Myths vs facts: COMT and allergy

The claim that COMT variants directly cause or prevent allergies is largely a myth. COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) degrades catecholamines like adrenaline and dopamine. Some studies have explored links between COMT polymorphisms (e.g., Val158Met) and asthma or allergic rhinitis, but results are inconsistent and generally weak. The evidence is unclear: no large meta-analyses confirm a robust effect. Allergies are polygenic and heavily influenced by environment (exposome, microbiome, diet). A DNA test for COMT alone has no clinical utility for allergy prediction or management. Beware of marketing labeling COMT as an 'allergy gene' – it is not supported by current science.