Advice needed for COMT++ (V158M / H62H), VDR Taq++ and more

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Hi everyone!

I have just received my 23andme results a few days ago and here is my result:

COMT V158M ++
COMT H62H ++
VDR Taq ++
MTHFR A1298C +-
MTRR A66G +-
CBS 699T +-
SHTM1 C1420T ++

So far I have learned that I have low COMT activity and a problem with Vitamin D (VDR Taq).
The COMT++ result is quite interesting for me because I think the description of the "worrier" type fits me quite well. The last year has been very stressful, and I experienced severe cognitive issues (weak short-term memory and impaired learning) along with a lot of anxiety.

I am a bit overwhelmed and don't really know where to start, so far I read Dr. Amy Yasko's guide and several articles online to see what I need to do.

I want to start taking the following supplements:

- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12 (Hydroxocobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin) + B-Complex
- L-Methyl-Folate (L-5-MTHF)
- TMG / Betaine
- NAC
- DIM or I3C (reduce estrogen)
- Lithium Orotate (reduce neurotransmitters)

I also take the following already: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, and Creatine.

Do you think this is a good idea? Or should I change something?
I mainly want to increase COMT and decrease estrogen and homocysteine.

I have no idea how my other mutations besides COMT, MTHFR, and VDR affect my health. If anybody knows something about the other genes that would be great too :)

Thanks a lot for your advice!
 

prioris

Senior Member
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i'll give you a quick short CLIFF NOTES course on topic

First ...
You really need to know if you are an UNDER or OVER methylator

MTHFR started out just assuming just lack of methylation. Don't assume more methylation is better for people. It may be for some but not for others. You need to know where you are.

If you are an over methylator, taking methylxxx supplement will likely make you feel worse ... jittery and horrible.

there are three classes of people when they take methylb12 and methylfolate
1) ones who take it without problems and works wonders ... i would guess undermethylators
2) ones who start on small dose, ramp up ... somewhere in between
3) ones who can't take it at all ... i would guess overmethylators

i'm an overmethylator so i have no problem with adenosylcobalamin but do horrible when taking methylb12. i can tolerate it better when taking lithium orotate.

some people will have some strict definitions on what an over and under methylator is ... ignore that ... let your body tell you the answer

Second ...
after you figure out which group your in ... you have the bigger picture

you can experiment with the b vitamins that suit your body and see if anything improves ... that's pretty much the treatment

things like glutathione will cause methylation ... undermethylated will benefit more

niacin is suppose to absorb excess methylation according to some people

most people don't seem to get beyond this ... when you get to this point, you will feel more comfortable about the subject and have a PRACTICAL understanding of the topic and not get buried in useless technical aspects of the subject ...
 
Last edited:
Messages
95
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Hi everyone!

I have just received my 23andme results a few days ago and here is my result:

COMT V158M ++
COMT H62H ++
VDR Taq ++
MTHFR A1298C +-
MTRR A66G +-
CBS 699T +-
SHTM1 C1420T ++

So far I have learned that I have low COMT activity and a problem with Vitamin D (VDR Taq).
The COMT++ result is quite interesting for me because I think the description of the "worrier" type fits me quite well. The last year has been very stressful, and I experienced severe cognitive issues (weak short-term memory and impaired learning) along with a lot of anxiety.

I am a bit overwhelmed and don't really know where to start, so far I read Dr. Amy Yasko's guide and several articles online to see what I need to do.

I want to start taking the following supplements:

- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12 (Hydroxocobalamin, Adenosylcobalamin) + B-Complex
- L-Methyl-Folate (L-5-MTHF)
- TMG / Betaine
- NAC
- DIM or I3C (reduce estrogen)
- Lithium Orotate (reduce neurotransmitters)

I also take the following already: Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Magnesium, Zinc, Selenium, and Creatine.

Do you think this is a good idea? Or should I change something?
I mainly want to increase COMT and decrease estrogen and homocysteine.

I have no idea how my other mutations besides COMT, MTHFR, and VDR affect my health. If anybody knows something about the other genes that would be great too :)

Thanks a lot for your advice!
I don't get it. I write to them and they replied that they don't do these tests anymore. I have no idea where to get the genetic testing. I ordered two tests through life extension. The mthfr came out negative and the COMT came out balanced dopamine. (I think it was VALmet) I know I don't methylate so are these tests worth it? I may not have genetic issues but I already know I have a CBS mutation and methylation issues. ,
 

prioris

Senior Member
Messages
622
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477
I don't get it. I write to them and they replied that they don't do these tests anymore. I have no idea where to get the genetic testing. I ordered two tests through life extension. The mthfr came out negative and the COMT came out balanced dopamine. (I think it was VALmet) I know I don't methylate so are these tests worth it? I may not have genetic issues but I already know I have a CBS mutation and methylation issues. ,
23andme does your entire genetic thing and you just run it through various app filters on other sites to decipher them ... i use livewello dot com ... tons of templates in library to choose from for all sorts of conditions for free ... many are user created ... i wouldn't bother with life extension unless they do your entire dna and give you access to it to use else where
 
