What are amino acids?
Amino acids are the units your body links together to build proteins. Some you must get from food, and others your body can make. Beyond building tissue, amino acids become neurotransmitters, hormones and carrier proteins. Tryptophan becomes serotonin, tyrosine becomes dopamine, and methionine feeds the methylation cycle. Your liver also uses amino acids to make transport proteins that carry hormones, vitamins and fats through your blood.
How your genes play a role
Genes guide each step of this work. Some influence how you recycle methionine and homocysteine, others shape how amino acids become brain messengers and how those messengers are later cleared. Still others build the proteins that ferry nutrients and fats around the body. Variants can nudge these processes slightly, which may help explain individual differences in how people respond to protein and certain nutrients.
Understanding your amino acid pathways can add depth to everyday choices about protein, plant foods and meal balance. It also connects nutrition to mood, focus and recovery, since several brain messengers are built directly from amino acids. For many people, the value lies in seeing how food becomes function. It can turn a general idea like eating enough protein into a more personal conversation with your clinician or dietitian.
What your report shows
Your Amino Acids results are explained in plain language in your private EvoDNA account, alongside the other areas in your kit.
- Methionine recyclingHow your genes may influence the recycling of methionine and homocysteine.
- Messenger buildingYour tendencies for turning amino acids into serotonin and dopamine.
- Messenger clearanceHow quickly your genes suggest you may break down certain brain messengers.
- Transport proteinsInsight into the proteins that carry hormones, vitamins and fats in your blood.
| Gene | What it does | Result |
|---|---|---|
| BHMT | Uses betaine to recycle homocysteine back into the amino… | Typical |
| MAO-A | Breaks down serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline after they have… | Moderate effect |
| COMT | Helps clear dopamine and adrenaline, linking amino acid messengers… | Typical |
Each result comes with a plain-language explanation and practical points to discuss with your clinician.
Illustration only. Your report reflects your own genetic results.
Genes we analyze
| Gene | Role |
|---|---|
| BHMT | Uses betaine to recycle homocysteine back into the amino acid methionine. |
| MAO-A | Breaks down serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline after they have done their work. |
| COMT | Helps clear dopamine and adrenaline, linking amino acid messengers to methylation. |
| TTR | Makes transthyretin, a protein that carries thyroid hormone and vitamin A in the blood. |
| ALB | Makes albumin, the most abundant blood protein, which transports hormones, nutrients and many medicines. |
Full panel: 13 genes
MTHFR, BHMT, PEMT, TPHS1, MAO-A, COMT, GNMT, TTR, ALB, AGT, APOB, VLDLR, APO
Putting results to use
Many people use their results as a starting point for conversations with their clinician about:
Spreading protein through the day is a common topic with dietitians.
Combining legumes, grains, nuts and seeds can provide a complete range of amino acids.
Regular strength training gives your body a reason to use amino acids for repair.
Restful sleep supports the brain messengers that amino acids help create.
Questions
Do I need protein supplements?
Many people meet their needs through food alone. Your report can offer context, and a clinician or dietitian can help decide whether supplements make sense for you.
How do amino acids affect mood?
Several brain messengers, including serotonin and dopamine, are built from amino acids. Genes involved in making and clearing them may be linked to individual differences in how people feel and focus.
Can a plant based diet provide enough amino acids?
Yes, with some planning. Eating a variety of legumes, grains, soy, nuts and seeds across the day can cover the essential amino acids.
Only interested in this area? The Protein & Amino Acids Genetic Report is available on its own for $99.00.
