MTHFR, COMT, FKBP5, SLC6A4, and thyroid variants all affect the physiological roots of mood that Brogan covers. The underlying question — whether depression is sometimes a downstream symptom of nutritional/metabolic dysfunction — is legitimate.
A psychiatrist trained in psychosomatic medicine argues that depression in women is frequently a misdiagnosed symptom of underlying physiological imbalances — gut health, thyroid, inflammation, hormones — rather than a primary brain-chemistry disorder, and proposes a 30-day holistic protocol.
Widely cited in the "root-cause" mental-health conversation — and widely critiqued.
These peer-reviewed studies connect to the core ideas in this book. Each result has been scored for reliability.
Covers the research on how specific nutrients — omega-3s, B vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins — affect brain and metabolic function. Directly relevant to FADS1 and BCMO1 variant research on nutrient conversion efficiency.
Two researchers present the evidence for micronutrient support — including methylated B vitamins — in mental health. Directly relevant to MTHFR compound het and the connection between folate processing and neurotransmitter synthesis.
Sports psychology meets physiology. Covers the mental architecture of athletic performance — how to train the brain alongside the body. Particularly relevant for COMT ValVal athletes who perform differently under competition pressure versus low-stakes training.