Understanding the COMT Gene: Why Green Tea and Quercetin Might Not Be Good for Some People

The Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is important because it helps break down chemicals in the brain like dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. These chemicals affect how we feel, respond to stress, and think. People have different versions of the COMT gene, which can change how quickly these chemicals are broken down. This blog post explains why substances like green tea and quercetin might not be good for everyone, especially those with certain versions of the COMT gene, and what they can do instead.

How the COMT Gene Works

The COMT enzyme helps get rid of chemicals in the brain. There are two main versions of this enzyme: one works slowly (Met/Met) and the other works quickly (Val/Val). People with the slow version (Met/Met) break down these brain chemicals more slowly, which means they have higher levels in their bodies.

Why Green Tea and Quercetin Can Be a Problem

Green tea and quercetin are healthy for many people because they are antioxidants—they protect the body from damage. However, they can cause problems for those with the slow version of the COMT enzyme:

1. Green Tea: Green tea contains something called EGCG, which can stop the COMT enzyme from working well. For people with the slow version of the enzyme, this can make the levels of brain chemicals too high, leading to anxiety, trouble sleeping, and feeling restless.

2. Quercetin: Found in many fruits and vegetables, quercetin can also slow down the COMT enzyme. This can make the symptoms of stress worse and affect mood for those with the slow version.

   
   

Symptoms to Watch For

If someone with the slow COMT enzyme drinks a lot of green tea or takes quercetin supplements, they might notice:

• More anxiety and nervousness

• Feeling overly stressed

• Mood changes and irritability

• Headaches or high blood pressure

What to Avoid and What to Try Instead

If you know you have the slow COMT enzyme, you might want to be careful with green tea and quercetin. Here are some other options:

• Other Antioxidants: Try vitamins like vitamin C (found in citrus fruits and berries), vitamin E (in nuts and seeds), and beta-carotene (in carrots and sweet potatoes) that don’t affect the COMT enzyme.

• Adaptogens: These are herbs like ashwagandha and rhodiola that help your body handle stress but don’t mess with brain chemical levels.

• Healthy Habits: Managing stress and mood can also come from regular exercise, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and getting enough sleep.

• Check with a Professional: If you think you might have this gene variant or if you get symptoms from green tea or quercetin, consider getting a genetic test. A healthcare professional who understands genetics can give you personalized advice. I provide several options for this.

  
  

• I especially like the My Happy Genes Test

  it gives a picture of your unique genetic composition and provides a robust report into how to best support your unique needs. It provides reports for nutrition, diet and lifestyle and supplementation specific to your unique needs.

Knowing about your genes can help you make better choices for your health. For some people, common health foods like green tea and quercetin might not be beneficial because of their genetic makeup. By picking the right foods and making lifestyle changes, you can manage your health better. Always talk to a healthcare professional trained in epigenetics before making big changes to what you eat or your health plan, especially if it involves your genes.

Pamela Dobbie, MA, LPC CWK, FMHP