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COMT, MAO, DAO and how you clear busy brain chemicals

Mood & Focus Chemistry

These genes help your brain and gut break down chemicals like dopamine, adrenaline, and histamine.

COMT · rs4680

V158M (Val/Met)

High-priority conversation
Your genotypeA / ATwo variant copies
Chromosomechr 22Reference G · Variant A
Evidence
Level B
Reviewed 2025-01
In plain language
COMT clears busy brain chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline. The A (Met) version works about 3–4x slower than the G (Val) version.
What this may suggest
AA (Met/Met) tends to keep dopamine around longer — often described as sharper focus but more sensitivity to stress and caffeine. GG (Val/Val) clears faster.
What this does NOT tell us
Labels like 'warrior' or 'worrier' are catchy but oversimplified. Sex hormones, sleep, and life stress matter as much as this one gene.
Simple food & lifestyle ideas
  • If sensitive to stimulants, try less coffee later in the day.
  • Magnesium-rich foods (pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate, greens) support relaxation.

Questions for your clinician

  • “Could my caffeine or stimulant sensitivity be worth reviewing?”
  • “Are there gentler stress-support ideas that fit me?”
MAOA · rs6323

R297R

Could be a problem
Your genotypeG / TOne variant copy
Chromosomechr XReference G · Variant T
Evidence
Level C
Reviewed 2025-01
In plain language
MAOA breaks down serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Activity differs by version.
What this may suggest
May tilt how quickly you clear mood-related chemicals.
What this does NOT tell us
Does not predict mental health conditions.
Simple food & lifestyle ideas
  • Regular sleep, sunlight, and movement support all these systems.

Questions for your clinician

  • “Should I mention this if we ever discuss mood medications?”
MAOB · rs1799836

intron 13

Low-priority conversation
Your genotypeA / ATypical (no variant copies)
Chromosomechr XReference A · Variant G
Evidence
Level C
Reviewed 2025-01
In plain language
MAOB mainly breaks down dopamine.
What this may suggest
Small differences in dopamine turnover.
What this does NOT tell us
Not a diagnosis of any condition.
Simple food & lifestyle ideas
  • Movement and sunlight support healthy dopamine.
AOC1 (DAO) · rs10156191

T16M

Could be a problem
Your genotypeC / TOne variant copy
Chromosomechr 7Reference C · Variant T
Evidence
Level C
Reviewed 2025-01
In plain language
DAO is the enzyme in your gut that breaks down histamine from food.
What this may suggest
Lower DAO activity can go along with feeling flushed, headachy, or itchy after high-histamine foods (aged cheese, wine, leftovers).
What this does NOT tell us
Does not confirm histamine intolerance — that is a clinical picture, not a gene.
Simple food & lifestyle ideas
  • Fresh (not aged/leftover) foods, and vitamin C from fruit, may help.
  • DAO enzyme supplements exist — discuss with your clinician before starting.

Questions for your clinician

  • “Could a short low-histamine trial help figure out my food triggers?”

What this chapter does NOT tell you

Your genes are one signal. Blood work, symptoms, family history, medications, and your daily life all matter more than any single result on this page. Bring these notes to a clinician who knows you — do not start, stop, or change medications or high-dose supplements based on this report alone.