What does the KMO (Mental Health) gene do?

The KMO (Mental Health) gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called kynurenine 3-monooxygenase. This enzyme is part of the kynurenine pathway, which metabolizes tryptophan into several downstream compounds. KMO helps convert kynurenine into 3-hydroxykynurenine—an early step that can influence the balance of brain-active metabolites and ties into immune signaling and inflammation.

Why is the KMO (Mental Health) gene important?

KMO is important because it sits at a critical control point in tryptophan metabolism and can shift which kynurenine-pathway compounds your body produces. Research has associated specific KMO variants (including rs1053230 and rs2275163) with differences in KMO expression/activity and with mental health-related outcomes in certain groups—such as mood disorder risk, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. While genetics do not determine destiny, they can help explain vulnerability patterns and inform more personalized prevention and support strategies.

What can I do based on my KMO (Mental Health) results?

Based on your KMO (Mental Health) results, you’ll receive 4 personalized recommendations focused on practical, evidence-aligned actions. These include dietary guidance (foods and patterns that support brain and immune health), lifestyle steps (sleep, stress regulation, and activity strategies), and supplement considerations when relevant. Your report is designed to help you prioritize changes that best match your genotype rather than relying on generic mental wellness advice.

How is the KMO gene linked to depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder?

KMO influences the kynurenine pathway, which converts tryptophan into metabolites that can affect brain signaling and immune-related inflammation. Studies have reported associations between KMO variants and psychiatric outcomes—such as mood disorders (including depression), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder—likely through differences in KMO expression or enzyme activity that alter pathway balance. It’s important to note that these associations do not mean a variant “causes” a condition; mental health is multifactorial and shaped by genetics, environment, stress, sleep, nutrition, and other biological factors. A KMO DNA report helps you understand whether your genetics may be one piece of your overall risk and resilience profile.

What do rs1053230 and rs2275163 mean in a KMO genetic test?

rs1053230 and rs2275163 are specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near the KMO gene that research has linked to differences in KMO expression and mental health-related traits in some populations. For example, the rs1053230 ‘T’ allele has been reported to increase KMO expression/activity in certain psychiatric contexts and has been associated with outcomes like postpartum depression and suicidal attempts in some studies, while the ‘C’ allele has been linked in research to depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder risk. The rs2275163 ‘T’ allele has been associated with decreased KMO expression and reported links to schizophrenia risk (with better cognitive performance in some affected individuals), as well as bipolar disorder and substance use disorder in some studies. Your report interprets your genotype in a practical way and pairs it with personalized dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations.

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KMO (Mental Health)

Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 8 customer ratings

4.9 (9 reviews)

KMO (Mental Health)

Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 8 customer ratings

4.9 (9 reviews)

The report provides up to 4 personalized recommendations based on 2 genetic variants analyzed. Purchase a DNA kit to generate your genetic results. If you've already got one, you're all set to continue. View sample report.

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Analyzes 2 Genetic Variants

Up to 4 DNA-Based, Science-Backed Recommendations

KMO (Mental Health)

$59 $29

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Product features

Note: To generate your personalized report, purchase a SelfDecode DNA kit. If you already have one, you’re ready to proceed.

Understanding Your KMO (Mental Health) Variants: A DNA Gene Report

Have you ever wondered why stress, mood changes, or mental “fog” can feel so different from one person to the next? Are you curious whether your biology may influence how your brain responds to inflammation and immune signaling? The KMO (Mental Health) gene helps regulate a key pathway that processes tryptophan (the amino acid linked to serotonin) into brain-active compounds—so understanding your KMO variants can add clarity to your personal mental health picture and guide more targeted, practical next steps.

Key Report Highlights

This KMO (Mental Health) Gene Report analyzes 2 clinically relevant genetic variants (SNPs) to help you understand how your unique DNA may influence KMO enzyme activity within the kynurenine pathway. You’ll also receive 4 personalized recommendations tailored to your genotype, translating complex genetics into clear actions. KMO is a pivotal “gatekeeper” enzyme that helps steer tryptophan metabolism toward compounds that can affect brain signaling and immune-related inflammation—an important connection given research links KMO variants to mood disorders, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder risk in certain populations.

Personalized, Actionable Recommendations

Your results include genotype-based guidance designed to be actionable in everyday life, with dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendation types customized to your KMO (Mental Health) profile. Depending on your variants, your report may highlight strategies that support balanced tryptophan metabolism and healthy inflammatory responses—such as diet patterns that emphasize anti-inflammatory nutrients (e.g., omega-3-rich foods and colorful polyphenol sources) and lifestyle habits that improve stress resilience (e.g., sleep consistency and structured exercise). When appropriate, the report may also discuss supplement considerations commonly used to support neurotransmitter and inflammatory balance, personalized to your genetic context.

User-Friendly Format and Trust

With actionable and easy-to-understand recommendations, the report is designed for seamless integration into your daily life. Its user-friendly format ensures accessibility, making complex genetic data understandable and practical for users at all levels of familiarity with genetic information.

The report is rooted in accuracy and reliability, backed by comprehensive scientific research from reputable sources. It has garnered the trust of over 150,000 users and 1,000+ healthcare professionals. Furthermore, the report complies with HIPAA and GDPR, ensuring your privacy and security are prioritized.

Getting Started

To embark on this journey, simply purchase a DNA kit for an easy at-home sample collection, guaranteeing a hassle-free process. Delve into a personalized approach to wellness and equip yourself with actionable insights to enrich your life and health.

