My Cart

Close

science nutrition blog

science nutrition <strong>blog</strong>

By Robert Schinetsky

 

Recently, both The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal reported on the nationwide shortage of Adderall, one of the most commonly prescribed attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) medications, declared by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).[1,2]

As we previously discussed, the advent of telehealth medicine in recent years has been a key contributor to the increased demand, consumption and supply shortage of popular ADHD medications.

Despite the prevalence of ADHD medication prescriptions, it’s estimated that a mere 8% of children and 4% of adults have ADHD.[1]

(Sidebar: One can’t help but wonder what percentage of ADHD instances could be impacted by reducing screen time, increasing time spent outdoors, proper sleep, etc. But, that’s a topic for another article).

Although researchers have yet to identify the exact pathophysiology of ADHD, dopaminergic dysfunction is clear and some other research suggests that immune and oxidant-antioxidant imbalances may also be involved.[3,4,5]

In light of the difficulties Teva Pharmaceuticals (the manufacturer of Adderall) and other generic version suppliers are having, the FDA is recommending ADHD patients find alternative” options that can help them focus.[1]

THE BEST DOPAMINE SUPPORT SUPPLEMENTS

L-Tyrosine

Tyrosine serves as a critical building block of dopamine as dopamine production occurs when tyrosine hydroxylase converts L-Tyrosine to L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA) -- the direct precursor to dopamine.

Research has shown that consuming 2,000mg of L-Tyrosine can improve cognitive and physical performance during stressful situations as well as enhances cognitive flexibility.[6,7]

L-Tyrosine also has a high safety profile and is without the commonly experienced side effects of pharmaceuticals.

Caffeine Anhydrous

Caffeine is the most popular stimulant around the world, renowned for its ability to heighten alertness, increase motivation, boost performance, and enhance mood. It exerts the brunt of its effects from two actions:

  • Antagonizing adenosine receptors
  • Stimulating dopamine release

 

Recent studies suggest that caffeine may be effective for improving symptoms associated with ADHD.[8] More specifically these animal models indicate that caffeine intake may increase attention and retention capacity in adolescents and adults suffering from ADHD.[8]

Previous research in military personnel also found that caffeine may help reduce ADHD symptoms and improve cognitive performance.[9]

Caffeine is generally well-tolerated and has a high safety margin, with some studies noting that the lethal dose of caffeine is between 150-200mg/kg, which would mean consuming between 10,000-14,000mg (10-14 grams).[10,11]

Furthermore, several human studies have demonstrated that 200mg caffeine effectively boosts attention, elevate mood, and reduce fatigue.[12,13,14]

TeaCrine®

TeaCrine is a chemical cousin of caffeine that complements the fast-acting energy of caffeine by providing smooter, long-lasting energy, mood, and focus.

Similar to caffeine, TeaCrine antagonizes adenosine as well as stimulates dopamine release in the body but in a slightly different manner.[15,16]

Caffeine is an orthosteric modulator of adenosine receptors in the brain, while TeaCrine is an allosteric modulator. Basically, orthosteric modulation is more “agressive” similar to kicking in the front door of the house to get in, while allosteric is “more sly” like slipping into the house through an open window.

Combining the two gives users the best of both worlds as you get the immediate energy, mood, and focus that lasts for longer and without the crash.

Human studies also confirm that the combination of caffeine + TeaCrine is more effective than caffeine alone.[17,18]

Mucuna Pruriens

As mentioned above, L-Dopa is the direct precursor to dopamine. It is naturally produced within the body, and it is also naturally present in the plant Mucuna pruriens (velvet bean).

Mucuna has a long history of use as an herbal tonic and aphrodisiac. Modern research also supports the plant’s traditional use as supplementing with L-Dopa has been shown to alleviate boost declining dopamine levels.[19,20]

Garcitrin

Garcitrin is a little-known trademarked extract of Garcinia Indica, containing 5% Garcinol.

Garcinia indica (aka kokum or wild mangosteen) is a fruit-bearing tree that has been used in traditional medicine for centuries for its wide range of biologial activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects.[21,22]

Beyond its neuroprotective potential, garcinol also has been found to inhibit monoamine oxidase-B.[23]

Monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) is an enzyme that metabolizes certain neurotransmitters and catecholamines in the body, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Inhibiting the actions of MAO-B supports longer lasting dopamine levels, promoting sustained energy, focus, and motivation.

BioPerine®

One of the most well-known supplements in the industry, BioPerine is the leading black pepper extract on the market, backed by numerous studies showing improved nutrient bioavailability and absorption.

In addition to aiding the body’s uptake of the various nutrients-- the main active in black pepper (piperine) also helps increase dopamine release via stimulation of the TRPV receptor in the brain.[24]

Furthermore, piperine also acts as a mild MAO inhibitor[25], complementing the actions of Garcitrin and further supporting stronger, longer-lasting dopamine levels.

