Dopamine regulation

Dopamine regulation

This collection contains only supplements aimed at supporting the dopaminergic system, specifically by influencing dopamine biosynthesis, receptor activity, reuptake, or breakdown. Dopamine plays a central role in motivation, focus, reward, attention regulation, motor skills, and behavioral control. Imbalance can lead to symptoms such as mental sluggishness, anhedonia, procrastination, addiction, restlessness, or attention deficit disorder.

This collection only includes products containing one or more substances that directly or indirectly influence dopaminergic metabolism.

Important pathways of action in this collection:

Substrate increase (dopamine precursors)

• L-Tyrosine
  Precursor of dopamine, converted by tyrosine hydroxylase into L-DOPA and subsequently into dopamine. Cofactor dependent on iron and tetrahydrobiopterin.
• Mucuna pruriens (standardized to L-DOPA)
  Plant containing natural L-DOPA. Converted directly into dopamine by dopa decarboxylase. Risk of oversaturation without enzyme balance.
• L-Phenylalanine
  Precursor of tyrosine and thus indirectly of dopamine. Less commonly used, but sometimes present in amino acid complexes.

Cofactor optimization

• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxal-5-phosphate)
  Cofactor for dopa-decarboxylase. Essential for the conversion of L-DOPA to dopamine.
• Folate (5-MTHF) & Vitamin B12 (methylcobalamin)
  Important for methylation in the dopamine breakdown pathway via COMT. Supports balanced dopamine breakdown.
• Magnesium
  Cofactor for many enzymatic reactions within the nervous system, also relevant for stabilization of dopamine receptors.
• Zinc
  Necessary for dopamine beta-hydroxylase and influences dopamine-sensitive signaling.
• Iron
  Essential for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme in dopamine biosynthesis.

Dopamine reuptake and receptor function

• Rhodiola rosea
  An adaptogen that can influence dopamine reuptake and support signaling through receptors. It is specifically used for dopamine deficiency due to stress or burnout.
• SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine)
  It acts as a methyl donor and supports dopamine breakdown via COMT. This is especially important in cases of impaired breakdown or overactivation of the system.

Neurological protection and modulation

• Curcumin (e.g. Meriva® or Longvida®)
  May limit oxidative damage to dopaminergic neurons and influences the balance between dopamine and serotonin.
• N-Acetylcysteine (NAC)
  Modulation of glutamate-dopamine activity in the nucleus accumbens. Used in addiction, trichotillomania, and compulsive behavior.
• Green tea extract (EGCG)
  Indirect effect via MAO-B inhibition and protection against dopamine breakdown.