Product FAQs

: The KMO (Mental Health) gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called kynurenine 3-monooxygenase. This enzyme is part of the kynurenine pathway, which metabolizes tryptophan into several downstream compounds. KMO helps convert kynurenine into 3-hydroxykynurenine—an early step that can influence the balance of brain-active metabolites and ties into immune signaling and inflammation.
: KMO is important because it sits at a critical control point in tryptophan metabolism and can shift which kynurenine-pathway compounds your body produces. Research has associated specific KMO variants (including rs1053230 and rs2275163) with differences in KMO expression/activity and with mental health-related outcomes in certain groups—such as mood disorder risk, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder. While genetics do not determine destiny, they can help explain vulnerability patterns and inform more personalized prevention and support strategies.
: Based on your KMO (Mental Health) results, you’ll receive 4 personalized recommendations focused on practical, evidence-aligned actions. These include dietary guidance (foods and patterns that support brain and immune health), lifestyle steps (sleep, stress regulation, and activity strategies), and supplement considerations when relevant. Your report is designed to help you prioritize changes that best match your genotype rather than relying on generic mental wellness advice.
: KMO influences the kynurenine pathway, which converts tryptophan into metabolites that can affect brain signaling and immune-related inflammation. Studies have reported associations between KMO variants and psychiatric outcomes—such as mood disorders (including depression), schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder—likely through differences in KMO expression or enzyme activity that alter pathway balance. It’s important to note that these associations do not mean a variant “causes” a condition; mental health is multifactorial and shaped by genetics, environment, stress, sleep, nutrition, and other biological factors. A KMO DNA report helps you understand whether your genetics may be one piece of your overall risk and resilience profile.
: rs1053230 and rs2275163 are specific single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within or near the KMO gene that research has linked to differences in KMO expression and mental health-related traits in some populations. For example, the rs1053230 ‘T’ allele has been reported to increase KMO expression/activity in certain psychiatric contexts and has been associated with outcomes like postpartum depression and suicidal attempts in some studies, while the ‘C’ allele has been linked in research to depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and substance use disorder risk. The rs2275163 ‘T’ allele has been associated with decreased KMO expression and reported links to schizophrenia risk (with better cognitive performance in some affected individuals), as well as bipolar disorder and substance use disorder in some studies. Your report interprets your genotype in a practical way and pairs it with personalized dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations.

WHY SELFDECODE?

Empowering Your Well-being Journey

This personalized health report is powered by SelfDecode's cutting-edge AI technology, designed to unlock a deeper understanding of your health potential. We're committed to providing you with the most accurate and actionable insights to guide your well-being journey.

Most Accurate
Polygenic Risk Scoring

We leverage cutting-edge algorithms and analyze a massive dataset of 2 million people to deliver the most precise assessment of your genetic health predispositions. Our advanced approach takes into account your ancestry - which is often overlooked by other methods - to provide you with the most accurate risk assessment. This ensures that the risk scores you receive are based on the latest scientific evidence and are truly personalized to your genetic makeup.

Cutting-Edge AI &
Machine Learning

We have invested 20 million dollars developing our AI and machine learning models. Our patent-pending technology provides you with the most personalized health insights and recommendations by taking into account your unique DNA, lifestyle, labs, symptoms, conditions and health goals. This empowers you to make informed decisions tailored to your specific needs.

Analyzes 200 Million Variants & Sophisticated Recommendation Engine

We go beyond the basics by analyzing a staggering 200 million genetic variants to provide the most comprehensive picture of your health potential. Our sophisticated recommendation engine leverages this deep analysis to provide personalized and actionable insights to optimize your well-being journey.

Built by Leading
Scientists & Engineers

A dedicated team of over 60 scientists and engineers is continuously innovating and developing our technology, ensuring it remains at the forefront of personalized health.

Reviews

Rated 4.88 out of 5 based on 8 customer ratings

4.9 (9 reviews)

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Heather E.

Rated 5 out of 5
I bought the KMO (Mental Health) report because anxiety runs in my family and my sleep has always been fragile. The section on glutamate balance was the missing piece. I tried the low-glutamate diet suggestions for two weeks, and I noticed fewer late-day spirals. Adding magnesium with pyridoxine (B6) helped my jaw tension and the wired feeling at bedtime. The biggest win was reducing artificial light at night, I switched to warm bulbs and stopped scrolling in bed. Curcumin was a nice bonus option with clear cautions.
Darius S.

Rated 5 out of 5
Night lights off, mind steadier.
Camille W.

Rated 5 out of 5
Way more helpful than I expected, honestly felt seen.
John P.

Rated 5 out of 5
There’s a lot of value here, especially the breakdown of possible triggers and what to do next. However, I found some of the science a bit dense and wish they’d included more examples of what a low-glutamate meal looks like. Still, definitely glad I tried it.
Ravi V.

Rated 5 out of 5
Started using magnesium and B6 right after reading, also cut back on screens at night. Within a couple weeks, I actually noticed better sleep and less brain fog. I love that it gave me concrete things to try right away.

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KMO (Mental Health)

Product features

Understanding Your KMO (Mental Health) Variants: A DNA Gene Report

Key Report Highlights

Personalized, Actionable Recommendations

User-Friendly Format and Trust

Getting Started

Product FAQs

What does the KMO (Mental Health) gene do?

Why is the KMO (Mental Health) gene important?

What can I do based on my KMO (Mental Health) results?

How is the KMO gene linked to depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder?

What do rs1053230 and rs2275163 mean in a KMO genetic test?

WHY SELFDECODE?

Empowering Your Well-being Journey

Most AccuratePolygenic Risk Scoring

Cutting-Edge AI &Machine Learning

Analyzes 200 Million Variants & Sophisticated Recommendation Engine

Built by Leading Scientists & Engineers

Reviews

Related Products

Most Accurate
Polygenic Risk Scoring

Cutting-Edge AI &
Machine Learning

Built by Leading
Scientists & Engineers