The CAT gene encodes the antioxidant enzyme, catalase. This enzyme is responsible for the rapid conversion of hydrogen peroxide molecules to water and oxygen. Decreased CAT activity can lead to increased oxidative stress.
Catalase is most highly expressed in the liver, kidney, and erythrocytes. The enzyme is responsible for the rapid conversion of hydrogen peroxide to water and oxygen, where one molecule of this enzyme can catalyse more than 1 million hydrogen peroxide molecules per second! Decreased CAT activity leads to increased concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, hence leading to increased oxidative stress.
The TT-genotype is associated with decreased CAT activity. Ensure a polyphenol-rich diet with a high intake of vegetables. Decrease dietary and environmental carcinogen exposure (pollution, pesticides, smokes foods, and nitrates used as a food preservative). Cessation of smoking should be strongly encouraged.
If you have a medium to high impact variation on this gene, you can 'add-in' choices that better support its biochemical and functional pathway.