Broad-Spectrum Amino Acids Broad-Spectrum Amino Acids in Mental Health and in Mental Health and

Substance Use DisordersSubstance Use Disorders

Dr. Daniel S. Smith D.C.Dr. Daniel S. Smith D.C.

Genesa IncGenesa Inc

May 16, 2010 Truckee, Ca May 16, 2010 Truckee, Ca

"We have harvested the "We have harvested the vitamins and minerals as vitamins and minerals as

healing nutrients, and are just healing nutrients, and are just beginning to harvest the beginning to harvest the

amino acids, which are even amino acids, which are even more important."more important."

Braverman, MD, PhD Braverman, MD, PhD The Healing Ingredients Within The Healing Ingredients Within 

The Healing Nutrients Within

Harvard Cell VideoHarvard Cell Video

Protein synthesis inside a white blood cell

The Building Blocks of The Building Blocks of ProteinProtein

Essential/NonessentialEssential/Nonessential

Semi-EssentialSemi-Essential

What Are Amino Acids?

Amino Acid MetabolismAmino Acid MetabolismProteinEaten

Torn and chewed in mouth

Acted on by stomach acid and pepsin

Worked on by digestive enzymes

AMINO ACIDS RELEASED FROM PROTEIN BY THE DIGESTIVE

PROCESS AND ABSORBED INTOTHE BLOODSTREAM

Catabolic (tearing down) uses of amino acids

React with poisonous nitrogen to produce urea

Carbon skeletons broken down to release energy

Anabolic (building-up) uses of amino acids

Aminos rebuilt as proteins

according to the body’s needs

HormonesTissue (skin, hair, muscle, etc)

Peptides

Individual aminos for specific functions (such as neurotransmitters)

From The Amino Revolution by Robert Erdmann, PhD

Laboratory EvaluationsLaboratory Evaluations

Amino Acid In-Out FlowAmino Acid In-Out Flow

Table 4.4Table 4.4

amino acid. Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

Free-Form Amino Acid Free-Form Amino Acid Comparison & Usage Comparison & Usage

Guide Guide

Form Function/Value Pros Cons

Free-Form

Does not require digestion; small amounts quickly absorbed into bloodstream.

Nutrients absorbed into bloodstream quickly, available to muscle or other tissues; helps prevent muscle catabolism.

Relatively expensive.

Hydrolyzed

Predigestion speeds entry into digestive system, but often contains longer chains that must be broken down. Whey and lactalbumin are examples.

Predigestion speeds absorption

Contains longer chains, which must be broken before being absorbed

into bloodstream.

Branched Chain

Aids in the formation of alanine from glucose during exercise as well as glutamine from glucose and alphaketo glutarate.

Can be converted into energy to prevent muscle catabolism.

Relatively expensive form of energy for muscle action.

Di-Tripeptides

Two or three molecule amino acids that are quickly digested. Depending on conditions, may significantly increase nitrogen retention.

Short chains for moderately fast digestion and absorption.

Cost, availability, taste, osmolality.

The Buffer EffectThe Buffer Effect

Free-form amino acidsFree-form amino acids

– U.S. Pharmaceutical grade free form crystalline U.S. Pharmaceutical grade free form crystalline amino acidsamino acids

– Able to bypass digestive processesAble to bypass digestive processes– Rapid absorptionRapid absorption– Higher concentrations in blood compared to normal Higher concentrations in blood compared to normal

protein digestionprotein digestion

Cox WM, Mueller AJ. SERUM ALBUMIN REGENERATION AS EFFECTED BY INTRAVENOUSLY AND ORALLY ADMINISTERED PROTEIN HYDROLYSATES. J Clin Cox WM, Mueller AJ. SERUM ALBUMIN REGENERATION AS EFFECTED BY INTRAVENOUSLY AND ORALLY ADMINISTERED PROTEIN HYDROLYSATES. J Clin Invest. 1944 Nov;23(6):875-9.Invest. 1944 Nov;23(6):875-9.

Marshall K. Therapeutic Applications of Whey Protein. Altern. Med. Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):136-56. Review. Marshall K. Therapeutic Applications of Whey Protein. Altern. Med. Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):136-56. Review.

