Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are produced within neurons. A neuron is a nerve cell that transmits nerve impulses and is the basic functional unit of the nervous system. When a neuron is stimulated, neurotransmitters are released. They carry information across the small gap called a synapse, pause and wait for acceptance by the next neuron. The body depends on amino acids and vitamins to synthesize neurotransmitters.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the synthesis of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that modulates mood, emotions, sleep patterns and appetite. Medications designed to treat depression block the transport of serotonin. Vitamin B6 converts to the coenzyme, pyridoxal phosphate, or PLP. The conversion of the amino acid, tryptophan to serotonin is dependent upon PLP. Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin that is stored in muscle tissue. You need adequate vitamin B6 to make serotonin. Early signs of a vitamin B6 deficiency are depression and confusion. Convulsions and abnormal brainwave activity occur with an untreated vitamin B6 deficiency. Food sources include meat, particularly chicken, canned tuna, bananas, fortified cornflakes, potatoes and sunflower seeds. Three excellent sources are prune juice, bluefish and acorn squash. Heating during the cooking process decreases the concentration of vitamin B6 in foods. Alcohol destroys vitamin B6, leading to a deficiency.
Choline
Choline is classified as a B-complex vitamin. It is found in lecithin, which is the yellow phospholipid found in egg yolks. Choline has a solo role in the synthesis of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that regulates movement of the cardiac, skeletal and smooth muscles. In the central nervous system, acetylcholine is the primary neurotransmitter of thought and memory. Unlike other neurotransmitters, acetylcholine is not synthesized from amino acids. Rather, choline is the primary building block. The brain does need vitamins B5 and C to complete the process. You can directly impact your acetylcholine levels by consuming foods high in choline. Such food sources include egg yolks, wheat germ, whole grains, soybeans and organ meats, such as liver.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C has antioxidant properties that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. It influences the production of collagen and the maintenance of cartilage, bones and teeth. Vitamin C has an essential role in the synthesis of serotonin and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine is the brain's primary excitatory neurotransmitter. It affects your level of alertness, concentration and motivation. The body needs vitamin C along with adequate oxygen, vitamins B3 and B6, folic acid, iron and copper to convert the amino acid, tyrosine, into norepinephrine. Norepinephrine influences your metabolic rate and helps your brain form new memories. It transports memory information to the hippocampus for long-term storage. Lastly, vitamin C jump-starts the conversion of dopamine to norepinephrine and the conversion of tryptophan to serotonin.