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I don't get it. I ordered all the health tests there are including carrier, health, genetic predisposition, traits and wellness.
I paid the 19.95 to the site you recommened. I hope it's adaquate info
 

prioris

Senior Member
Messages
622
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477
I don't get it. I ordered all the health tests there are including carrier, health, genetic predisposition, traits and wellness.
I paid the 19.95 to the site you recommened. I hope it's adaquate info
for now, those health risk tests are very minimal and limited. as time goes forward, they will keep adding more things.

once you log into livewello and i assume you have uploaded your dna ... click on tab above labeled "Genetics" then click on "Gene Library" ... you can do a search in box above ... e.g. MTHFR

after you find a template that interests you ... just install it ... after installed, just click on View Report .... wa laaaah

i utilize gene data for leads on how i could treat something with natural medicine
 
Messages
7
Likes
5
i'll give you a quick short CLIFF NOTES course on topic

First ...
You really need to know if you are an UNDER or OVER methylator

MTHFR started out just assuming just lack of methylation. Don't assume more methylation is better for people. It may be for some but not for others. You need to know where you are.

If you are an over methylator, taking methylxxx supplement will likely make you feel worse ... jittery and horrible.

there are three classes of people when they take methylb12 and methylfolate
1) ones who take it without problems and works wonders ... i would guess undermethylators
2) ones who start on small dose, ramp up ... somewhere in between
3) ones who can't take it at all ... i would guess overmethylators

i'm an overmethylator so i have no problem with adenosylcobalamin but do horrible when taking methylb12. i can tolerate it better when taking lithium orotate.

some people will have some strict definitions on what an over and under methylator is ... ignore that ... let your body tell you the answer

Second ...
after you figure out which group your in ... you have the bigger picture

you can experiment with the b vitamins that suit your body and see if anything improves ... that's pretty much the treatment

things like glutathione will cause methylation ... undermethylated will benefit more

niacin is suppose to absorb excess methylation according to some people

most people don't seem to get beyond this ... when you get to this point, you will feel more comfortable about the subject and have a PRACTICAL understanding of the topic and not get buried in useless technical aspects of the subject ...
Thanks a lot for your in-depth reply! Great explanation of the whole methylation as well :)
I thought COMT++ types were generally undermethylators, but I guess it is really best to just try it out.

Personally, I have been taking 1000mg Methyl-B12 with Folate for a few weeks and so far I haven't had any issues with it. I started taking it even before I knew I had any gene mutations, so I don't think I am biased.

I want to try Adenosylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin at some point though to see if I respond even better to that. Dr Amy Yasko's book on COMT and MTHFR advises to avoid Methyl-B12 and use the other two forms for people with my gene mutation.

I understand that overmethylators should avoid methyl****, but what about undermethylators? they should take more methyl donors like TMG, SAMe, etc to feel better, correct?

I also plan to try Lithium Orotate for MTHFR. As well as NAC to reduce homocysteine levels.
 

prioris

Senior Member
Messages
622
Likes
477
Thanks a lot for your in-depth reply! Great explanation of the whole methylation as well :)
I thought COMT++ types were generally undermethylators, but I guess it is really best to just try it out.

Personally, I have been taking 1000mg Methyl-B12 with Folate for a few weeks and so far I haven't had any issues with it. I started taking it even before I knew I had any gene mutations, so I don't think I am biased.

I want to try Adenosylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin at some point though to see if I respond even better to that. Dr Amy Yasko's book on COMT and MTHFR advises to avoid Methyl-B12 and use the other two forms for people with my gene mutation.

I understand that overmethylators should avoid methyl****, but what about undermethylators? they should take more methyl donors like TMG, SAMe, etc to feel better, correct?

I also plan to try Lithium Orotate for MTHFR. As well as NAC to reduce homocysteine levels.
if you can take methylcobalamin without side effects then there is really no need to try Adenosylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin. Your taking the ideal form that the body uses. Both the adeno and hydroxy turn into methylcobalamin so what would you actually accomplish taking it. If you are too lacking in methylation, it may not convert. I think some information in Yasko book will be obsoleted. i guess you can do it to explore.

Lithium orotate is an important powerful brain nutrient. Helps with neurons and calcium regulation and probably other things. I take 10 mg a day and not for mthfr. The only rare contradiction I have found may be for some people with hypothyroidism. in some rare cases, some people may be sensitive to it.
 
