Micronutrient therapy
| Serotonin metabolism support | |
| 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an intermediate stage in the endogenous conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin levels are closely related to psychological changes such as depressive moods, anxiety and panic or aggression. It directly influences the sleep-wake rhythm, appetite control and pain perception. Substitution with 5-HTP increases the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft and thus has an antidepressant effect. Dysphoria, the cardinal leading symptom of premenstrual and menopausal mood swings, is also positively influenced by serotonin-enhancing substances. The B vitamins Niacin, Vitamin B1 and Vitamin B6 are also indispensable for successful serotonin synthesis. For vitamin B6 there is evidence that the intensity of dreaming and dream recall is increased by substitution. St. John's Wort (Hyypericum perforatum) has antidepressant, anxiolytic and thymoleptic effects due to the interaction of hypericins, hyperforins and other flavonoids. St. John's Wort extract influences especially the accompanying symptoms of mild and moderate depression such as nervousness, anxiety, restlessness or sleep disorders and has a mood-lifting effect without making you tired. It inhibits the synaptosomal uptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine and can also alter the calcium concentration in neuronal membranes. This explains both the antidepressant and the anxiety-relieving and memory-improving properties. An increase in nocturnal melatonin secretion seems to explain the therapeutic success in sleep disorders. |
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| Additional mood-lightening micronutrients | |
| S-Adenosylmethionine (short: SAMe) is involved in the synthesis of important factors of brain metabolism such as neurotransmitters and phospholipids. Depressed patients can benefit from SAM substitution by increasing serotonin, dopamine and phosphatidyl levels and lowering prolactin levels. Omega-3 fatty acids have antidepressant effects due to the activation of serotonergic neurotransmitters in the hippocampus and cortex. Therapeutically, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plays an important role in the nutritive treatment of depression, depressive complaints and mood disorders. The role of vitamin D in relation to depression is still part of research, however, promising results are already emerging in relation to prevention and treatment of the condition. |