What I've Learned About Long COVID: A Gut-First Framework — 5. Methyl Donor Depletion—The Hidden Metabolic Crisis

Epigenetic remodeling and immune activation both demand a lot of methylation reactions. Think of methyl donors (choline, folate, B12, betaine) as the currency your cells use to regulate gene expression and detoxify. When a pathogen hijacks these pathways, you rapidly deplete your methyl pool. Suddenly, you can&#8217;t methylate your DNA properly, can&#8217;t synthesize phosphatidylcholine for cell membranes, can&#8217;t produce glutathione. You&#8217;re running on fumes.