Please note: The content of this post is my own unless the technical terms are too hard to explain, then the content is copied and pasted. I am not a medical professional and thus the post is my point of view. But the content is science-based and credible. Just because it is a new science, does not necessarily make it quackery.
Under the Neurotransmitter markers, the most notable are Phenylalanine, Tyrosine, HVA (Homovanillic acid), VMA (Vanillylmandelic Acid), Tryptophan, 5-HIAA, Quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid.
Your body turns Phenylalanine into the neurotransmitters tyrosine, dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. It plays an integral role in the structure and function of proteins and enzymes and the production of other amino acids.
Results part 6.2:
Dr Lindenberg comments: “Branched-chain amino acids OK with relatively low tyrosine metabolism.”
Tyrosin is the non-essential amino acid precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine (adrenaline). Tyrosine hydroxylase converts tyrosine into the dopamine precursor L-DOPA; BH4, Vitamin D and iron are cofactors for that enzymatic activity.
Tyrosine is also iodinated to form the thyroid hormones. Hence a chronic deficiency of tyrosine can result in hypothyroidism, adrenal catecholamine deficiency and impaired neurotransmitter metabolism. Tyrosine deficiency can be associated with behavioural and learning disorders, depression, anxiety and inability to deal with stress, and symptoms commonly exhibited with hypothyroidism.
Low urinary tyrosine can result from phenylalanine deficiency, protein malnutrition or malabsorption, or impaired conversion of phenylalanine to tyrosine which may result in phenylketonuria. Low tyrosine relative to phenylalanine could also suggest that tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) might be low.
Whole food sources that are relatively high in tyrosine include meats, poultry, wheat germ, cottage and ricotta cheeses, soy protein, cashews and lentils. Most fruits, vegetables and cereals are low in tyrosine.
Vanillylmandelic Acid – VMA is the end product of the breakdown of ‘fight-or-flight’ hormones norepinephrine and epinephrine, also known as noradrenaline and adrenaline.
Homovanillic acid – Homovanillic acid (HVA) is the breakdown product of the ‘feel-good’ brain chemical dopamine.
Tryptophan: Often associated with drowsiness, tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin (5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA)), a neurotransmitter that regulates your appetite, sleep, and mood.
Quinolinic Acid – Quinolinic acid is a product of the breakdown of the amino acid tryptophan via the kynurenine pathway. Quinolinic acid can be toxic to the brain and can lead to neurodegenerative diseases, Depression and mood disorders.
PLEASE NOTE: ANY VIEWS REGARDING THE RESULTS ARE MY UNDERSTANDING AND DO NOT SERVE AS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. THE TREATMENT RECOMMENDATION IS STRICTLY RELATING TO ALEX’S RESULTS AND NOT MEANT FOR SELF-TREATMENT. ALWAYS SPEAK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY TREATMENTS.