Essential Vitamins

Last, but certainly not least, AML Dopa Rush Cocktail includes a trio of essential vitamins in:

  • 1,000mg Vitamin C
  • 1,000mcg Vitamin B-12
  • 800mcg Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)

 

These three vitamins are well-known for their respective roles in immune support and energy metabolism, but what you might not realize is that they also support dopamine synthesis.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is best known as an immune support supplement, but it also plays a vital role in neurological health and cognitive function. In fact,  the brain contains the highest concentration of vitamin C in the body. The essential vitamin is also required for activating Tyrosine hydroxylase. Additionally, vitamin C also serves as a cofactor in the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine (noradrenaline) by the enzyme dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DBH). And, it can enhance dopamine function and protect dopaminergic neurons from oxidative stress as well as excitotoxicity.[27]

Newly published research in the European Journal of Nutrition documented an association between serum vitamin C concentrations with vitality (fatigue and attention) and mood status (stress, depression, positive/negative affect). Specifically, individuals with lower vitamin C concentrations had lower levels of attention. Based on these findings, researchers then carried out a randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the effects of 28 days of vitamin C supplementation (1000mg/day) on fatigue, attention, work engagement, self-control resources, and mood.[28]

At the end of the trial, researchers concluded that vitamin C supplementation “increased work motivation and attentional focus and contributed to better performance on cognitive tasks requiring sustained attention.”

It has been reported to avoid Vitamin C in either supplements, juices or foods an hour before and after taking ADHD medication as it can inhibit the absorption of the medication.

Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an important cofactor involved in dopamine production, and some research indicates that it may prevent neurotoxicity and reduce dopamine loss in individuals with Parkinsons.[26]

Folic Acid

Folic Acid is required for the production of cofactor BH4, a cofactor in the production of tyrosine hydroxylase. Research also notes an association between low dopamine levels (which are linked to depression) and low intakes of folic acid.

Takeaway

Dopamine dysfunction has been identified as a key contributor to ADHD.

ADHD medications are NOT without adverse effects (insomnia, stomachache, headache, and anorexia to name a few) as well as abuse.[29] Conventional therapies also do not replenish the required nutrients the body needs to synthesize dopamine, which can create additional problems down the line.

 

 

 

†These statements have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

  This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

 

©Published by Advanced Research Media, Inc. 2022

©Reprinted with permission from Advanced Research Media, Inc.

 

