Comment · Sun, July 19, 2015 · Ceretropic
Will 23andme offer any insight into improving my cognition?
Original post in this thread
dihexa · 113 points
This may not be the correct subreddit to post this, but /r/nootropics seem to be leagues ahead of others in regards to cognitive knowledge.
I'm thinking about doing a saliva test with these guys to provide me with any details I could use to direct my efforts toward increasing my cognition. Is this a waste of time/money, or could I find any possible leads? Thanks.
What they were answering
reddit_lurker_1234 · 1 points
Yes, that's the case. I haven't had time to look into the results in detail so I can't make much sense of it. Six mutations on COMT, one on MAOA, one on MTHFR, and two on MTRR.
Do you have any insights? I would be very grateful.
u/MisterYouAreSoDumb · Ceretropic
That is why there is conflicting results. Those sites are a good place to start your searching. However, they cannot program everything into the algorithm that suggests things.
When you have MAO-A and COMT mutations, you cannot break neurotransmitters down as fast as you should. So you have elevated levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. That leads to feedback loops, where you brain down-regulates receptors. So you probably have mood swings often. Then you have issues with methyl donors, due to your MTHFR and MTRR mutations. So your body has a hard time regenerating B12 and creating methionine from homocysteine. This can build up toxins in your system. The conflicting report issues arise from the fact that adding certain methyl donors is going to help your methylation issues, but might increase your neurotransmitter production; consequently causing more irritability and mood swings from the down-regulation that inevitably occurs. So if you just had your MTHFR and MTRR mutation, and no issues on MAO-A or COMT, then adding methyl-B12 and SAMe would be easy. It would address the methylation issues, and your body would have no problem with any increases in serotonin, dopamine, or norepinephrine. Unfortunately, you have to deal with both. So a more nuanced approach is needed.
I always suggest people with your mutations start with trimethylglycine. That will give you a boost to your methylation, and get your methionine cycle going. However, it is not going to lead to quick increases in serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine like other methyl donors can. Then if you want to try adding in methyl-B12 or SAMe, take it slow, and monitor your mood closely. You want to get a balance of methyl donors, but not increase your neurotransmitter production too much.