Dopamine Genes & Biomarkers — Suboptimal Factors & Actions
Gene / Biomarker
Suboptimal / Limiting Factor
Free Actions
Non-free Actions
GENES
BIOMARKERS
DRD2Low receptor density (Taq1A)Exercise, cold exposureD2 agonist therapy
DRD4Reduced sensitivity (7R allele)Novelty, varied routinesStimulant medication
COMTFast breakdown (Val158Met)Stress reduction, sleepCOMT inhibitors (Rx)
DAT1Rapid reuptake (10R allele)HIIT, intermittent fastingNDRI therapy
MAOAAltered catabolism (low activity)Sunlight, aerobic exerciseMAO inhibitor (supervised)
Urinary dopamineLow excretion (<120 µg/day)Tyrosine-rich foodsL-DOPA precursors
Plasma dopamineLow baseline (<20 pg/mL)Daily aerobic exerciseBupropion (Rx)
HVA (urine)Low metabolite (<2 mg/day)Cold shower, fastingMucuna pruriens
ProlactinElevated (>20 ng/mL = low DA)Stress managementCabergoline (Rx)
Plasma tyrosineLow precursor (<50 µmol/L)Meat, eggs, legumesL-Tyrosine supplement
PhenylalanineLow precursor (<40 µmol/L)Protein-rich dietDLPA supplement