Dopamine
Dopamine synthesis begins with the amino acid L-phenylalanine, which is sequentially converted to tyrosine and L-DOPA, its immediate precursor.1,2 This pathway requires activated folate (5-methyltetrahydrofolate; MTHF), activated vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5'-phosphate; P5P) and zinc.2 Once synthesized and released into the synapse, dopamine binds to receptors on the receiving (postsynaptic) neuron to exert its beneficial effects. However, dopamine is subject to removal from the synapse in a process known as reuptake. In addition, dopamine may be degraded by the enzymes catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) (Figure 1). Nearly a decade of research has indicated that the polyphenols in green tea directly target COMT, supporting dopamine stability.4 Rhodiola rosea and grape seed proanthocyanidins have been reported to promote healthy MAO activity.5,6*
Serotonin
Serotonin synthesis begins with the amino acid L-tryptophan, which is hydroxylated to form 5-hydroxytryptophan in a pathway that requires 5-MTHF, vitamin B6 and vitamin C.1,2 Clinical studies have also indicated essential roles of zinc and magnesium.2 Once released into the synapse, serotonin activity depends on healthy reuptake balance, which may be maintained in the presence of taurine.7 Upon binding of serotonin to its receptor, an inositol-dependent signaling pathway ensures effective communication with the postsynaptic neuron (Figure 1).*
The Integrative Mental Health Series is comprised of three products formulated to support overall mental and emotional health. DopaPlus delivers the precursors, cofactors and phytonutrients that support multiple steps in dopamine signaling to promote alertness, cognitive function and positive mood. SeroPlus provides precursors, cofactors and taurine and inositol to help moderate occasional stress, promote relaxation and support healthy eating behavior.*

In many clinical contexts, support for both serotonin and dopamine signaling is indicated. NeuroPure combines serotonin and dopamine precursors and cofactors. This formula provides the polyphenols curcumin and quercetin for healthy MAO activity, which further supports both pathways.8,9 An additional mechanism of these polyphenols is maintaining L-tryptophan availability by moderating the enzyme responsible for its degradation into excitatory metabolites.10 NeuroPure provides comprehensive support for emotional balance and mood stability.*
Each product is designed to be used individually with the co-support of magnesium and essential fatty acids. The Integrative Mental Health Series has been developed based on decades of research and clinical experience in integrative psychiatry. Each formula delivers powerful bioactives in combinations that address multiple aspects of neurotransmission to optimally support mental health and emotional well-being.*

References

1. Fernstrom JD. Large neutral amino acids: dietary effects on brain neurochemistry and function. Amino Acids. 2012; Jun 8.
2. Kaplan, Bonnie J.; Crawford, et al. Vitamins, minerals, and mood. Psychological Bulletin, Vol 133(5), Sep 2007;747-760.
3. Dias GP, Cavegn N, Nix A, et al. The role of dietary polyphenols on adult hippocampal neurogenesis: molecular mechanisms and behavioural effects on depression and anxiety. Oxid Med Cell Longev. 2012;2012:541971.
4. Lu H, Meng X, Yang CS. Enzymology of methylation of tea catechins and inhibition of catechol-O-methyltransferase by (-)-epigallocatechin gallate. Drug Metab Dispos. 2003;31(5):572-579.
5. van Diermen D, Marston A, Bravo J, et al. Monoamine oxidase inhibition by Rhodiola rosea L. roots. J Ethnopharmacol. 2009;122(2):397-401.
6. Xu Y, Li S, Chen R, et al. Antidepressant-like effect of low molecular proanthocyanidin in mice: involvement of monoaminergic system. Pharmacol Biochem Behav. 2010;94(3):447-453.
7. Lakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional therapies for mental disorders. Nutr J. 2008;21;7:2.
8. Dixon Clarke SE, Ramsay RR. Dietary inhibitors of monoamine oxidase A. J Neural Transm. 2011;118(7):1031-1041.
9. Kulkarni S, Dhir A, Akula KK. Potentials of curcumin as an antidepressant. Sci World Journal. 2009;9:1233-1241.
10. Maes M, Leonard BE, Myint AM, et al. The new '5-HT' hypothesis of depression: cell-mediated immune activation induces indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, which leads to lower plasma tryptophan and an increased synthesis of detrimental tryptophan catabolites (TRYCATs), both of which contribute to the onset of depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2011;35(3):702-721.