Deficiency of Alpha-Linolenic acid causes disturbances in dopaminergic neurotransmission

More and more reports in recent years have shown that the intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) constitutes an environmental factor able to act on the central nervous system (CNS) function. We recently demonstrated that the effects of PUFA on behavior can be mediated through effects on the monoaminergic neurotransmission processes. Supporting this proposal, we showed that chronic dietary deficiency in alpha-linolenic acid in rats induces abnormalities in several parameters of the mesocortical and mesolimbic dopaminergic systems. In both systems, the pool of dopamine stored in presynaptic vesicles is strongly decreased. This may be due to a decrease in the number of vesicles. In addition, several other factors of dopaminergic neurotransmission are modified according to the system affected. The mesocortical system seems to be hypofunctional overall [e.g., decreased basal release of dopamine (DA) and reduced levels of dopamine D2 (DAD2) receptors]. In contrast, the mesolimbic system seems to be hyperfunctional overall (e.g., increased basal release of DA and increased levels of DAD2 receptors). These neurochemical changes are in agreement with modifications of behavior already described with this deficiency. The precise mechanisms explaining the effects of PUFA on neurotransmission remain to be clarified. For example, modifications of physical properties of the neuronal membrane, effects on proteins (receptors, transporters) enclosed in the membrane, and effects on gene expression and/or transcription might occur. Whatever the mechanism, it is therefore assumed that interactions exist among PUFA, neurotransmission, and behavior. This might be related to clinical findings. Indeed, deficits in the peripheral amounts of PUFA have been described in subjects suffering from neurological and psychiatric disorders. Involvement of the monoaminergic neurotransmission function has been demonstrated or hypothesized in several of these diseases. It can therefore be proposed that functional links exist among PUFA status, neurotransmission processes, and behavioral disorders in humans. Animal models are tools of choice for the understanding of such links. Improved prevention and complementary treatment of neurological and psychiatric diseases can be expected from these studies.

Reference:

Polyunsaturated fatty acids and cerebral function: focus on monoaminergic neurotransmission.

Omega-3 fatty acids and monoamine neurotransmission.

Dietary fish oil affects monoaminergic neurotransmission and behavior in rats.

current medication and diet

Diet: Oats in morning and night; rice, vegetables and fish curry and one piece of sliced fish either fried or curry cooked.

Medications:
Morning: one tablet of Multi B + C after breakfast
Night: two capsules of mega-3, 1/2 tablet of folic acid 5 mg, 1/4 tablet of thiamine mononitrate 100 mg

This combination gives good balance between fluent speech, mood, focus, concentration and energy. In this combination, folic acid appears to be responsible for the improvement in mood. If I don't take folic acid, then dullness and negative thoughts start appearing.

Update on 18 Feb 2018:

Diet:
Morning: 1-2 Wheat dosa/Ragi dosa + 1 Egg (Organic selenium enriched - 44 mcg of selenium per 100 g of egg; each egg approximately weighs around 60 - 80 g)
Lunch: Rice + Two vegetables + 1 egg (normal egg - no selenium enriched)
Dinner: 1-2 Wheat/Ragi Dosa + 1 Apple + 1 Orange

Medications:
Morning: 1 capsule of Blackmore Multivitamins + Minerals; 1 capsule of Blackmore Vitamin D3 1000 mcg; 25 mg of Thiamine mononitrate
Night: 25 mg of Thiamine mononitrate; 1 capsule of 500 mg of L-Tryptophan

Effects: Thiamine mononitrate used to worsen the cold intolerance. That means, If I take thiamine mononitrate, I used to feel very cold whenever the temperature goes below 25 deg C. This effect seems to be countered by intake of L-tryptophan. The sugar intake (sugar added in tea - morning and evening) seems to decrease the frequency of vocal blocks. The most effect is experienced when the refined white sugar is taken. This clearly indicates that there could be some impairment of tryptophan transport into the brain. It appears that effective tryptophan transport across blood brain barrier requires significant amount of insulin to clear the other large neutral amino acids. However, there appears to be no problem with the phenylalanine and tyrosine transport into the brain. However, this cannot be concluded.

Probiotics and increased focus and concentration

Lactobacillus reuteri consumption increased testosterone levels.

References:

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0084877

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24392159

I consumed probiotic capsule from 21st Century for 10 days (1 capsule a day in the morning after breakfast)

21st Century Probiotics contains 8 billion “friendly bacteria”, of four types :
 
Lactobacillus Acidophilus - 2 billion cfu/100mg
Lactobacillus Salivarius - 2 billion cfu/100mg
Bifidobacterium Bifidum - 2 billion cfu/100mg
Streptococcus Thermophilus - 2 billion cfu/100mg


The positive effects:

1. Increased and sustained focus and concentration
2. Increase in working memory

Negative effects
1. Decreased speed while walking
2. Decreased libido
3. Slightly worsened stuttering

Ginseng extracts and their effects

Major species of ginseng

Korean red ginseng - Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer Root

American Ginseng - Pananx quinquefolium

Siberian ginseng - Eleutherococcus senticosus

Generally, in Korean ginseng, roots are used. They are off white in colour. Traditional method of preparation includes steaming of the roots and sun drying. This process changes the color to red.

Major bioactivities of ginseng species

Korean red ginseng - Antistress, adaptogen, aphrodisiac

American ginseng - Antistress, adaptogen, increases working memory

Siberian ginseng - No evidence based

Standardised extracts of Korean red ginseng - Panax ginseng

Ginseng extract IDB - ≥7.0% of ginsenosides and malonylginsenosides ≥0.9% ≤1.4% of Rg1 ≥1.7% ≤3.0% of Rb1 by HPLC - Proviton multivitamin contains ginseng extract IDB 50 mg

Ginseng extract G115 - < 4% ginsenosides - Pharmaton capsules/caplets contain 40 mg

Panax Ginseng root extract - BioLife's Premiton contains 100 mg (8% ginsenosides)


Update on Nov 2019:
Effects:

I had taken Pharmaton multivitamin capsules with ginseng for 3 weeks. It caused me mainly gabergic effects. Almost similar effects were obtained when I was taking Revital capsules.


Positive effects:

• Less stuttering
• Reduced anxiety

Negative effects:

• Increased sleepiness
• Reduced motivation
• Reduced Libido
• Reduced focus and concentration
• Unable to complete any tedious work

 

Effect of atorvastatin (statin) on serum cholesterol level, mood, stuttering and energy

For the last three and half months, I have been taking atorvastatin 10 mg (Lipivas). I used to take it after dinner as recommended. Overall, the effect is good in terms of total cholesterol and LDL reduction. It reduced both total cholesterol and LDL-C to 40% of its previous levels.

Negative effects:
1. Increased anxiety and low mood
2. Increased stuttering
3. Increased sleepiness
4. Lack of focus and concentration

Positive effects:
1. Slightly increased libido with more lubrication
2. Slightly more strong erections

Sometimes, I have to take tryptophan 500 mg to increase fluent speech. Also, I have to take it in the afternoon to dampen its effect next morning. When it is combined with a multivitamin tablet/capsule, the stuttering was more pronounced. Lack of sleep increased the stuttering in this set up.