Chapter 36 – One-Carbon Metabolism: An Unsung Hero for Healthy Aging

One-carbon metabolism ultimately delivers one-carbon moiety (methyl group) to many biologic reactions, including nucleotide synthesis and biological methylation, that are needed to synthesize essential components of cells and tissues and to maintain body homeostasis. One-carbon metabolism is also connected to other energy metabolisms. Thus, one-carbon metabolism is central to maintaining the integrity of human health and body repair. It is not surprising that altered one-carbon metabolism is highly associated with aging and age-associated diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and neurocognitive diseases. Adequate balance of one-carbon metabolism through one-carbon nutrients, such as B-vitamins, methionine, and choline, is particularly important in human health.