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MAOA and Brain Chemistry: What Your Genotype Means for Mood, Stress, and Energy

The MAOA gene encodes monoamine oxidase A, an enzyme that breaks down neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and melatonin. These neurotransmitters are first produced via pathways that depend on the cofactor tetrahydrobiopterin abbreviated BH4. MAOA sits at a key intersection between neurotransmitter production and clearance. Variations in MAOA can shift the balance toward faster or slower breakdown, affecting mood, emotional reactivity, stress tolerance, energy, and reward pathways.

Because males carry only one copy of MAOA, a single variant can have a more pronounced effect in men. In all people, MAOA activity interacts with methylation and detoxification biology. Methyl donors like SAMe support inactivation and recycling of monoamines. Supporting MAOA-related pathways often focuses on reducing chronic stress, supplying needed cofactors, and balancing synthesis and controlled breakdown of neurotransmitters.

How to Read Your Result

  • Two effect alleles (TT for rs1137070 in females; T in males): higher MAOA activity, faster neurotransmitter breakdown.
  • One effect allele (CT): intermediate MAOA activity, moderate regulation.
  • Zero effect alleles (CC in females; C in males): lower MAOA activity, slower neurotransmitter breakdown.
Two effect alleles (TT)

People with TT typically have higher MAOA enzyme activity. This leads to faster breakdown of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Possible practical effects include better emotional regulation and stress resilience in some situations, but also a tendency toward lower baseline levels of mood and motivation neurotransmitters. That can show up as lower energy, decreased motivation, or vulnerability to low mood. Faster turnover also increases demand on BH4 dependent synthesis and on methylation pathways used to recycle and inactivate monoamines. Consider lifestyle and nutrient strategies that support neurotransmitter production and methylation while avoiding unnecessary excess breakdown.

One effect allele (CT)

People with CT tend to have intermediate MAOA activity. Neurotransmitter levels may be moderately regulated, offering a balance between emotional intensity and stability. Many people with this genotype function well without intervention, but mood, focus, and stress tolerance can fluctuate with sleep, diet, stress, and other gene interactions. Supporting BH4 cofactors and maintaining healthy methylation can help keep synthesis and breakdown in balance.

Zero effect alleles (CC)

People with CC generally have lower MAOA activity. This can result in higher levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Higher monoamine levels can be experienced as enhanced mood or motivation, but may also increase emotional intensity, anxiety, impulsivity, or sensitivity to stress. Lower MAOA activity can shift burden onto methylation and other detoxification pathways for neurotransmitter handling. Strategies should focus on calming overactivation, supporting stable neurotransmitter handling, and protecting against excessive emotional reactivity.

Diet Recommendations

  • Prioritize regular meals with balanced protein. Protein provides amino acid precursors such as tryptophan and tyrosine needed for serotonin and dopamine production.
  • Include foods rich in cofactors for BH4 and monoamine metabolism: riboflavin rich foods such as lean meats, eggs, dairy, and leafy greens for vitamin B2; magnesium from nuts, seeds, beans, and leafy greens; zinc from shellfish, meat, legumes, or pumpkin seeds.
  • Eat foods high in folate and B12 for methylation support: leafy greens, legumes, fortified grains, eggs, and animal proteins.
  • Limit high sugar and refined carbohydrate spikes that can worsen mood swings and dopamine dysregulation.
  • Include omega 3 rich foods like fatty fish, walnuts, or flaxseed to support neuronal membrane health and mood regulation.

Supplement Suggestions

  • Multivitamin with B2, B6, folate, and B12 to support BH4 dependent synthesis and methylation. Doses should be individualized with a provider.
  • Magnesium glycinate for nervous system support and to help with sleep and stress recovery.
  • Zinc citrate or gluconate if dietary intake is low. Zinc supports neurotransmitter metabolism and enzyme functions.
  • Omega 3 supplement containing EPA and DHA if dietary intake is insufficient.
  • Consider BH4 supporting nutrients such as riboflavin and folate rather than high dose BH4 itself unless guided by a clinician.
  • Avoid starting stimulants, high dose SAMe, or large doses of single amino acids without clinician oversight, especially if you are taking medications that affect serotonin or norepinephrine.

Lifestyle Strategies

  • Stress management: prioritize sleep, daily movement, breathwork, mindfulness, cognitive behavioral strategies, and social support to reduce chronic stress and its impact on neurotransmitter turnover.
  • Regular aerobic exercise to boost dopamine and serotonin availability and support BH4 function; include resistance training to support motivation and energy.
  • Consistent sleep schedule to stabilize neurotransmitter cycles and support methylation and detoxification overnight.
  • Avoid excessive alcohol and recreational stimulants which can disrupt monoamine balance and increase instability in mood and behavior.
  • If you notice impulsivity, heightened reactivity, or low mood, track triggers and discuss behavior strategies or therapy options with a clinician.

Blood Tests and Clinical Monitoring

  • Basic nutritional labs: serum B12, RBC folate or serum folate, magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D to identify and correct deficiencies that affect neurotransmitter pathways.
  • Methylation and homocysteine: plasma homocysteine can indicate methylation stress.
  • If you are on psychiatric medications or have mood disorder symptoms, coordinate any testing or supplement changes with your prescribing clinician to avoid interactions.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

  • If you experience significant mood changes, persistent low mood, anxiety that interferes with life, increasing impulsivity, or thoughts of self harm contact your healthcare provider promptly.
  • Before starting new supplements, especially SAMe, high dose B vitamins, or amino acids, consult your provider to review medication interactions and appropriate dosing.

PlexusDx provides educational information about genetic predispositions only. This content does not replace medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to medications, supplements, or treatment plans based on genetic results.