What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters, , Depression, Amino acid

Neurotransmitters are the natural chemicals that facilitate communication between brain cells. These substances govern our emotions, memory, moods, behaviour, sleep, and learning abilities.
They are manufactured in the brain from the amino acids (protein building blocks) which are produced in the body and those we extract from foods.

The two major neurotransmitters involved in preventing depression are serotonin and norepinephrine.
Serotonin is converted from the amino acid L-tryptophan …
Norepinephrine is converted from the amino acids L-phenylalanine and L-tyrosine.

You can resupply the vital neurotransmitter precursors by taking daily amino acid supplements.
Your symptoms will determine which amino acid you will take for depression: L-tryptophan for sleeplessness, anxiety, or irritability and L-tyrosine or L-phenylalanine for lethargy, fatigue, sleeping to much, feeling of immobility.

Tryptophan alone will not be converted to serotonin. Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C must go along with it. Tryptophan is converted to Niacin (B-vitamin used to reduce cholesterol) before its final conversion into serotonin. If your body is deficient in niacin (nicotinic acid) the tryptophan you take will supply you with niacin and not serotonin. (additional supplementation with a B-complex or extra niacin).

Orthomolecular rules say that you can take tryptophan in doses from one to six grams daily. Since it is not stored by the body, it cannot accumulate to toxic levels, BUT can produce side effects:

drowsiness in the morning
bizarre or strange dreams
increased blood pressure in persons over 60 who already have a high blood pressure
aggressiveness

Self-supplementation can be very harmful. Always consult with a specialised therapist.

Who should not take Tyrosine or Phenylalanine

Anyone with high blood pressure
No one taking an MAO inhibitor for depression should take any of the two.
No one with severe liver damage should take amino acids
Do not take amino acids during pregnancy
Do not take amino acids with an overactive thyroid or malignant melanoma

People with a high level of biogenic amines are very prone to depression. These high levels can lead to an intolerance to certain food which are high in biogenic amines. Because the enzymes DAO and MAO are depleted, the result can be physical problems like hay fever, asthma, IBS-related symptoms, migraines, low blood pressure, etc… BUT can also lead to neurotransmitter failures.