ABSTRACT
Supplementation of specic nutrients can be effective in supporting the treatment of a wide variety of psychiatric disorders, including depression, anxiety, and attention decit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Nutrients work in part by increasing the rate of synthesis of neurotransmitters that modulate mood and cognition. This increase results from saturation of enzymes with supratherapeutic dosages of the essential nutrients that serve either as the precursor molecule (amino acids) or as cofactors (e.g., vitamin B6, vitamin C, folate, SAMe, zinc, iron, and copper) required for those enzymes. Saturation with these essential nutrients can drive enzymatic production of far greater amounts of neurotransmitters than is possible with the physiologically low levels of nutrients found
Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 279 Basic Principles ..............................................................................................................................280 Nutrition Responsive Conditions ................................................................................................... 281 Specic Nutrients that Drive Enzymes that Synthesize Mood-Modulating Neurotransmitters ........ 281
Synthesis of the Monoamine Neurotransmitters and GABA .................................................... 281 Synthesis of Acetylcholine ........................................................................................................ 281
Nutrients, Nutraceuticals, and Herbs Useful “Upstream” and “Downstream” from the Enzymes of Neurotransmitters ....................................................................................................... 282
S-Adenosylmethionine .............................................................................................................. 282 L-Methylfolate .......................................................................................................................... 283 “Downstream” Issues ................................................................................................................284
Nutrients that Inhibit Enzymes ......................................................................................................284 D,L-Phenylalanine ....................................................................................................................284 Rhodiola rosae ..........................................................................................................................284 Trace Minerals ...........................................................................................................................285
Targeting Nutrient Supplementation for Psychiatric Conditions ...................................................285 Depression .................................................................................................................................285 Bipolar Depression ....................................................................................................................287
Side Effects and Contraindications ................................................................................................288 Summary of Indications, Doses, and Timing of Key Nutrients .....................................................288 Conclusion ..................................................................................................................................... 289 References...................................................................................................................................... 289
in many current dietary patterns. A common feature found in the diets from individuals suffering from mental illness is the lack of adequate essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Studies show that daily supplementation of essential nutrients is often effective in reducing patients’ symptoms, particularly supplements containing amino acids.1 The literature suggests that amino acid supplementation may reduce symptoms by converting to neurotransmitters which subsequently ameliorate symptoms of depression.
