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COMT - What's the real story?

bjl218

Senior Member
Messages
145
Location
Chelmsford, Massachusetts
I've read a lot on this site, but I'm still confused about the effect of COMT SNPs. I believe it's Yasko's theory that COMT +/+ SNPs make one sensitive to methyl donors. Is this considered gospel or controversial? I have 2 homozygous COMT SNPS (see my sig). My recent NutrEval showed that I was very low in folate and other B vitamins. So how do I get methylation going unless I can take methyl-folate? I tried methyl-B12 and methyl-folate a few years ago and didn't seem to have any problems with them. Fast forward a few years and I ran into some serious anxiety problems when I tried to take various methylated supplements. My B2 was also very low and I've read that that can be a contributor as well. So I'm working on bringing up my B2 right now. But the whole COMT issue still concerns me.
 
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Learner1

Senior Member
Messages
6,305
Location
Pacific Northwest
The current thinking us that you treat the person, not the SNPs. You have other genes and environmental factors that have impacts, and may override or at least alter what the COMT gene is doing.

I have COMT SNPs and have never found Yaskos advice on them.to be accurate. I have, though, found the NutrEval to be excellent and telling me what my body needs, which is usually a lot of B vitamins, as you've described.

So, it sounds like your work is to get you're methylation nutrients and cofactors in order, ensuring you are drinking water, eating fiber and eliminating well, so that any toxins mobilized by methylation are escorted out of your body.

The areas I have found COMT to have an effect is in my ability to metabolize estrogen and catecholamines. Estrogen is affected by other genes like SHBG and CYP1B1, so there are multiple factors, and again, lab work is the guide for what to do. And for catecholamines (dopamine and norepinephrine), too.

And then, there has been talk of COMT in ME/CFS, which I'd like to learn more about, if anyone knows.
 

alicec

Senior Member
Messages
1,572
Location
Australia
I believe it's Yasko's theory that COMT +/+ SNPs make one sensitive to methyl donors. Is this considered gospel or controversial? I

It is just that, a theory. It is certainly not gospel (nor is anything else Yasko says - she is full of serious errors and unsupported claims), nor even controversial. It is simply not true. There is no evidence for it and many people have put it to the test and found it to be wanting.