COMT Gene
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT)
COMT encodes for an enzyme that breaks down catecholamines: dopamine, adrenaline, noradrenaline, and oestrogen.
COMT regulates dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex. This is critical for memory, attention, judgement and executive function.
medlineplus.gov/genetics/gene/comt/
Gary Brecka: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIQj0z9sYzY
Dr Janelle Sinclair
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAFkKOrSZ9k
GG Genotype (-- or Val/Val) Warrior variant
The double normal SNP breaks down dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline fast. Good at getting rid of stress. Linked to schizophrenia. Evolutionarily older. Codes for WT enzyme.
Symptoms of too little dopamine:
- lack of interest in life
- decreased motivation and drive
- depression
- inability to feel pleasure
- fatigue
- ADHD
- poor memory
- Parkinson's disease
- lower pain tolerance
- requires less morphine for pain
Treatment:
- green tea / coffee / caffeine
- exercise
- protein
- l-tyrosine
- adrenal support
AA Genotype (++ or Met/Met) Worrier variant
The double abnormal SNP breaks down dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline slowly. Evolutionarily newer and unique to humans. Codes for MUT enzyme.
Symptoms:
- high stress levels
- agitation
- anxiety
- panic attacks
- insomnia
- better memory
- higher IQ
- get more pleasure out of life
- more creative
- don't do well under stress
- increased risk of anxiety and panic disorder
- higher pain tolerance
Treatment:
- stress management
- stimulating activities in the morning
- calming activities at night
- find activities that stimulate your brain, otherwise you'll be bored.
- balanced work life
- avoid phenols in cleaning products, household chemicals and cosmetics and foods
- limit green tea, coffee, caffeine, berries, chocolate as it slows down COMT
- magnesium
- vitamin C
- adaptogenic herbs
- phosphatidlyserine
- may be sensitive to methylating agents methylfolate or methyl B12, use folinic acid or hydroxo B12, depending on MTHFR SNP