Messages
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Thanks a lot for your in-depth reply! Great explanation of the whole methylation as well :)
I thought COMT++ types were generally undermethylators, but I guess it is really best to just try it out.

Personally, I have been taking 1000mg Methyl-B12 with Folate for a few weeks and so far I haven't had any issues with it. I started taking it even before I knew I had any gene mutations, so I don't think I am biased.

I want to try Adenosylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin at some point though to see if I respond even better to that. Dr Amy Yasko's book on COMT and MTHFR advises to avoid Methyl-B12 and use the other two forms for people with my gene mutation.

I understand that overmethylators should avoid methyl****, but what about undermethylators? they should take more methyl donors like TMG, SAMe, etc to feel better, correct?

I also plan to try Lithium Orotate for MTHFR. As well as NAC to reduce homocysteine levels.
Thanks! That helps. I am definitely an overmethylater. Maybe I'll give niacin a try to see if it works to absorb the excess methylation.
 

taniaaust1

Senior Member
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The mthfr came out negative and the COMT came out balanced dopamine. (I think it was VALmet) I know I don't methylate so are these tests worth it? I may not have genetic issues but I already know I have a CBS mutation and methylation issues. ,
Places may say you are negative for MTHFR mutation due to only having only one copy of the mutation and the one mutation you have there is not the worst one most focus on.
.............

as far as CBS mutation goes https://drjockers.com/cbs-mutation-low-sulfur-diet/ Due to that mutation II have a double copy), I have found I do have issues with sulfur foods at times (it doesnt always affect me but sometimes, most of the times I can eat eggs, brocolli, cauliflower ok but at times I cant and eggs will make me feel like throwing up or brocolli/cauliflower will give me gut pain. I had to stop having a beef and brocolli dish I used to often have for dinner). So I knew I had a CBS mutation issue even before I was tested due to the issues I was having with those sulphur foods.

Im sure it was the CBS mutation and eating sulpur things which had me also smelling like ammonia at times. I'd be giving off a bleach like smell under my arms.

With most gene mutations people often only tend to get issues with them when they are double copy mutations as having one normal copy of most genes will be fine. In my case having a double copy of the worst MTHFR mutation has affected me and also affected my child who was born with a condition similar to spina bifida, due to how it affects folate.
 
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if you can take methylcobalamin without side effects then there is really no need to try Adenosylcobalamin and Hydroxocobalamin. Your taking the ideal form that the body uses. Both the adeno and hydroxy turn into methylcobalamin so what would you actually accomplish taking it. If you are too lacking in methylation, it may not convert. I think some information in Yasko book will be obsoleted. i guess you can do it to explore.

Lithium orotate is an important powerful brain nutrient. Helps with neurons and calcium regulation and probably other things. I take 10 mg a day and not for mthfr. The only rare contradiction I have found may be for some people with hypothyroidism. in some rare cases, some people may be sensitive to it.
That's interesting! I didn't know adenosyl-B12 and hydroxo-B12 are converted into methyl-B12. I'll maybe try it anyways at some point because it isn't too expensive and some people seem to respond really well to those two forms, at least based on Amazon reviews I have seen.

I appreciate Dr Yasko's work, although I am also a bit hesitant because I don't know how much of the information or advice is just there to sell her supplement brands. I registered on her website to get my DNA data checked and received a list of like 15-20 products that were all "essential". Most products were proprietary blends and quite expensive without generic alternatives. It feels a bit like her site and advice is mostly focusing to promote certain supplement. But maybe I am the only one feeling that way...

But the information is nevertheless helpful to get a better understanding, I mean you don't have to buy anything and just stick to the basics (B-Vitamins, Folate, Magnesium).

Yes right, Lithium O. is good for overall brain health and I think it also helps to "push" B12 and Folate into the cells. So it is especially important for people with MTHFR. Just google "Lithium Orotate MTHFR" and you'll find a lot of information. Really curious to see how it works, I haven't tried it yet. If you take a low dose I think it should be fine, but I know Lithium interacts with 200+ drugs, so best check with your doctor or here (https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/lithium.html) if you also take other medication.


Thanks! That helps. I am definitely an overmethylater. Maybe I'll give niacin a try to see if it works to absorb the excess methylation.
You're welcome :)

Places may say you are negative for MTHFR mutation due to only having only one copy of the mutation and the one mutation you have there is not the worst one most focus on.
.............

as far as CBS mutation goes https://drjockers.com/cbs-mutation-low-sulfur-diet/ Due to that mutation II have a double copy), I have found I do have issues with sulfur foods at times (it doesnt always affect me but sometimes, most of the times I can eat eggs, brocolli, cauliflower ok but at times I cant and eggs will make me feel like throwing up or brocolli/cauliflower will give me gut pain. I had to stop having a beef and brocolli dish I used to often have for dinner). So I knew I had a CBS mutation issue even before I was tested due to the issues I was having with those sulphur foods.

