mental Wellbeing
Poor methylation is directly linked to neurological and psychological health. Issues with neurotransmitter production and regulation (like dopamine, serotonin, adrenaline and noradrenaline) can result in:
● Anxiety and depression
● Mood instability
● ADHD-like symptoms
● Brain fog and forgetfulness
With your genetic insights, you can correct these imbalances with the right forms of nutrients such as methylated B vitamins, and lifestyle changes—potentially improving focus, motivation, and emotional stability.
3. Personalised Supplementation With methylation testing, your supplement plan can be fully tailored to your unique needs. This may include:
● Methylfolate (L-5MTHF) – Active form of folate, especially important for MTHFR variants
● Methylcobalamin (B12) – Crucial for energy, nerve health, and methylation
● Betaine (TMG) – Supports homocysteine breakdown and liver health
● Magnesium, B6, and SAM-e – Methylation cofactors for optimal function
Resulting in better sleep, increased mental clarity, higher energy, and improved resilience to stress.
4. Long-Term Disease Prevention
Efficient methylation is essential for DNA repair and gene regulation, both of which are fundamental to preventing age-related diseases. Testing may help reduce your risk of:
● Cardiovascular disease (by managing homocysteine levels)
● Neurodegenerative conditions (like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s)
● Hormonal issues (through balanced oestrogen metabolism)
● Autoimmune disorders and chronic inflammation DNA methylation is a key epigenetic mechanism —how your environment and lifestyle affect how fast (or slow) you age.
5. Enhanced Physical Performance & Recovery
Methylation testing can help you understand how to support your body to perform better:
● Muscle recovery strategies to reduce susceptibility to muscle damage and pain
Supporting optimal methylation can help your body heal faster and perform better
6. Lifestyle Optimisation
Based on your genetic profile, you can make smarter decisions about:
● Sunlight exposure (to boost vitamin D, serotonin, and circadian rhythms)
● Diet (e.g. more leafy greens, liver, eggs, and beetroot for methyl donors)
● Breathwork and cold exposure (to naturally stimulate methylation pathways)
● Sleep routines tailored to your needs
Using methylation and DNA testing can be helpful whether you're dealing with health issues, chronic symptoms, trying to optimise your performance for your sport, or just want to age better and support your health and wellbeing.
Further testing at Body Fabulous
The Ultimate Methylation Genetic Test - This test covers the key methylation genes as recommended by world renowned biohacker Gary Brecka including MTHFR, MTRR, MTR, COMT plus we have added 74 more.
Book a General Advice Call - Speak with our clinical team who can advise on the right testing or supplements based on your symptoms and needs.
