Amino Acids A-Z (7)

Dopamine Brain Food™ is designed to promote the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter essential to the central nervous system. Research suggests that the compounds in Dopamine Brain Food™ can improve attention and learning, as well as movement and balance. The benefits include: ● Increased mental alertness● Increased drive to accomplish tasks● Support for athletic performance This natural formula contains all the necessary precursors and cofactors for optimal dopamine metabolism. What is “brain food”? Neurochemistry, the chemical patterns and processes that cause your brain to function as it does, is highly complex. It varies significantly between individuals, and is heavily influenced by a large range of factors. Your diet, exercise habits, sun exposure, social group and genetics all have a role to play in your brain’s chemical behaviour. Most of us do not get enough of everything we need every day to keep our brain function 100% optimized. That’s why supplementing with brain food can give you such an edge. Brain food are natural nutrients that act as fuel for specific neurotransmitters in the brain. They can be taken daily to boost various states of optimal performance. By addressing any deficiencies or imbalances in the delicate neurological system, you can increase your ability to concentrate, regulate your energy, and balance your mood. The importance of Dopamine Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is associated with motivation, short-term memory, creativity and personality. It is metabolized into epinephrine and norepinephrine, which increase alertness and attention. Abnormal dopamine levels can cause a wide range of diseases. Low levels are associated with Alzheimers, Parkinsons and depression. Getting your dopamine levels balanced and in an optimal range can have a profound influence on your health and quality of life. When your dopamine is being produced at the optimal pace, you will feel alert and engaged. Your mood will be stable and well balanced. You’ll feel calm and steady, while being able to think creatively and with total clarity. Complete Neurotransmitter Support The best way to optimize dopamine levels is to ensure that the necessary precursors and cofactors are available. These precursors and cofactors pave the way for your brain to produce and then use dopamine at an optimal rate. Dopamine Brain Food™ provides these essential compounds. It contains amino acid precursors (L-Phenylalanine & L-Tyrosine), dopamine metabolism cofactors and antioxidants (Vitamin B­6, Vitamin C, & Selenium), as well as specific nutrients to optimize the SAM cycle (Folate, Vitamin B­12, & Trimethylglycine). For Mental Alertness SUGGESTED USE: Take a serving of 2 or 3 capsules in the morning, or as directed by a healthcare practitioner. Do not take more than 3 capsules per day. Dopamine Brain Fuel works synergistically with CILTEP by ensuring that the increase in intracellular cAMP is supported for an extended period of time, leading to even more pronounced motivation and focus. U.S.A manufactured in a cGMP facility. Natural Stacks proudly uses only the highest quality ingredients. L-Phenylalanine As a precursor to dopamine, this essential amino acid is directly converted into phenylethylamine, an important neurotransmitter and neuromodulator. It is converted into L­tyrosine in the body by phenylalanine hydroxylase. It’s present in many foods such as eggs, meat and dairy. L-Tyrosine A non-essential amino acids found in many foods including meats and dairy that is converted by tyrosine hydroxylase into L-DOPA, the direct precursor to dopamine. Vitamin B­6 (Pyridoxal-5-phosphate) An essential vitamin that is also a necessary cofactor that is used by the enzyme DOPA decarboxylase to convert L-DOPA into dopamine. Vitamin C(Quali-C®) A familiar essential vitamin and antioxidant found in high amounts in fruits. It is a co­factor that helps dopamine β­hydroxylase convert dopamine into noradrenaline. Vitamin C speeds up this conversion process and plays an important neuroprotective role. Folate (Quatrefolic® L-Methylfolate), Vitamin B­12 (Methylcobalamin), & Trimethylglycine(TMG) These nutrients help turn homocysteine into SAM-E by acting as cofactors and substrates for the SAM cycle. Creating optimal amounts of SAM-E is important, as it is a precursor to the body’s natural production of many beneficial endogenous substances such as creatine. It also provides the methylation fuel that turns noradrenaline in to adrenaline. Selenium An essential vitamin and antioxidant that protects cells and helps keep the brain’s levels of dopamine producing enzymes at optimal levels. Quali-C® is a registered trademark of DSM. Quatrefolic® is a registered trademark of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Dopamine Metabolism, by Abelard Lindsay Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that is, among other things, associated with motivation, short-term memory, creativity and personality [1][2][3]. It is metabolized into epinephrine and norepinephrine to increase alertness and attention [4]. It must be properly