Precursor loading for monoamines in neurological disease.

Abstract

The evidence indicates that the brain cannot make sufficient quantities of certain neurotransmitter substances on its own and thus obtains them from the peripheral circulation. It appears that the ability of the brain's neurons to make and release several neurotransmitters (serotonin, acetylcholine, and probably the catecholamines dopamine and norepinephrine) depends directly on the concentration of amino acids and choline in the blood, and quite possibly on the composition of the most recently digested meal. With this valuable information, it is possible--based on the medical history and physical findings, the patient's weight, and the dietary history--to suspect, at the initial patient assessment, debilitating neurologic and psychiatric or nutritional disease states that may be influenced by precursor-dependent neurotransmitters, and then to design an appropriate nutritional therapy. Dramatic results have been achieved in this area. In addition to the remarkable findings discussed in the previous sections, it has been found that pellegra can be prevented by niacin supplements, and that thiamine replacement is specific therapy for the memory loss associated with Wernicke-Korsakoff disease. No doubt we will find that these are only a few of the disorders that can be cured, or at least ameliorated, by dietary means.