References

  1. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/13/health/adderall-shortage-adhd.html
  2. https://www.wsj.com/articles/fda-warns-of-adderall-shortage-months-after-patients-raised-concerns-11665759564
  3. Weyns, A.-S., Verlaet, A. A. J., Breynaert, A., Naessens, T., Fransen, E., Verhelst, H., Van West, D., Van Ingelghem, I., Jonckheere, A. I., Beysen, D., Kenis, S., Moens, E., van Roest, A. P. J., Savelkoul, H. F. J., De Bruyne, T., Pieters, L., Ceulemans, B., & Hermans, N. (2022). Clinical Investigation of French Maritime Pine Bark Extract on Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder as compared to Methylphenidate and Placebo: Part 1: Efficacy in a Randomised Trial. Journal of Functional Foods, 97, 105246. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2022.105246
  4. Ceylan M, Sener S, Bayraktar AC, et al. (2010) Oxidative imbalance in child and adolescent patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry 34(8). Elsevier: 1491–1494. DOI: 10.1016/J.PNPBP.2010.08.010.
  5. Ceylan, S. Sener, A. Bayraktar, et al. Changes in oxidative stress and cellular immunity serum markers in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. Psychiatry and clinical neurosciences 66(3). Psychiatry Clin Neurosci (2012), pp. 220-226, 10.1111/J.1440-1819.2012.02330.X
  6. Steenbergen, L., Sellaro, R., Hommel, B., & Colzato, L. S. (2015). Tyrosine promotes cognitive flexibility: evidence from proactive vs. reactive control during task switching performance. Neuropsychologia, 69, 50–55. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropsychologia.2015.01.022
  7. Jongkees, B. J., Hommel, B., Kuhn, S., & Colzato, L. S. (2015). Effect of tyrosine supplementation on clinical and healthy populations under stress or cognitive demands--A review. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 70, 50–57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2015.08.014
  8. zquez, J.C.; Martin de la Torre, O.; López Palomé, J.; Redolar-Ripoll, D. Effects of Caffeine Consumption on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Treatment: A Systematic Review of Animal Studies. Nutrients 2022, 14, 739. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14040739
  9. Cipollone G, Gehrman P, Manni C, Pallucchini A, Maremmani AGI, Palagini L, Perugi G, Maremmani I. Exploring the Role of Caffeine Use in Adult-ADHD Symptom Severity of US Army Soldiers. J Clin Med. 2020 Nov 23;9(11):3788. doi: 10.3390/jcm9113788. PMID: 33238642; PMCID: PMC7700297.
  10. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. Caffeine for the Sustainment of Mental Task Performance: Formulations for Military Operations. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2001. 2, Pharmacology of Caffeine. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK223808/
  11. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research; Marriott BM, editor. Food Components to Enhance Performance: An Evaluation of Potential Performance-Enhancing Food Components for Operational Rations. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1994. 20, Effects of Caffeine on Cognitive Performance, Mood, and Alertness in Sleep-Deprived Humans. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209050/
  12. Spriet LL. Exercise and sport performance with low doses of caffeine. Sports Med. 2014;44 Suppl 2(Suppl 2):S175–S184. doi:10.1007/s40279-014-0257-8
  13. Lieberman, H.R., R.J.Wurtman, G.G.Emde, and I.L.G.Coviella 1987. a The effects of caffeine and aspirin on mood and performance. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 7:315–320
  14. Swift, C.G., and B.Tiplady 1988. The effects of age on the response to caffeine. Psychopharmacology 94:29–31
  15. Taylor L, Mumford P, Roberts M, et al. Safety of TeaCrine®, a non-habituationg, naturally-occuring purine alkaloid over eight weeks of continuous use. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2-16;13(1):1-14. doi:10.1186/s12970-016-0113-3.
  16. Access O. Proceedings of the Fourteenth International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) Conference and Expo. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14(s2):31. doi:10.1186/s12970-017-0188-5
  17. Bello, M.L., Walker, A.J., McFadden, B.A. et al. The effects of TeaCrine® and caffeine on endurance and cognitive performance during a simulated match in high-level soccer players. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 16, 20 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12970-019-0287-6
  18. He H, Ma D, Crone LB, Butawan M, Meibohm B, Bloomer RJ, Yates CR. Assessment of the Drug-Drug Interaction Potential Between Theacrine and Caffeine in Humans. J Caffeine Res. 2017 Sep 1;7(3):95-102. doi: 10.1089/jcr.2017.0006. PMID: 28875060; PMCID: PMC5582588.
  19. Lampariello LR, Cortelazzo A, Guerranti R, Sticozzi C, Valacchi G. The Magic Velvet Bean of Mucuna pruriens. Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine. 2012;2(4):331-339.
  20. Hornykiewicz O. L-DOPA. Journal of Parkinson’s Disease. 2017;7(Suppl 1):S3-S10. doi:10.3233/JPD-179004.
  21. Fuchs RA, McLaughlin RJ. Garcinol: A Magic Bullet of Amnesia for Maladaptive Memories?. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2017;42(3):581– doi:10.1038/npp.2016.165 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5240180/
  22. Lim SH, Lee HS, Lee CH, Choi CI. Pharmacological Activity of Garcinia indica (Kokum): An Updated Review. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021 Dec 20;14(12):1338. doi: 10.3390/ph14121338. PMID: 34959738; PMCID: PMC8708457.
  23. Mazumder, M. K., Paul, R., Phukan, B. C., Dutta, A., Chakrabarty, J., Bhattacharya, P., & Borah, A. (2018). Garcinol, an effective monoamine oxidase-B inhibitor for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. Medical Hypotheses, 117, 54–58. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mehy.2018.06.009
  24. McNamara FN, Randall A, Gunthorpe MJ. Effects of piperine, the pungent component of black pepper, at the human vanilloid receptor (TRPV1). Br J Pharmacol. 2005;144(6):781–790. doi:10.1038/sj.bjp.0706040
  25. Lee, S. A., Hong, S. S., Han, X. H., Hwang, J. S., Oh, G. J., Lee, K. S., … Ro, J. S. (2005). Piperine from the fruits of Piper longum with inhibitory effect on monoamine oxidase and antidepressant-like activity. Chemical & Pharmaceutical Bulletin, 53(7), 832–835.
  26. Adam Schaffner, Xianting Li, Yacob Gomez-Llorente, Emmanouela Leandrou, Anna Memou, Nicolina Clemente, Chen Yao, Farinaz Afsari, Lianteng Zhi, Nina Pan, Keita Morohashi, Xiaoluan Hua, Ming-Ming Zhou, Chunyu Wang, Hui Zhang, Shu G. Chen, Christopher J. Elliott, Hardy Rideout, Iban Ubarretxena-Belandia, Zhenyu Yue. Vitamin B12 modulates Parkinson’s disease LRRK2 kinase activity through allosteric regulation and confers neuroprotection. Cell Research, 2019; 29 (4): 313 DOI: 1038/s41422-019-0153-8
  27. Sim, M., Hong, S., Jung, S. et al. Vitamin C supplementation promotes mental vitality in healthy young adults: results from a cross-sectional analysis and a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Eur J Nutr 61, 447–459 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00394-021-02656-3
  28. Harrison FE, May JM. Vitamin C function in the brain: vital role of the ascorbate transporter SVCT2. Free Radic Biol Med. 2009 Mar 15;46(6):719-30. doi: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2008.12.018. Epub 2009 Jan 6. PMID: 19162177; PMCID: PMC2649700.
  29. Morton WA, Stockton GG. Methylphenidate Abuse and Psychiatric Side Effects. Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2000 Oct;2(5):159-164. doi: 10.4088/pcc.v02n0502. PMID: 15014637; PMCID: PMC181133.