Blood Spot Amino Acid Blood Spot Amino Acid Concentration after Oral DosingConcentration after Oral Dosing

After consumption of 10 g oral dose After consumption of 10 g oral dose EAA, plasma levels quickly rise, EAA, plasma levels quickly rise, peaking within 30 to 60 minutespeaking within 30 to 60 minutes

Figure 4.31Figure 4.31

Daily Plasma Amino Acid LevelsDaily Plasma Amino Acid Levels

Shows a hypothetical curve representing Shows a hypothetical curve representing daily amino acid excursions following meals daily amino acid excursions following meals overlaid with the shorter duration overlaid with the shorter duration supraphysiological rises from oral doses of supraphysiological rises from oral doses of free form amino acids; free form amino acids; F 4.32 Laboratory Eval; LordF 4.32 Laboratory Eval; Lord

One hypothesis of reporting clinical One hypothesis of reporting clinical improvements after amino acid improvements after amino acid supplementation is that taking free form supplementation is that taking free form amino acids twice daily stimulates amino acids twice daily stimulates metabolism by significantly increasing metabolism by significantly increasing plasma levels plasma levels

Figure 4.32Figure 4.32

FibromyalgiaFibromyalgia Immune SystemImmune System Chronic emotional and Physical PainChronic emotional and Physical Pain StressStress AnorexiaAnorexia Anti AgingAnti Aging Lean Muscle MassLean Muscle Mass MoodMood AnxietyAnxiety PanicPanic Medication ReductionMedication Reduction PTSDPTSD

Common Mental Health Common Mental Health ApplicationsApplications

Loss of nutrients from our foods due to soil Loss of nutrients from our foods due to soil depletion; Time Magazine 3-09depletion; Time Magazine 3-09

Intensive use of fertilizer in agriculture N-P-KIntensive use of fertilizer in agriculture N-P-K Use of pesticides in commercial agricultural Use of pesticides in commercial agricultural

adding toxins into our system resulting in adding toxins into our system resulting in detoxification efforts needed by our bodiesdetoxification efforts needed by our bodies

Loss of nutrients from our foods through Loss of nutrients from our foods through processingprocessing

Loss of nutrients from our foods due to the length Loss of nutrients from our foods due to the length of time between harvest and food served of time between harvest and food served

Factors Limiting Full and Balanced Factors Limiting Full and Balanced Supply of Amino AcidsSupply of Amino Acids

Factors Limiting Full and Balanced Factors Limiting Full and Balanced Supply of Amino AcidsSupply of Amino Acids

No price premium-the average consumer is not No price premium-the average consumer is not willing to pay more money for quality of foodwilling to pay more money for quality of food

Accessibility and AffordabilityAccessibility and Affordability Not eating 3 balanced meals a day with high-Not eating 3 balanced meals a day with high-

quality proteinquality protein Children having difficult time eating proteinChildren having difficult time eating protein Adults with decreased enzymes to digest proteinAdults with decreased enzymes to digest protein Hormones fed to cattle (world war I chemical war Hormones fed to cattle (world war I chemical war

fare and the development of DDT, Bovine Growth fare and the development of DDT, Bovine Growth Hormone ETC)Hormone ETC)

Habits such as smoking and drinkingHabits such as smoking and drinking

No Price PremiumNo Price Premium

The average consumer will not pay The average consumer will not pay more money for quality producemore money for quality produce

The average consumer is not The average consumer is not demanding labeling on producedemanding labeling on produce

Raley’s Raley’s Apple Apple Labeling Labeling Raley’s Raley’s Apple Apple Price Price

What we believe…What we believe…

Micronutrient treatments are highly Micronutrient treatments are highly effective when used as a broad effective when used as a broad spectrum therapy.spectrum therapy.

Smith Law: To treat the whole person Smith Law: To treat the whole person you must treat with the whole you must treat with the whole spectrum.spectrum.

How does a full-spectrum, free-formed How does a full-spectrum, free-formed amino acid contribute to mental health amino acid contribute to mental health

wellness?wellness?

Acts a buffer effect to the pharmaceutical drug Acts a buffer effect to the pharmaceutical drug in the brainin the brain

Strengthens the immune systemStrengthens the immune system Increases production of enzymesIncreases production of enzymes Increases neurotransmitter synthesisIncreases neurotransmitter synthesis Satiates all metabolic pathways Satiates all metabolic pathways

Application of Directed, Application of Directed, Free-Form Amino AcidsFree-Form Amino Acids

Rate of success increased Rate of success increased dramatically through the cross-taper dramatically through the cross-taper process at Truehope with the process at Truehope with the inclusion of a full-spectrum, free-inclusion of a full-spectrum, free-formed amino acid formula (Total formed amino acid formula (Total Amino Solution™) used in Amino Solution™) used in conjunction with Truehope’s conjunction with Truehope’s vitamin/mineral formula vitamin/mineral formula (Empowerplus™).(Empowerplus™).

