The MAOA Gene: Mood, Motivation, and Your Mental Edge

The MAOA Gene: Mood, Motivation, and Your Mental Edge

What is the MAOA Gene?

The MAOA gene (monoamine oxidase A) provides instructions for an enzyme that breaks down key neurotransmitters like: Serotonin - mood, sleep, emotional regulation. Dopamine - motivation, pleasure, focus. Norepinephrine – attention and stress response. Think of MAOA as a neurochemical recycling system. It helps clear out excess neurotransmitters once they’ve done their job, keeping your brain in balance. Without proper MAOA function, you might experience emotional extremes, irritability, anxiety, or mood instability.

MAOA Gene Variants: Fast vs. Slow

There are different versions (polymorphisms) of the MAOA gene, especially in a region called the MAOA-LPR promoter. These variants determine how quickly your MAOA enzyme works:

High-activity MAOA (Fast variant): 

  • Clears neurotransmitters quickly - Associated with calmness and emotional stability - But may lead to low baseline dopamine/serotonin, which can feel like “flatness” or low mood Low-activity.

MAOA (Slow variant):

  • Breaks down neurotransmitters more slowly. Associated with intensity, sensitivity, and strong emotional reactivity. Can contribute to anxiety, irritability, or aggression when under chronic stress.

Note: MAOA is located on the X chromosome:

  •  Men (XY) have only one copy, so effects of their variant are more pronounced.
  • Women (XX) have two copies, which can balance each other out or amplify traits depending on combination

Everyday Signs of MAOA Imbalance

Signs of Low MAOA Activity (Slow gene):

Strong emotional reactivity or “empath overload” Mood swings, anxiety, or panic under pressure. Irritability or anger when stressed. Trouble calming down after conflict, Sensitivity to stimulants or high-protein meals.

Signs of High MAOA Activity (Fast gene):

Flat mood or low motivation, feeling numb or emotionally disconnected. Fatigue or brain fog despite adequate sleep. Craving for excitement, caffeine, or sugar.

How to Support MAOA Function Naturally

Because MAOA affects how dopamine and serotonin are metabolised, it’s crucial to support your neurotransmitter balance through diet, lifestyle, and targeted nutrients.

Nutrients That Support MAOA Balance:

  • Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): MAOA is a flavoprotein, B2 is essential for its function.
  • Magnesium: Helps stabilise mood and supports enzyme regulation.
  • SAMe: Supports methylation and monoamine metabolism.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids (DHA/EPA): Anti-inflammatory support for brain health and mood.
  • Probiotics: Gut health impacts serotonin and dopamine synthesis Lifestyle Tips: Practice stress-reducing activities daily (e.g., breathwork, walking, yoga)
  • Avoid excessive caffeine or stimulants, especially for slow MAOA types.
  •  Incorporate protein-rich foods (which supply neurotransmitter precursors)
  • Prioritise sleep and circadian rhythm alignment.
  • Try journaling or therapy to process emotions and avoid bottling them up.

MAOA and Mental Health

MAOA variants have been studied in relation to:

  • Anxiety and depression.
  • Aggression and impulsivity.
  • PTSD and trauma recovery.
  • ADHD and attention regulation

Importantly, genes do not determine your fate, they interact with your environment. Trauma, nutrition, hormones, and stress levels all influence whether your genes act like friends or foes. This is the foundation of epigenetics: your daily choices can turn gene activity up or down, like a dimmer switch, not a light switch.

Genetic Testing and Personalised Support

At Innate Biology, we believe in understanding your biology to transform your wellbeing. Whether you have fast or slow MAOA activity, the key is balancing your brain chemistry naturally through evidence-informed lifestyle choices. With insights from genetic testing, we can help you:

  • Choose supplements that match your neurochemical needs.
  • Adjust your nutrition to support emotional balance.
  • Reduce risk of mood-related conditions.
  • Boost your resilience and energy

Your MAOA gene is one of the most influential genes for your emotional world, focus, and motivation. Knowing how it works helps you take back control of your mood, so you're not just reacting to life, but consciously responding to it.

Want to explore how your MAOA and other genes may be shaping your stress, energy, and mood? Book a consultation or browse our range of targeted genetic support supplements.

Innate Biology - 'Ignite your wellness from within'

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