COMT is one of many Genetic SNPs.

Genetic SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) are the most common type of genetic variation among people. Essentially, an SNP is a difference in a single nucleotide—the building block of DNA—within a gene. These variations are widespread and occur naturally in the human genome. They can influence everything from disease susceptibility to physical traits, such as eye color, and can even affect how our bodies process certain medications or respond to environmental factors.

To break it down:

• Nucleotide: DNA is made up of molecules called nucleotides, and each nucleotide is made up of a sugar, a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), or thymine (T)).
• SNP: In an SNP, one nucleotide is substituted for another at a specific location in the genome. For example, at a specific spot in the DNA sequence, instead of the base adenine (A), there might be guanine (G). This single substitution is the SNP.

How Do SNPs Impact Us?

1. Health and Disease Risk: Some SNPs are associated with an increased risk of developing certain diseases, like heart disease, diabetes, or cancer. For example, an SNP in a gene that affects cholesterol metabolism might increase your risk of cardiovascular disease.
2. Drug Response: SNPs can influence how individuals metabolize drugs. For instance, some SNPs might make it harder for your body to break down certain medications, leading to adverse reactions or reduced efficacy.
3. Traits and Characteristics: Many physical traits, like hair color, eye color, or even your ability to metabolize caffeine, can be influenced by specific SNPs.
4. Neurotransmitter Processing: Some SNPs affect how your body produces, processes, and clears neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. This can influence mood, stress response, and cognitive abilities. For example, the COMT gene, which we discussed earlier, has SNPs that affect how the body processes dopamine and other neurotransmitters.

Why Are SNPs Important?

While most SNPs have no impact on health or function, some can influence disease susceptibility, physical traits, or even how we react to our environment. Understanding SNPs can help:

• Personalize Medicine: By identifying specific SNPs, doctors can offer treatments tailored to a person’s genetic makeup, improving efficacy and minimizing side effects.
• Preventive Healthcare: Knowing which SNPs may predispose someone to a particular condition allows for more proactive health management.

The human body is an intricate network of systems that work together to maintain health and balance. One of the key elements influencing our mental and emotional well-being is how our body processes various neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline. This is where the COMT gene comes into play. If you’ve ever heard of the COMT SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) and wondered how it impacts your health, this blog post will explain what it is, the difference between fast and slow COMT genotypes, and how you can support these variations through natural means like diet and supplements.

What is the COMT SNP?

COMT stands for Catechol-O-Methyltransferase, an enzyme that plays a crucial role in breaking down certain neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine (noradrenaline), and epinephrine (adrenaline)—are involved in mood regulation, stress response, focus, and emotional processing. The COMT enzyme essentially helps “clear” these neurotransmitters once they’ve done their job, making sure their levels don’t stay too high and create imbalances.

The COMT gene comes in different variations, one of the most commonly studied being a SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) that can affect how efficiently the COMT enzyme works. This is known as the COMT SNP.

In simple terms, the COMT SNP tells us whether our bodies break down neurotransmitters quickly or slowly, and this can affect everything from our stress response to our ability to focus.

COMT and Estrogen Metabolism

COMT is also responsible for methylating estrogens, which means it adds a methyl group to the estrogen molecules. This process is crucial because it helps detoxify and eliminate excess estrogen from the body. There are two main types of estrogen metabolites that result from COMT’s action:

1. 2-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1) – Often considered a “good” estrogen metabolite because it’s thought to be protective against certain cancers and other health issues.
2. 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone (16-OHE1) – This metabolite is considered potentially harmful as it has been linked to increased risks of hormone-dependent cancers, such as breast cancer.

The balance between these metabolites is critical for health, and COMT influences this balance by determining how effectively the body can detoxify and eliminate estrogen.

Fast vs. Slow COMT Genotypes: What’s the Difference?

There are two primary variants of the COMT gene: the fast COMT and slow COMT genotypes. The distinction between these two can significantly impact how your body handles stress, emotional processing, and mental clarity.

• Fast COMT (Val/Val genotype): People with the fast COMT variant tend to break down neurotransmitters, particularly dopamine, at a quicker rate. This means that their bodies process and clear out stimulating chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline faster than those with a slower variant. While this can help prevent overstimulation and may reduce the risk of anxiety or mental overwhelm, it can also mean that individuals with fast COMT may struggle with focus, motivation, or experience difficulty staying calm under stress because they don’t have as much “dopamine reserve” to sustain them during high-pressure situations.
• Slow COMT (Met/Met genotype): Individuals with the slow COMT variant process neurotransmitters more slowly, meaning they have higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine in their system for a longer time. This can enhance focus and cognitive function, especially in challenging or complex situations. However, it can also make individuals more susceptible to feeling overstimulated or stressed, as the excess dopamine and adrenaline can accumulate and potentially lead to anxiety or mood swings. People with slow COMT may experience more emotional intensity, especially under stress.

