The National Library of Medicine defines depression as a serious brain disorder characterized by a persistent feeling of sadness and worthlessness. Some other symptoms include fatigue, restlessness, sleep and digestive disturbances and anxiety. Traditionally, depression has been treated with medication and counseling therapy. Amino acid supplements are an additional treatment method for depression that targets the biological cause of depression. They should be taken under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness.
The Relationship Between Depression and Amino Acids
National Children's Health System, Nemours, explains that amino acids are the building blocks of protein, the nutrient the body is composed of. The 20 commonly known amino acids combine together to create many different types of protein that are present in all life forms. The B vitamins we eat help us make amino acids. The essential amino acids in the foods we eat are reused to make proteins that maintain the body, including the nonessential amino acids manufactured inside the body. The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance reports that the food we eat actually affects the way we feel. For those with depression, foods must include a combination of certain vitamins, minerals, fats and amino acids that nourish the brain.
B Vitamins and Amino Acids
The DBSA names B vitamins, the source from which the body makes amino acids, as one of three nutrients that help stabilize mood. Phyllis Balch is a nutritional counselor who has been specializing in alternative treatment methods for 25 years. She states that the amino acids tyrosine and gamma-amminobutyric acid, aid depression. Because of the relationship between all of the amino acids, best results are achieved by taking an amino acid complex also. Consult a medical doctor before taking any of these supplements, especially if you're using prescriptions or other supplements.
L-Tyrosine, A Mood Elevator
Balch reports that the amino acid tyrosine helps manufacture adrenaline, norepinephrine and dopamine, brain chemicals that control stress management and feelings. Adrenaline and norepinephrine are stress hormones that produce physical changes that allow the body to handle stressful and dangerous situations. Dopamine sends feelings of satisfaction, reward and arousal to the brain. This makes tyrosine a mood elevator, the lack of which will cause depression. Balch warns people taking MAO inhibitors against taking L-tyrosine, the amino acid supplement, because the combination may cause sudden, dangerously high blood pressure levels.
GABA, the Neurotransmitter Supplement
Balch acknowledges that gamma-aminobutyric acid or GABA helps the brain function properly. GABA decreases brain activity between cells to inhibit them from over firing and occupies message receiving sites, preventing anxiety and stress messages from reaching areas in the brain that control movement. Take the GABA supplements to calm the body, as a tranquilizer would. Consult a physician or other health care professional about the correct dosage. Too much GABA may cause shortness of breath, numbness near the mouth, tingling hands and feet or seizures.
How to Purchase Amino Acid Supplements
Balch explains that amino acid supplements come from animal, yeast and vegetable protein sources in a capsule, tablet, liquid or powder form. Free form is the purest form and are readily absorbed into the blood stream. They should be stored at room temperature and never exposed to heat at 350 degrees or more in order to avoid disintegration. Select the supplements that contain USP, meaning U.S. Pharmacopeia. This nonprofit organization monitors safety and quality standards for products bearing their logo.Take individual amino acid supplements in the morning or between meals when the stomach is empty. Take the amino acid complex at a different time, one half hour before or after a meal. Taking amino supplements separate from foods and other amino acid supplements eliminates competition for absorption of these nutrients.
