COMPENDIUM ON FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE - Flipbook - Page 207
COMT (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase)
Function: COMT breaks down catecholamine neurotransmitters
(dopamine, epinephrine, norepinephrine) and metabolizes
estrogen [20].
Key Variants:
V158M (rs4680)
Also known as Val158Met, affects enzyme speed. The Val (G)
allele leads to faster breakdown of neurotransmitters, while the
Met (A) allele leads to slower breakdown [20][21].
H62H (rs4633)
Often works in conjunction with V158M [20].
Impact: People with slower COMT variants (Met/Met or GA/AA)
may experience:
● Higher sensitivity to stress and pain [21]
● Enhanced cognitive performance in certain areas [21]
● Potentially higher anxiety levels [20][21]
● Increased risk of estrogen-related issues due to slower
estrogen metabolism
MAO-A (Monoamine Oxidase A)
Function: MAO-A breaks down serotonin, dopamine, and
norepinephrine [22].
Key Variant:
R297R (rs6323)
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