Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure, reward and learning. Lack of dopamine in the brain may lead to impaired feelings of pleasure, reduced concentration, poor learning, movement disorders and poor motivation. However, you cannot simply increase levels of dopamine by taking dopamine directly. Several supplements can provide your body the raw materials to produce dopamine and prevent it from being broken down as quickly. Consult with your doctor before taking any supplements to increase dopamine.
Dopamine
Balance is essential for neurotransmitters in the brain. Both low and high levels of dopamine can cause severe neuropsychiatric problems. The death of neurons that produce dopamine leads to Parkinson's disease. Overly high levels of dopamine are commonly associated with psychosis and schizophrenia. If you think you may have low levels of dopamine, consult with your doctor. If you discover that you have low dopamine, discuss natural alternatives with your doctor.
Tyrosine and Phenylalanine
Phenylalanine and tyrosine are amino acids used to produce neurotransmitters, including dopamine. Your body converts phenylalanine into tyrosine and then into neurotransmitters and other biochemicals. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, initial research suggests supplementation with these amino acids can improve symptoms of Parkinson's disease and depression, both associated with low levels of dopamine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, 750 to 3,000 mg of these amino acids can be taken as a supplement per day.
L-dopa
L-dopa, or levodopa, is an immediate precursor to dopamine. Your body can produce L-dopa from the amino acid tyrosine. L-dopa is commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease to raise dopamine levels. However, L-dopa can raise the levels of other neurotransmitters, particularly norepinephrine, causing a jittery feeling.
Rhodiola Rosea
Dopamine is broken down by an enzyme in the brain called monoamine oxidase, or MAO. Compounds in the herb Rhodiola rosea mildly inhibit MAO, leading to a rise in dopamine and other neurotransmitters. Rhodiola rosea is a plant that grows in cold, inhospitable regions and is known to have chemicals that act as adaptogens, chemicals that prevent the negative biological effects of stress.
Green Tea Polyphenols
Like Rhodiola rosea, polyphenols found in green tea can inhibit the MAO enzyme in the brain. You can either consume green tea regularly or take decaffeinated extracts that contain high levels of green tea polyphenols, the chemicals responsible for their health benefits.
Safety
High levels of dopamine are thought to contribute to psychosis and other mental disorders. Consult with your doctor before taking any of the recommended supplements if you are taking daily medication or under care for any medical condition, including a psychiatric disorder. Avoid these supplements if you are taking an MAOI, a drug prescribed for depression.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Medical Reference: Complementary Medicine: L-Phenylalanine
- "Principles of Neural Science, Fourth Edition"; Kandel, Schwartz, Jessel; 2000
- Drugs.com: Levodopa
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Monoamine Oxidase Inhibition by Rhodiola Rosea L. Roots; Van Diermen et al.; 2009
- "Nutrition"; Protective Effect of Green Tea (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate Against the Monoamine Oxidase B Enzyme Activity Increase in Adult Rat Brains; Lin et al.; 2010
