Nootropics and genetics
Nootropics are supplements used to boost cognition and memory. Learn how the substance works and the genes connected to the mechanism of action.
Mood and Brain
Your genes make you unique! From mood to cognitive function, your genetic variants interact with your lifestyle and environment to impact your risk of mood disorders.
Learn how to work with your genetic variants to optimize cognitive function and improve mood issues.
Please keep in mind that these articles for educational purposes — learn about the biochemistry, understand your genetics, and talk with your doctor if you have medical questions.
Member’s: Check out the Brain and Mood Topic Summary Report for a quick overview of all your genetic variants related to mood and cognitive function.
Depression, genetics, and mitochondrial function
How does mitochondrial dysfunction relate to major depressive disorder? Learn about the causes of mitochondrial dysfunction as well as genetic variants that link the risk of depression to the mitochondria.
Serotonin: How your genes affect this neurotransmitter
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is important in depression, sleep, and many other aspects of health. Learn how your genetic variants in the serotonin receptor genes impact their function.
COMT and supplement interactions
Some supplements interact with COMT variants to impact the rate at which neurotransmitters are broken down. Check your COMT genotype and discover how this may affect your reaction to different supplements or combinations of supplements.
Serotonin 2A receptor variants: psychedelics, brain aging, and Alzheimer’s disease
Learn how new research on brain aging and dementia connects the serotonin 2A receptor with psychedelics, brain aging and Alzheimer’s.
Is inflammation causing your depression and anxiety? Inflammation genes and mood
Discover why inflammation causes depression and how your genetic variants in inflammatory genes may play a role in depression or anxiety.
Lithium orotate and B12 make the world a happier place… for some people.
For some people, low-dose, supplemental lithium orotate is a game changer when combined with vitamin B12. But other people may have little to no response. The difference may be in your genes.
Depression, Genetics, and Circadian Rhythm
For some people, circadian disruption can be chronic – and at the heart of depression or mood disorders. Genetic variants play a role in this susceptibility. Fortunately, there are solutions that may help.
Tryptophan: Building block for serotonin, melatonin, and kynurenine
Tryptophan is an amino acid that the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin. Genetic variants can impact the amount of tryptophan that is used for serotonin. This can influence mood, sleep, neurotransmitters, and immune response.
GABA: Genetic variants that impact this inhibitory neurotransmitter
GABA (gamma-Aminobuyteric acid) is a neurotransmitter that acts to block or inhibit a neuron from firing. It is an essential way that the brain regulates impulses, and low GABA levels are linked with several conditions including anxiety and PTSD. (Member’s article)
Brain & Mood Topic Summary
Utilize our Brain & Mood Topic Summary Reports with your 23andMe or AncestryDNA genetic data to see which articles may be most relevant to you. These summaries are attempting to distill the complex information down into just a few words. Please see the linked articles for details and complete references. (Member’s article)
MTHFR and Depression
We are all genetically unique, and a common genetic variant in the MTHFR gene causes some people to be more susceptible to having low folate levels. This article explains the research linking MTHFR variants, folate, and depression — and gives you information on how diet or supplements may help.
Genetics and Anxiety
This article covers genetic variants related to anxiety disorders. Genetic variants combine with environmental factors (nutrition, sleep, relationships, etc), when it comes to anxiety. There is not a single “anxiety gene”. Instead, there are many genes that can be involved – and many genetic pathways to target for solutions.
Genetics of Seasonal Affective Disorder
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is characterized by recurrent depression with a change in the season usually in fall/winter for most. Scientists think this is possibly due to an aberrant response to light – either not enough brightness to the sunlight or not enough hours of light. Your genes play a big role in this responsiveness to light.
Dopamine Fasting: Genetics, Addictive Behavior, and Internet Usage
Genetics plays a role in susceptibility to addictive behavior, including internet and smartphone addiction. This article takes a look at the new trend of ‘dopamine fasting’ and then digs into the research on smartphone usage disorder.
Choline – An Essential Nutrient
An essential nutrient, your need for choline from foods is greatly influenced by your genes. Find out whether you should be adding more choline into your diet.