Faster Estrogen Metabolism: Individuals with the fast COMT genotype (Val/Val) break down estrogen more rapidly. This means that their bodies are more efficient at methylating and eliminating estrogen. While this can be beneficial for clearing excess estrogen, it can also lead to a higher proportion of 2-hydroxyestrone, the protective metabolite, and potentially fewer harmful 16-OHE1 metabolites.

Potential Benefits:

• Less risk of estrogen dominance or excess estrogen in the body.
• A more balanced ratio of estrogen metabolites, which can support a healthier hormonal environment.

Potential Drawbacks:

• For women with fast COMT, they may also have a lower overall estrogen level in their system due to the rapid clearance. This can sometimes lead to symptoms of estrogen deficiency, such as hot flashes, mood swings, or decreased bone density, especially during perimenopause or menopause.

Slow COMT (Met/Met Genotype)

• Slower Estrogen Metabolism: People with the slow COMT genotype (Met/Met) have a slower rate of estrogen metabolism. This means estrogen stays in the body longer and is less efficiently broken down, leading to potentially higher levels of 16-OHE1 (the more potentially harmful estrogen metabolite).
• Potential Benefits:
  • Individuals with slow COMT might experience higher estrogen levels overall, which may provide benefits related to fertility, skin health, and bone density during reproductive years.
• Potential Drawbacks:
  • There may be an increased risk of estrogen dominance and higher levels of 16-OHE1, which has been linked to an increased risk of estrogen-related conditions, such as breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer.
  • Slower metabolism of estrogen can also contribute to issues like fibroids, heavy menstrual cycles, or PMS.

Summary of Fast vs. Slow COMT and Estrogen Metabolism

• Fast COMT (Val/Val): Efficiently metabolizes and clears estrogen, potentially leading to a lower risk of estrogen dominance and higher levels of protective estrogen metabolites (like 2-OHE1). However, rapid estrogen clearance can lead to symptoms of estrogen deficiency in some individuals.
• Slow COMT (Met/Met): Slower estrogen metabolism can result in higher overall estrogen levels and a greater proportion of potentially harmful metabolites (like 16-OHE1). This can increase the risk of estrogen-related health issues, such as hormone-dependent cancers or conditions linked to estrogen dominance.

What to Do Naturally with Diet and Supplements for Fast and Slow COMT Genotypes

If you know your COMT genotype, or you suspect you may have either a fast or slow version, understanding how to support your unique needs can be beneficial. There are dietary and supplement strategies that can help you maintain balance, improve mood, and manage stress naturally.

For Fast COMT (Val/Val Genotype) – aka “the warrior”

If you have the fast COMT genotype you have fast enzyme activity, so your goal is to support your brain’s ability to manage neurotransmitters without becoming overwhelmed. The fast version is GG and breaks down the catecholamines around very quickly and typically you don’t have enough of them as a result. Some strategies to help balance your system include:

1. Increase Dopamine Production Naturally: Since you break down dopamine quickly, you may want to support its production and availability. Foods that naturally boost dopamine include:
   • Protein-rich foods: Chicken, turkey, eggs, tofu, and other sources of amino acids, particularly tyrosine (a precursor to dopamine), can help.
   • Antioxiants: berries, bananas, citrus, cacao, green tea, black tea.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish like salmon, walnuts, and flaxseeds, omega-3s support overall brain health.
2. Balance Stress: People with fast COMT may experience more anxiety or overstimulation, so reducing stress is key:
   • Magnesium-rich foods: Leafy greens, avocados, nuts, and seeds are high in magnesium, which helps calm the nervous system.
   • Adaptogenic herbs: Herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola can help modulate stress levels without overstimulating the body.
   • B vitamins: These are essential for nervous system health and can help balance neurotransmitter production. Sources include leafy greens, beans, and whole grains.
   • Rhodiola
   • 5HTP
   • SAMe
3. Limit Caffeine: Since fast COMT individuals break down stimulants quickly, excessive caffeine might lead to jitters or anxiety. Consider reducing caffeine intake or avoiding it in the afternoon.

