Myths vs facts: COMT and Sport

Myths vs facts: COMT and Sport. The myth claims that the COMT rs4680 (Val158Met) variant determines whether you are a 'warrior' (Val/Val) or 'worrier' (Met/Met) and thus predicts athletic performance. The fact is: COMT degrades dopamine in the prefrontal cortex, but its effect on dopamine metabolism is small and inconsistent. Studies show weak associations with endurance or power, but no predictive value for individuals. The popular labels are oversimplified. For sports performance, factors like training, nutrition, sleep, and other genes (e.g., ACTN3) are far more important. A COMT test alone should not guide training or supplement decisions. Evidence: human-moderate (observational studies, GWAS). Caveat: DTC tests overstate its importance.