How Understanding Your Genes Can Help Relieve Anxiety

As a nutrigenomics nurse practitioner, I often see clients who feel frustrated by ongoing anxiety—even after trying multiple medications or supplements. Today, I want to share a real-life case study that shows how looking at your genes can reveal the missing pieces and help you finally feel better.

Meet “Sarah” (Name Changed for Privacy)

Sarah came to me struggling with anxiety, brain fog, and occasional low mood. She’d tried several approaches, but nothing seemed to work long-term.

Genetic Testing Results

Sarah’s DNA results showed (30 SNPs were looked at, but these three were closely connected to her anxiety)

• MTHFR A1298C (heterozygous)

• COMT V158M (heterozygous)

• VDR TAQ (heterozygous)

Let’s break down what this means:

How These Genes Affect Anxiety

• MTHFR A1298C: This gene helps your body process folate and make neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. Even being heterozygous (one copy) can slow things down, especially when combined with other mutations.

• COMT V158M: This gene helps break down dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The V158M variant slows this process, so “feel good” chemicals can build up, making you more sensitive to stress or stimulants.

• VDR TAQ: This gene affects vitamin D receptors, which play a role in mood regulation and how your body uses dopamine.

The combination:

Sarah’s genetic pattern meant her body had trouble making and balancing neurotransmitters, especially under stress. She was also more sensitive to certain forms of B12, which can sometimes make anxiety worse if not chosen carefully.

Other Lab Testing: UAA Results

Individuals with the MTHFR a1298c +/- or +/+ gene may have decreased gene activity, potentially leading to lower levels of active folate, which can result in less efficient recycling of homocysteine to methionine, and thereby reducing the availability of methionine for SAMe synthesis.

We also ran a **urinary amino acid (UAA) test**, which showed Sarah had low precursors to SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine)—a key molecule for mood and methylation.

Solution: We added a low dose of SAMe to her regimen, which helped “jump start” her methylation cycle and neurotransmitter production.

Personalized Supplement Plan

Based on her genetics and urine amino acids testing, we started Sarah on a basic methylation support protocol, including:

1. Basic Methylation Support: We started with the All-In-One Multivitamin by Holistic Health International. This multivitamin provides gentle methylation support with the right forms of B vitamins (including methylfolate and B6), making it a great foundation for anyone with MTHFR mutations.

2. Hydroxy and Adenosyl B12: Because Sarah had both the COMT and VDR gene variants, we chose hydroxy and adenosyl B12 instead of methyl B12. These forms are usually better tolerated for people with her genetic pattern and help support healthy energy and mood—without causing overstimulation or anxiety.

3. BeCalm by Holistic Health International: Proprietary Blend: GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid), L-Theanine, L-Carnosine, Lithium (as Orotate), Magnolia Bark Extract, Resveratrol, pterostilbene, Jujube Seed Extract, Lemon Balm Leaf Extract, Nettle Leaf Extract, Sweet Orange Peel Extract (Citrus sinensis), Passion Flower Extract (aerial parts), Skullcap Root Extract

4. SAMe

Results: Anxiety Improved!

Within a few weeks, Sarah noticed her anxiety was much more manageable. She felt calmer, clearer, and more focused.

Let's break this down even further and talk about

The Science Behind Your Genes and Anxiety

The MTHFR gene (Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase) codes for an enzyme that’s crucial in the methylation cycle—a biochemical process that happens billions of times per second in your body. Methylation is essential for:

- Making neurotransmitters (like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine)

- Detoxifying the body

- Repairing DNA

- Turning genes on and off (epigenetics)

Vitamin B12 (especially in its active forms, like hydroxy and adenosyl B12) is an essential cofactor in the methylation cycle. Without enough B12, or if your body can’t use it properly, the whole process slows down—leading to problems with mood, focus, and energy.

The COMT gene (Catechol-O-Methyltransferase) produces an enzyme that breaks down catecholamines—dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. These are your “excitatory” neurotransmitters, involved in alertness, motivation, and stress response.

COMT V158M +/- or +/+ makes the enzyme work more slowly. If you have this mutation, your brain ultimately ends up with less dopamine. which can make you more sensitive to stress, stimulants, and even certain forms of B12 (like methyl B12).

Why B12 Choice Matters:

People with COMT +/+ or +/- and VDR TAQ +/+ mutations together often do better with hydroxy or adenosyl B12, which are less stimulating than methyl B12. This helps avoid the “wired but tired” feeling and supports balanced neurotransmitter levels.

Why GABA Matters: Calming the Brain

1. GABA (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid) is the brain’s main “calming” neurotransmitter. It works like a brake pedal, helping to balance out the excitatory effects of neurotransmitters like dopamine and norepinephrine. When your methylation and neurotransmitter systems are out of balance, you might feel anxious, overstimulated, or have trouble relaxing.

2. Supplements that include GABA and its cofactors (like magnesium, theanine, and B6) can help restore calm and balance in the brain—especially for people whose genetics make them more prone to anxiety.

**This is not medical advice.** Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or making changes to your health regimen.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re struggling with anxiety and want to know if your genes could be playing a role, I offer a **free 15-minute phone consult** to discuss testing packages and personalized support.

> [Book your free consult here!]

Ready to take the next step with Jennifer Schiavi FNP-BC?

Click the link above to schedule your call—I’d love to help you find the answers you’ve been looking for!