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TCN2 and Vitamin B12 Transport: What Your Genotype Means for Methylation and Health

The TCN2 gene makes a protein called transcobalamin that carries vitamin B12 into your cells. Inside cells, B12 supports DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, nerve function, and the methylation pathway that helps regulate homocysteine and many biochemical reactions. Variations in TCN2 can change how well B12 gets delivered to tissues. That may affect methylation efficiency, homocysteine levels, and processes such as neurotransmitter production and detoxification.

How to read this result

This report explains three possible genotypes at rs9606756 and how each can influence B12 transport and methylation. It also offers practical suggestions for diet, supplements, lifestyle, and laboratory testing to help support cellular B12 status and overall methylation health.

2 effect alleles (GG) — Reduced TCN2 function

Having two copies of the effect allele is linked with reduced binding or transport efficiency of transcobalamin. Even with normal blood B12, delivery into cells can be impaired. This may lead to lower intracellular active B12, higher homocysteine, and slowed remethylation of homocysteine to methionine.

Practical implications

  • Higher risk of intracellular B12 insufficiency despite normal serum B12.
  • Potential for elevated homocysteine and reduced methylation capacity.
  • May experience symptoms related to B12 deficit such as fatigue, brain fog, or neuropathy if not supported.

Diet recommendations

  • Include B12-rich foods: lean meats, poultry, fish, dairy, and eggs.
  • For vegetarians or those limiting animal foods, emphasize fortified plant foods and plan for supplementation.
  • Support folate intake with leafy greens, legumes, and fortified grains to work together with B12 in the methylation cycle.

Supplement recommendations

  • Use active B12 forms such as methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin rather than cyanocobalamin to improve cellular utility.
  • Consider a B-complex that includes B6 and riboflavin to support related pathways.
  • Supplement with 5-MTHF (active folate) rather than folic acid when supporting methylation.
  • Typical starting ranges: methylcobalamin 500 to 2000 mcg daily or as advised by a clinician; adjust based on symptoms and lab results.

Lifestyle and exposures

  • Limit alcohol intake because alcohol can impair B12 absorption and liver methylation.
  • Avoid or reduce exposure to heavy metals and environmental toxins that may compete with or impair B12-dependent pathways.
  • Manage digestive health: conditions that reduce stomach acid or intrinsic factor can worsen B12 uptake.

Suggested blood tests

  • Serum B12 and active B12 (holotranscobalamin) when available.
  • Methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine to assess functional B12 status.
  • Complete blood count if fatigue or anemia is present.
1 effect allele (AG) — Intermediate TCN2 function

With one effect allele, TCN2 transport may be moderately less efficient. Many people maintain normal B12 status, but you may be more sensitive to low intake, gut issues, or other stressors that affect absorption and cellular delivery.

Practical implications

  • Usually adequate function under normal conditions, but risk rises during periods of low B12 intake or increased demand.
  • Monitoring and mild supplementation can prevent declines in methylation capacity and homocysteine control.

Diet recommendations

  • Prioritize regular consumption of B12 sources: fish, meat, dairy, eggs, or fortified foods for those on plant-based diets.
  • Maintain good folate intake from vegetables and legumes to support the methylation cycle.

Supplement recommendations

  • Consider a low to moderate dose of active B12 such as methylcobalamin 250 to 1000 mcg daily if dietary intake is uncertain or symptoms arise.
  • Use 5-MTHF or a balanced B-complex to support folate and related cofactors.

Lifestyle and exposures

  • Address digestive issues that may reduce absorption, such as low stomach acid, H. pylori infection, or chronic antacid use.
  • Limit alcohol and smoking to preserve methylation capacity.

Suggested blood tests

  • Consider periodic checks of serum B12, homocysteine, and MMA if you have symptoms or dietary risk factors.
0 effect alleles (AA) — Typical TCN2 function

Two non-effect alleles are associated with normal transcobalamin function and efficient cellular B12 transport. With good dietary intake and normal digestion, your methylation cycle and homocysteine recycling are likely well supported.

Practical implications

  • Standard dietary and lifestyle guidance is usually sufficient to maintain B12 status.
  • Supplementation may not be required unless you have specific risk factors like a vegan diet, older age, or gastrointestinal disease.

Diet recommendations

  • Consume a balanced diet with adequate animal-source or fortified foods to meet B12 needs.
  • Include folate-rich vegetables to support the Folate Cycle and methylation.

Supplement recommendations

  • Supplementation only as needed based on diet or clinical advice. Consider a multivitamin or B-complex if dietary intake is limited.

Lifestyle and exposures

  • Maintain digestive health and avoid long term antacid use unless prescribed.
  • Limit alcohol to protect liver function and methylation processes.

Suggested blood tests

  • Routine screening only if symptoms, dietary restrictions, or medical conditions arise that affect B12 absorption.

General tips to support TCN2-related pathways

  • Prefer active forms of B12 (methylcobalamin or adenosylcobalamin) when supplementing to increase the chance of effective cellular use.
  • Support folate with 5-MTHF rather than unmetabolized folic acid when focusing on methylation.
  • Ensure adequate cofactors like B6 and riboflavin to keep related enzymes functioning well.
  • Address gut health and absorption: treat conditions that reduce intrinsic factor or gastric acid when present.
  • Monitor homocysteine and functional B12 markers if you have symptoms such as fatigue, cognitive changes, neuropathy, or unexplained anemia.

Important disclaimers

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content is not medical advice. Talk with your healthcare provider before starting or changing supplements, making significant diet changes, or pursuing any testing. Your clinician can interpret your genotype in the context of your medical history, medications, labs, and symptoms to build a personalized plan.