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Page 19 To place an order, go to www.willner.com or call (800) 633-1106 Since 1911 • Willner Chemists: The Nutritional Supplement Professionals Keeping a Positive Mood is Not Always Easy - Some Supplements Can Help. * D uring this past year, it has been exceptionally challenging to keep a positive outlook on life, and 2021 is, so far, proving to be quite draining too. Most of us have experienced highs and lows in the past 12 months as we navigate the challenges brought by the current state of the world. While the vast majority of us can deal with the situation on our own, some of us need a little help to nudge us towards a more positive outlook. That help can take many forms including yoga, relaxation, exercise, staying in contact with family and friends, aromatherapy, meditation, breathing techniques, counseling and many other support techniques that help us see the world in a more positive way. Another helpful tool is supplements, and many have been clinically evaluated and have been shown to help minimize occasional negative feelings.* A few of the supplements known to support a positive mood are S-adenosylmethione (SAMe), 5-HTP and L- tryptophan.* These molecules have different modes of action that could help cope with transient but stressful situations.* Brain health relies on a complex network of cells and interconnected systems involving many neurotransmitters that act as messengers between these cells. Assuming it has access to the proper building blocks necessary for neurotransmitter production, the brain is typically very good at maintaining the right balance of different neurotransmitters to maintain healthy brain functions. And, it is now well established, that a proper balance of specific neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, will contribute to mental health, including the support of healthy mood and emotions. Serotonin and dopamine are two neurotransmitters that are naturally produced in the brain. A cascade of biochemical reactions is needed to make serotonin from essential amino acid tryptophan. One of these reactions results in the production of 5- hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), an amino acid indispensable for the ultimate endogenous production of serotonin. In the central nervous system, serotonin is known to participate in many brain functions, including the regulation of sleep, mood, emotions, appetite, pain, and body temperature. Serotonin levels in the brain depend on levels of L-tryptophan and 5-HTP in the central nervous system. 5-HTP is known to easily cross the blood-brain barrier, which is the natural brain-protecting gate against xenobiotics.ł L-tryptophan, on the other hand, has only a limited access to the brain due to the need for a transport system shared with other competing amino acids to go from the bloodstream to the central nervous system. Supplementing the diet with 5-HTP and tryptophan can contribute to the maintenance of healthy brain levels of serotonin, allowing the brain to have serotonin available to support healthy mood and other serotonin-related functions.* Clinical studies have demonstrated that 5-HTP and tryptophan supplementation can influence brain chemistry and contribute to the maintenance of healthy mood, emotions, and normal sleep patterns.*(1-4) Because 5-HTP and tryptophan reach the brain in different manners, there is some choice and flexibility for individuals seeking to supplement their diet with these compounds to strengthen their brain serotonin levels. A trained professional can help to determine the best supplement protocol for optimal results. SAMe is a compound naturally produced in the body and found in the brain. It is a critical component of many biochemical reactions, including the metabolism of folate and vitamin B12.* It is known as the universal methyl donor for more than 100 methyltransferase reactions.* Methylation involves the transfer of a methyl group (CH3) to an acceptor molecule, including DNA bases, proteins, phospholipids, free amino acids, and neurotransmitters. In animal models, SAMe supplementation results in a dose dependent increase in concentrations of serotonin and noradrenaline in the central nervous system .* Animal studies have shown that chronic SAMe administration increases dopamine activity in certain regions of their brain and increases the density and activity of specific receptors for adrenaline and noradrenaline.* These biological properties typically result in positive animal behavioral changes consistent with mood improvement.*(5) To confirm experimental study results, a clinical study exploring the electroencephalographic (EEG) effect of a daily dose of 400 mg SAMe for 15 days in healthy elderly volunteers has shown an accelerated dominant alpha-wave frequency, as well as other dominant alpha-wave frequency modifications after SAMe supplementation.* These changes are consistent with EEG modifications seen with ingestion of compounds typically known to have a positive effect on mood.* (6) While we are still waiting for the publication of randomized clinical trials exploring the effect of SAMe on the mood of healthy individuals, the results of this EEG study are encouraging, because they suggest that SAMe naturally plays an important role in the maintenance of positive mood.* The main goal of supplementing the diet with SAMe, L- tryptophan, and 5-HTP is to provide the brain with the building blocks it needs to produce dopamine and serotonin.* With adequate amounts of dopamine and serotonin, the brain can self-regulate to ensure the right balance of these neurotransmitters where and when they are needed.* This brain self-regulation system contributes to positive mood and healthy emotional reactions when we are subjected to normal daily stress.* For individuals interested in curbing their reaction to environmental stress, there are many nutritional interventions available.* When choosing a supplement for relaxation and positive mood, it is important to select from reliable brands using ingredients that have been clinically evaluated and are backed up by solid scientific data.* Supplementing the diet with 5-HTP and tryptophan can contribute to the maintenance of healthy brain levels of serotonin, allowing the brain to have serotonin available to support healthy mood and other serotonin-related functions.* The pharmacists and nutritionists at Willner Chemists will be happy to assist you in determining which supplements are most appropriate for your needs. By Céline Torres-Moon, Science Writer, Protocol For Life Balance ® Willner Chemists Product Recommendations Protocol For Life Balance® , a brand of high-quality dietary supplements, offers several supplements that can help to encourage brain production of dopamine and serotonin.* These supplements include SAMe 200 mg & 400 mg , 5-HTP and Tryptophan . Your healthcare practitioner can help you determine which supplement is best for your specific needs when it comes to managing stress and the maintenance of a positive mood * *Note: Information in this article is provided for informational purposes only. Any and all information is not intended as a substitute for the advice provided by your physician or other healthcare provider. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.