balanced and metabolized for optimal benefit. Too much dopamine can result in manic states [5] and too little can cause depression and lack of motivation [6]. Dopamine metabolism can be metaphorically compared to a factory process where raw materials such as L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine, which are amino acids present in foods, are transformed by various workers (enzymes) who use various materials (cofactors) in each transformation step. The intermediate products of this metabolism are used to transmit signals through the body and the brain [7]. Unlike a regular factory, the intermediate products are the useful aspects of production and are used primarily in signaling. At the beginning of dopamine metabolism, the dietary amino acid L-Phenylalanine is converted into L-Tyrosine by phenylalanine hydroxylase, and L-Tyrosine into L-Dopa by tyrosine hydroxylase. Studies suggest that tyrosine hydroxylase is upregulated by phosphorylated CREB, which is activated during cAMP/PKA driven long-term potentiation [8]. This is one of the theorized mechanisms of action of CILTEP. Tyrosine hydroxylase activity is the rate limiting step in this metabolic process [12]. Further down the metabolic chain from L-Tyrosine is L-Dopa, which is also available as a drug and in the supplement mucuna pruriens [13]. L-Dopa’s synthesis into dopamine is supported by the active form of vitamin B6, known as pyridoxal phosphate, commonly abbreviated as p5p , and the enzyme dopadecarboxylase [14]. Some intermediate products of dopamine metabolism act as an agonist at the TAAR1 receptor [15]. This receptor is primarily targeted by ADHD drugs [16]. It causes increases in cAMP levels in the cell [17]. Unlike forskolin, the aforementioned ADHD drugs cause efflux of stored dopamine into the synaptic cleft via modulation of the dopamine transporter protein known as DAT [18][19]. This efflux leads to increases in dopamine in the synaptic cleft, producing fast increases in arousal. From reading through a lot of anecdotal experiences and research, that it appears to be undesirable to rapidly raise neurotransmitter levels in the synaptic cleft above a given baseline, as it can lead to excessive arousal and unbalanced cognitive effects. It’s better to help the “factory” produce optimally by supplying cofactors and optimally helping and directing each intermediate reaction and postsynaptic metabolic pathways. Another place that products from dopamine metabolism operate is in the dopamine receptors themselves. The D1, D2, D3, D4, and D5 receptors all respond to dopamine in the brain and have various cognitive related effects. D2 receptors modulate prolactin, [20] which some studies suggest is linked to the male sexual refractory time [21]. Direct agonists for these receptors are usually in the class of dopamine agonist drugs that are sometimes prescribed for Parkinson’s symptoms [22][23][24]. D1 and D2 are involved in novelty detection [25] and sexual desire [26]. While D1 and D5 are involved in memory formation [27], D2 and D3 are associated with addiction [28] and compulsions [29]. D4 is involved with cognitive performance [30]. The various mood, addiction, compulsion and sexual influencing effects of dopamine agonists in the brain and various accounts of socially undesirable behavior under the administration of direct dopamine agonists [31] (usually in Parkinsons treatment) leads me to avoid the direct stimulation of these pathways. It appears that it is better to provide cofactors to aid and assist in metabolism along dopaminergic pathways than to directly activate receptors with agonists. However, direct agonists certainly have their uses. Dopamine is converted into norepinephrine with vitamin C (ascorbic acid) as a cofactor via the enzyme dopamine b-hydroxylase. That is further converted to epinephrine via phenylethanolamine n-methyltransferase with SAMe as a cofactor. You can read more about SAMe in an earlier essay “The SAM Cycle And The Brain”. Dopamine can also be converted to the TAAR1 agonist 3Methoxytyramine via the enzyme COMT [32]. COMT inhibition is an interesting area of exploration in cognitive enhancement. There is a gene polymorphism, the val158met polymorphism, that influences the rate at which dopamine is processed into further metabolic intermediates via the COMT enzyme. The quick processing polymorphism is called val/val and the more slowly processing polymorphism is called met/met. In one study, participants with the val/val gene had lower scores on a memory test known as dual n­back [33]. Another study suggests that those with the met158 allele have better cognitive performance. To quote the study “The low activity met158 allele has been associated with improved working memory, executive functioning, and attentional control, but also with a higher risk of anxietyrelated behaviors” [34]. It is interesting to note that Luteolin is a substrate for COMT [35], so variations in the COMT allele might account for different anecdotal effects of Luteolin from artichoke extract. How we metabolize dopamine is a core contributor to mood and cognitive function.