For Slow COMT (Met/Met Genotype) – aka “the worrier”

If you have the slow COMT genotype,you have low enzyme activity so your focus should be on preventing overstimulation and supporting emotional balance. The slow version is not very good at breaking down these catecholamines because of the changes in SNPS so it doesn’t bind as well and you end up with higher amounts of catecholemines around (AA). Here are some strategies to help:

1. Reduce Dopamine Overload: Slow COMT individuals may have higher dopamine levels, so it’s important to regulate dopamine to avoid feelings of overwhelm.
   • Foods that promote dopamine balance: These individuals tend to od better on a more plant based diet. Complex carbohydrates like sweet potatoes, oats, and quinoa can help provide a steady release of energy and stabilize dopamine production. Cruciferous vegetables are crucial as well as flaxseed and organic soy. AVOID ALCOHOL.
   • Antioxidant-rich foods: Blueberries, spinach, and dark chocolate are full of antioxidants that protect brain cells from oxidative stress caused by excess dopamine.
2. Support Mental Clarity: Since slow COMT individuals may experience emotional intensity, supporting cognitive function and mental clarity is important:
   • L-theanine: Found in green tea, L-theanine promotes relaxation without sedating you, helping balance the effects of high dopamine.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids: Like in fast COMT individuals, omega-3s are crucial for brain health and can help stabilize mood swings.
   • Vitamin B6: This vitamin helps in the synthesis of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that can balance mood and reduce feelings of anxiety. B6 is found in foods like turkey, chickpeas, and potatoes.
   • Magnesium glycinate
   • SAMe
3. Moderate Caffeine: While slow COMT individuals may benefit from caffeine in moderation (as they metabolize it slower), it’s important not to overconsume, as high levels can still lead to anxiety or irritability.

Slow COMT has excess dopamine in their prefrontal cortex. Adding more methylation support through supplementation may not be handled well. The folate pathway (MTHR) is hooked up to the methionine pathway which is where SAMe is generated to make methylation pathways. Good methylation (where MTHFR is working well) puts you in a situation where you might get into trouble with the methyl groups. In general, if you want to start supporting methylation in SLOW COMT, start slowly and use non folate methyl groups (B6, riboflavin, etc). Starting with a bit of SAMe is a bit safer. If you use it and find you start to get irritable, angry, etc, run tests and see if homocysteine is going up which tells you to adjust the folate pathway first before using more methyl groups.

Supporting Estrogen Metabolism Based on Your COMT Genotype

Both fast and slow COMT genotypes require different approaches to maintain healthy estrogen metabolism and overall hormonal balance:

For Fast COMT (Val/Val):

• Support estrogen detoxification: Since fast COMT individuals clear estrogen rapidly, it’s important to support their liver and detox pathways with:
  • Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) for DIM (diindolylmethane), a compound that helps modulate estrogen metabolism and promotes the healthy 2-hydroxyestrone pathway.
  • Sulforaphane (found in cruciferous veggies) and methyl donors (such as folate and B vitamins) can also help support healthy estrogen metabolism.
• Maintain estrogen balance: Since fast COMT might lead to lower estrogen levels, healthy fats (like omega-3 fatty acids from fish or flax seeds) are important to help support hormone production and balance.

For Slow COMT (Met/Met):

• Reduce excess estrogen: Slower estrogen metabolism can lead to an accumulation of estrogen, particularly 16-OHE1, which may increase cancer risk. Supporting detoxification through:
  • Flavonoids like those found in citrus fruits, berries, and onions, which can help reduce the formation of harmful estrogen metabolites.
  • Cruciferous vegetables and fiber-rich foods can help promote the clearance of estrogen from the body by supporting liver detoxification.
• Maintain hormonal balance: It’s crucial for slow COMT individuals to avoid environmental toxins and excessive exposure to synthetic estrogens (like those found in plastics or certain personal care products) that can contribute to estrogen overload.
• Phytoestrogens: Foods like soy, flaxseeds, and legumes contain plant-based estrogens (phytoestrogens) that can help moderate estrogen levels and support hormone balance.

Final Thoughts

Understanding your COMT genotype can give you valuable insights into your body’s unique response to stress, focus, and emotional processing. Whether you have the fast or slow variant, there are natural strategies through diet, supplementation, and lifestyle adjustments that can help support your body’s neurotransmitter balance.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or nutritionist when making changes to your diet or supplement regimen. Personalization is key when it comes to optimizing your health, and understanding your genetic makeup can be an empowering tool on your wellness journey.

By supporting your specific COMT needs with the right nutrition and lifestyle habits, you can enhance your cognitive function, emotional stability, and overall well-being.

If you want to see which genetic SNPs you have and what that means for you as well as get recommendations for supplements and diet to support your unique genetics, send me an ameial to health@holisticspring.com. You find more info here on nutrigenomics service I offer.