Major Amino Acids for Brain Physiology - Body of Harmony

Major Amino Acids for Brain Physiology

by: Payam Hakimi
March 2025
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Amino acids play a crucial role in brain physiology by serving as precursors to neurotransmitters, supporting neuroplasticity, and maintaining cognitive function. Below are some of the most important amino acids for brain health and their physiological roles.

1. Glutamate

Function: The brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter, crucial for synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory.
Role in Brain:
- Converts into gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the brain’s major inhibitory neurotransmitter.
- Supports long-term potentiation (LTP), essential for memory formation.
- Excess glutamate can lead to excitotoxicity, contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson’s.

2. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA)

Function: The main inhibitory neurotransmitter, responsible for calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety.
Role in Brain:
- Balances glutamate to prevent overstimulation of neurons.
- Plays a role in sleep, relaxation, and stress reduction.
- Low levels of GABA are associated with anxiety, epilepsy, and insomnia.

3. Tryptophan

Function: The precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, and appetite.
Role in Brain:
- Converts into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), then into serotonin.
- Essential for the production of melatonin, which regulates sleep-wake cycles.
- Low levels are linked to depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

4. Tyrosine

Function: A precursor to dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, neurotransmitters involved in motivation, focus, and stress response.
Role in Brain:
- Supports the production of catecholamines, essential for cognitive function and alertness.
- Helps the brain cope with stress and fatigue.
- Low levels can contribute to depression and cognitive decline.

5. Phenylalanine

Function: An essential amino acid that converts into tyrosine, supporting dopamine and norepinephrine production.
Role in Brain:
- Plays a role in mood regulation and cognitive function.
- Involved in pain modulation by influencing endorphin levels.
- Deficiency can impair cognitive performance and lead to mood disorders.

6. Histidine

Function: A precursor to histamine, a neurotransmitter involved in wakefulness, appetite control, and immune responses.
Role in Brain:
- Supports alertness and cognitive function.
- Regulates the sleep-wake cycle.
- Important for neuroprotection and reducing oxidative stress.

7. Serine

Function: Involved in neurotransmitter synthesis, particularly in the formation of phosphatidylserine (PS), which supports neuronal communication.
Role in Brain:
- Supports myelin sheath formation, essential for nerve function.
- Involved in memory and cognitive performance.
- Low levels are linked to neurodegenerative conditions.

8. Taurine

Function: Modulates GABAergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, acting as a neuroprotective compound.
Role in Brain:
- Supports neuronal growth and development.
- Helps regulate calcium balance in neurons.
- Protective against excitotoxicity and oxidative stress.

9. Aspartate

Function: Acts as an excitatory neurotransmitter and supports the urea cycle for detoxification.
Role in Brain:
- Plays a role in energy metabolism.
- Supports learning and memory.
- Involved in neurotransmitter balance.

10. Cysteine

Function: A precursor to glutathione, the brain’s primary antioxidant.
Role in Brain:
- Supports detoxification and reduces oxidative stress.
- Plays a role in dopamine regulation.
- Important for neuroprotection against neurodegenerative diseases.

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