The adrenal glands (also known as suprarenal glands) are the star-shaped endocrine glands that sit on top of the kidneys.* The adrenal glands produce a variety of hormones that are essential to life.*  Such as hormones that help to balance your blood sugar, which helps the body to manage daily ebbs and flows of energy.* When blood sugar drops, the adrenals release hormones that cause the blood sugar to rise, and thus increases energy.* The adrenals also release hormones when we're under stress, also releasing energy.* This is the "fight or flight" response from the days when we needed to run away from wild animals, which now kicks in for our modern everyday stressors, such as traffic jams, arguments, and work pressures. But, when the adrenal glands are not functioning optimally, we can develop a condition that is known as adrenal fatigue, or adrenal exhaustion.* Adrenal fatigue / adrenal exhaustion most often occurs in folks after bouts of intense or prolonged stress, but it can also arise during or after acute or chronic infections, especially respiratory infections such as influenza, bronchitis or pneumonia.* And its symptoms can include excessive fatigue to non-refreshing sleep, salty & sweet food cravings, poor digestion, allergies, low stamina and more.* Adrenal Vita-Amino Complex™ was designed to help support tired adrenals.  It contains adrenal glandulars with amino-acid secretagogues (substances that cause other substances to be secreted) supported by the proper balance of vitamins and minerals to help bring harmony and balance to tired adrenals.* Adrenal Vita-Amino Complex™ provides: Adrenal Substance: Glandular’s are whole organs that are dried at low temperatures and ground up and put into nutritional supplements.* In Europe they are used for the support of the particular organ related to the glandular.*   Glandular therapy is one of the oldest forms of supplement therapies, dating back thousands of years, having been used by the ancient Hindus, Egyptians and Greeks and most recently re-popularized by the Swiss and Germans.* Glandular tissues can be rich sources of nutrients, enzymes and other factors that support specific gland-related metabolism and physiological function.* Amino-Acid Complex: l-phenylalanine, l-tyrosine, aspartic acid and methionine is a blend of the essential amino acids necessary to help the adrenals make their own growth hormones.* Vitamins: Adrenal Vita-Amino Complex™ contains the vitamins and minerals that are essential for adrenal function and assist in the making of adrenal secretions.* Supplement Facts: All Ingredients USP Certified* Serving Size: 1 Capsule Amount Per Serving %DV Vitamin A (palmitate) 750IU 150% Iron (elemental as electrolytic) 3 mg 166% Vitamin D3 (cholecaliceferol) 60IU 150% Vitamin E (alpha tocopherol acetate) 5IU 166% Vitamin K (phytonadione) 12 mcg 150% Thiamine Mononitrate (Vitamin B1) 227 mcg ** Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) 258 mcg ** Niacinamide 3 mg 150% Pyridoxine HCL (Vitamin B6) 251 mcg ** Biotin 46 mcg 153% Pantothenic Acid (d cal. pantothenate) 1.4 mg 140% Iodine (elemental as potassium iodide) 23 mcg 153% Magnesium (elemental from oxide) 30 mg 75% Zinc (elemental as oxide) 2.3 mg 153% Copper (elemental as gluconate) 303 mcg ** Potassium (elemental from chloride) 26 mg 7% Adrenal Substance 200 mg ** Proprietary Amino Acid Complex providing: l-phenylalanine, l-tyrosine, aspartic acid and methionine 225 mg **   ** Daily Value not established. Excipients Include: Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Stearate (lubricant) and Natural Gelatin Capsules.