Im sure it was the CBS mutation and eating sulpur things which had me also smelling like ammonia at times. I'd be giving off a bleach like smell under my arms.

With most gene mutations people often only tend to get issues with them when they are double copy mutations as having one normal copy of most genes will be fine. In my case having a double copy of the worst MTHFR mutation has affected me and also affected my child who was born with a condition similar to spina bifida, due to how it affects folate.
Which exact gene is responsible for a lower sulfur tolerance? Or all CBS gene mutations?
I have CBS C699T +/- but I couldn't find anything specifically about that on Dr. Jockers site. He only talks about CBS in general.
 
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Places may say you are negative for MTHFR mutation due to only having only one copy of the mutation and the one mutation you have there is not the worst one most focus on.
.............

as far as CBS mutation goes https://drjockers.com/cbs-mutation-low-sulfur-diet/ Due to that mutation II have a double copy), I have found I do have issues with sulfur foods at times (it doesnt always affect me but sometimes, most of the times I can eat eggs, brocolli, cauliflower ok but at times I cant and eggs will make me feel like throwing up or brocolli/cauliflower will give me gut pain. I had to stop having a beef and brocolli dish I used to often have for dinner). So I knew I had a CBS mutation issue even before I was tested due to the issues I was having with those sulphur foods.

Im sure it was the CBS mutation and eating sulpur things which had me also smelling like ammonia at times. I'd be giving off a bleach like smell under my arms.

With most gene mutations people often only tend to get issues with them when they are double copy mutations as having one normal copy of most genes will be fine. In my case having a double copy of the worst MTHFR mutation has affected me and also affected my child who was born with a condition similar to spina bifida, due to how it affects folate.
Would a double copy mutation always be a ++? Homogenous? Not sure I understand what you are saying about MTHFR. But no matter my results I strongly feel I am an overmethylater. I think my lifestyle has overridden the genetics. Treating myself as such gives me better results. I don't have a double copy CBS but it is given me a lot of issues--sulfur bearing foods. And my urine is over 800. I haven't had crucerferous in a while. I guess I will wait until my Sulfate urine gets better and also see the results of my OAT test. So I have a double copy of BHT. I wonder what that would mean for me? I am thinking of taking BHT at some point. But I can't find the supplement without magnesium stearate and I react strongly to that. Thanks for your input!!!
 
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Would a double copy mutation always be a ++? Homogenous? Not sure I understand what you are saying about MTHFR. But no matter my results I strongly feel I am an overmethylater. I think my lifestyle has overridden the genetics. Treating myself as such gives me better results. I don't have a double copy CBS but it is given me a lot of issues--sulfur bearing foods. And my urine is over 800. I haven't had crucerferous in a while. I guess I will wait until my Sulfate urine gets better and also see the results of my OAT test. So I have a double copy of BHT. I wonder what that would mean for me? I am thinking of taking BHT at some point. But I can't find the supplement without magnesium stearate and I react strongly to that. Thanks for your input!!!
Yes it would. Homozygous is also denoted as +/+ and heterozygous as +/-.
Homozygous mutations are more problematic, because it means that both copies of the gene have a (bad) mutation. If you have MTHFR +/- you still have one copy that is working correctly. In other words, if you have one copy that is still working correctly, you probably have less severe symptoms compared to someone who doesn't have even one working copy of the gene.

Unfortunately, I don't know about CBS and BHT. I just know a bit about COMT and MTHFR.
 
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I'm taking Lithium drops. . I want to take the Orotate form but I couldn't find one without the fillers which give me headaches. Do you think the elemental Lithium is safe?
 

prioris

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I'm taking Lithium drops. . I want to take the Orotate form but I couldn't find one without the fillers which give me headaches. Do you think the elemental Lithium is safe?
elemental just means how much actual lithium in it ... so a capsule could have 100 mg gross weight but have 5 mg being mineral

what about the brand ... pure encapsulations lithium orotate ... they are ,ore careful about fillers

as long as liquid has orotate, i would think so
but i never tried any liquid orotate
 
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I guess what i meant is the supplement is just Lithium. Nothing else. Not orotate. The pure encapsulations has a cellulose filler. I can't handle due to salycilate intolerance
 
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I guess what i meant is the supplement is just Lithium. Nothing else. Not orotate. The pure encapsulations has a cellulose filler. I can't handle due to salycilate intolerance
If even pure encapsulations use fillers I'd assume it is because it isn't technically possible to go without them. I guess the molecular weight of lithium is really low, so they have to use fillers to make encapsulation possible? But that is just a guess. I know that's why a couple of other supplements are only available with fillers.