Posted by Larry Hoover on November 22, 2002, at 17:14:36
In reply to In addition to fish oil... , posted by Pfinstegg on November 22, 2002, at 14:44:10
> For Larry and Freedom - this has been a terrific discussion on fish oil- very much appreciated! An an AD failure/dropout, I am relying on fish oil, but also on all the fat-soluble vitamins in normal amounts, B vitamins in high amounts (100 mcg. B12 and 400-800 mg. folic acid, plus normal amounts of all the others), 100 mg. each of ALA and phosphadadtylserine, a diet which consists almost entirely of cold-water fish, fruits and vegetables, an early-morning ride on a horse and a 45-minute walk with the dog in late afternoon after work. I really think all this has modified the severity of my MDD quite a bit. I am curious as to whether you have come across a role for B vitamins in helping neurotransmitters function more normally. I have a scientific background also, but recognize superior researchers when I come across them! If this is of interest to you, I'd love to hear of anything you come across.
>
> PfinsteggThanks for the support. I fear sometimes becoming too technical; I don't want to overwhelm anybody.
About the B-vitamins....here's a pretty good overview of the water-solubles, including the B's, C, and a few extras. You'll note that folate in particular bears on neurotransmitter formation directly, and indirectly via DNA synthesis (gene regulation). B-12 has an indirect role via promotion of SAMe formation(homocysteine/methionine cycle).It also is an essential nutrient to promote proper digestion, through the release of stomach acid. You'll get more out of your protein if your acid works better, because the enzyme pepsin needs acid to activate. Achlorhydria/hypochlorhydria (low or absent stomach acid) causes B-12 deficiency, which in turn causes low stomach acid. B-12 deficiency also promotes GERD (gastro-esophageal reflux disorder), despite low stomach acid. GERD is poorly timed stomach acid, which also benefits from bromelain and betaine supplements.
You need Adobe Acrobat to read this:
http://www.unr.edu/hcs/nutrition/pdf/223-10-o.pdfOne nutrient that you haven't mentioned is magnesium. It has an inhibitory effect at NMDA/glutamate receptors, and thus has an overall modulating or calming effect. It also participates in over 200 enzymatic reactions. Most people are magnesium deficient. Stress cause magnesium loss in urine.
Start out at 200-300 mg/day, to avoid diarrhea. Gradually increase to a target of 600 mg/day, up to 1,000 mg/day. If diarrhea occurs, drop the dose 100 mg, and hold there for a bit. Try and increase dose later. Magnesium oxide is cheap, but is less well absorbed than e.g. magnesium citrate, or chelated magnesium.
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:128719
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20021122/msgs/128811.html