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Gene & pathway reference · FROM DR. PURSER’S TEACHING

MAOA

MAOA helps break down some chemical messengers. A gene result cannot predict a mood or behavior.

Based on teaching by Dan Purser, MD. How we prepare these guides

Updated Sep 23, 2026 · Educational reference

THE TEACHING CONNECTION

Neurotransmitter breakdown in context

Neurotransmitter breakdown in context

Dr. Purser places MAOA in the neurotransmitter-breakdown part of his brain-chemistry map. The teaching connects it with mood, sleep and medication sensitivity, while warning against defining a person’s behavior or mental-health diagnosis by a gene.

Putting the pieces together

When you review an MAOA result, your clinician may also look at B vitamins, magnesium, amino acids, fatty acids, your medicines, and your symptoms. This gene cannot diagnose a mental health condition or tell you how much of a brain chemical your body makes.

Where the VARS Triad and MTHFR Daily fit

If you are exploring homocysteine or cytokines, Dr. Purser may discuss MTHFR Daily and the VARS Triad: VARS Glutathione, VARS SOD, and VARS Catalase. He gives glutathione a central place in his approach to antioxidant support.

A gene result alone cannot tell you that you need these products or that they will treat a condition. Review your current results, medicines, goals, and tolerance with your clinician before choosing a product or dose.

A question to bring to your visit

What changed after each product, caffeine change or medication change, and which current findings support the proposed explanation?

Reading your own results

Bring your original report, current results, health history, and medicines to your visit. This information can help you ask questions, but it cannot diagnose a condition or choose a supplement dose for you.

Variant lookup

These names can help you find an entry on your original genetic report. Seeing a name here does not tell you whether it affects your health or whether you need treatment.

Names you may see

MAO-A · Monoamine Oxidase A