Darkthorn’s Blog

- Carbohydrates

o Brain only stores enough glucose for 10 mins, must have a constant supply – 75% for signalling, 25% of basic cellular activity

o Glucose is critical for the production of neurotransmitters (hypoglycaemia leading to coma and death)

- Amino Acids

o 8 essential amino acids

o Building blocks for new proteins, neurotransmitters and horemones, provide carbon for TCA cycle

o Tryptophan – precursor of serotonin, lack causes depression, irritability or aggression, also affects circadian rhythms

o Phenylalanine – tyrosine, required for dopamine and noradrenaline, low levels cause a small lowering of mood and alertness

o Disorders of amino acid metabolism (caused by lack of enzymes/cofactors) create toxicity in the nervous system

- Vitamins

o Synthesis of neurotransmitters, energy metabolism and health of the blood vessels

o B vitamins – energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis and amino acid metabolism. Deficiencies cause learning difficulties, irritability, seizures, bad memory skills, pain (paraesthesia) and blindness (nerve injury).

o Folate- important in foetal development.

o Thiamine deficiency causes memory loss, ataxia and opthtialmoplegia.

o Fat soluable vitamins – A (visual pigments), D (prevents neurodegenerative diseases), E (retinal abnormalities, dementia) and K (retina protection).

- Minerals

o Similar to vitamins in function, a cofactor for antioxidant enzymes

o Iron – deficiencies cause apathy, irritability, lethargy, hypoactivity, decreased cognition

o Zinc – affects memory, taste/smell, causes oxidative stress

o Copper/Iodine – can cause ataxia, retardation, seizures, impaired responses

o Selenium – deficiency causes increased dopamine concentration, excess causes inflammation, convulsions, paralysis

o Magnesium – stabilises cellular compartments, part of ATP synthesis, metabolism

- Fatty Acids

o Can be used as a source of energy by the body, but serve the brain as myelin sheaths.

o Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency can cause problems with alertness, anxiety, learning and memory, also problems with the retina.

o Also hearing, taste and smell are affected.