Magnesium Glycinate and Genetic Variations in ADD: Impact on Fatigue
Magnesium glycinate may indeed be contributing to your fatigue symptoms given your genetic profile with fast COMT, fast MAO-A, and slow MTHFR variants.
Genetic Variations and Neurotransmitter Metabolism
Your genetic profile suggests potential imbalances in neurotransmitter metabolism that could be relevant to both your ADD symptoms and fatigue:
- Fast COMT (Catechol-O-methyltransferase): This enzyme breaks down catecholamines (dopamine, norepinephrine) more quickly, potentially leading to lower levels of these stimulating neurotransmitters
- Fast MAO-A (Monoamine oxidase A): Similarly increases the breakdown rate of monoamines including serotonin and dopamine
- Slow MTHFR (Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase): Affects methylation processes and can impact neurotransmitter synthesis
Magnesium's Effects in Your Situation
Magnesium has several mechanisms that could explain your increased fatigue:
GABA enhancement: Magnesium potentiates GABA receptors, which has an inhibitory (calming) effect on the nervous system 1
Neurotransmitter interaction: With your fast COMT and MAO-A variants, magnesium may further reduce already lower levels of stimulating neurotransmitters
Timing effects: Magnesium glycinate taken at night can improve sleep quality, but may cause residual sedation the following day
Evidence for Magnesium in ADD/ADHD
Research on magnesium supplementation in ADHD shows mixed results:
A systematic review found insufficient evidence to recommend magnesium as a standalone treatment for ADHD 2
Some studies suggest that magnesium levels may be altered in individuals with ADHD, though not necessarily deficient 3
A randomized controlled trial showed that combined vitamin D and magnesium supplementation improved behavioral function in children with ADHD 1
Recommendations for Your Situation
Adjust timing: If continuing magnesium, take it earlier in the day to minimize next-day fatigue
Consider dosage reduction: Lower the dose to see if fatigue improves while maintaining any benefits
Try a different form: Magnesium glycinate is particularly known for its calming effects; magnesium malate or magnesium threonate may have different effects
Evaluate vitamin D status: Consider testing vitamin D levels, as combined supplementation with magnesium showed better outcomes than either alone 1
Monitor electrolyte balance: Ensure other minerals like zinc and iron are in balance, as deficiencies can contribute to ADHD symptoms 4
Important Considerations
- Magnesium can interfere with certain medications, including stimulants used for ADD treatment
- Individual responses to magnesium vary significantly based on genetic factors
- Fatigue in ADD can be multifactorial and may require addressing sleep quality, stress management, and other nutritional factors
If fatigue persists despite adjustments to your magnesium supplementation, consider consulting with a healthcare provider who specializes in nutrigenomics to develop a more personalized approach based on your specific genetic variations.