22 Free Formed Amino Acids 22 Free Formed Amino Acids based on the % of an egg! based on the % of an egg! Why did this specific combination Why did this specific combination prove to be more successful than prove to be more successful than prior attempts by Truehope that prior attempts by Truehope that included free-formed and other included free-formed and other

protein formulas?protein formulas?

The Buffer EffectThe Buffer Effect

How does a full-spectrum, free-How does a full-spectrum, free-formed amino acid contribute to the formed amino acid contribute to the

cross-taper process?cross-taper process?

The Buffer Effect ModelThe Buffer Effect Model

Theory 1: Increase concentration of Theory 1: Increase concentration of unbound free amino acids; unbound free amino acids; Possible MechanismsPossible Mechanisms

Stimulate albumin production; Increase drug binding – reduce unbound drug Stimulate albumin production; Increase drug binding – reduce unbound drug concentrations – reduced pharmacological effects. Drugs bind to albumin. concentrations – reduced pharmacological effects. Drugs bind to albumin. Unbound drug is thought to be responsible for pharmacological effect Unbound drug is thought to be responsible for pharmacological effect Beers, M.H., Editor. Merck manual of diagnosis and therapy. 17Beers, M.H., Editor. Merck manual of diagnosis and therapy. 17thth Ed. Ed. Whitehouse Station N.J. 1999.Whitehouse Station N.J. 1999.

Theory 2: Synthesis of NeurotransmittersTheory 2: Synthesis of Neurotransmitters “ “The entry of tryptophan in the brain is influenced by the plasma level of free The entry of tryptophan in the brain is influenced by the plasma level of free

tryptophan (that not bound to albumin). ”Newsholme EA, Blomstrand E. tryptophan (that not bound to albumin). ”Newsholme EA, Blomstrand E. The plasma level of some amino acids and physical and mental fatigue. The plasma level of some amino acids and physical and mental fatigue. Experientia. 1996 May 15;52(5):413-5Experientia. 1996 May 15;52(5):413-5

The Buffer Effect ModelThe Buffer Effect Model

Theory 3: Nutrition and Wound HealingTheory 3: Nutrition and Wound Healing““amino acids, … are able to modulate inflammation and the associated amino acids, … are able to modulate inflammation and the associated

oxidative stress, and maintain or improve immune function”oxidative stress, and maintain or improve immune function”

Xu J, Yunshi Z, Li R. Immunonutrition in surgical patients. Curr Drug Targets. Xu J, Yunshi Z, Li R. Immunonutrition in surgical patients. Curr Drug Targets. 2009 Aug;10(8):771-7. Review.2009 Aug;10(8):771-7. Review.

Theory 4:Drugs and free-form amino acids Theory 4:Drugs and free-form amino acids interact in solution interact in solution Samarskii V.A. Donor-acceptor Samarskii V.A. Donor-acceptor interactions of pilocarpine and atropine with amino acids. Pharm Chem J. interactions of pilocarpine and atropine with amino acids. Pharm Chem J. 1996 Feb; 30(2):72-73.1996 Feb; 30(2):72-73.

The Buffer EffectThe Buffer Effect

Free-form amino acidsFree-form amino acids

– U.S. Pharmaceutical grade free form crystalline U.S. Pharmaceutical grade free form crystalline amino acidsamino acids

– Able to bypass digestive processesAble to bypass digestive processes– Rapid absorptionRapid absorption– Higher concentrations in blood compared to normal Higher concentrations in blood compared to normal

protein digestionprotein digestion

Cox WM, Mueller AJ. SERUM ALBUMIN REGENERATION AS EFFECTED BY INTRAVENOUSLY AND ORALLY ADMINISTERED PROTEIN HYDROLYSATES. J Clin Cox WM, Mueller AJ. SERUM ALBUMIN REGENERATION AS EFFECTED BY INTRAVENOUSLY AND ORALLY ADMINISTERED PROTEIN HYDROLYSATES. J Clin Invest. 1944 Nov;23(6):875-9.Invest. 1944 Nov;23(6):875-9.

Marshall K. Therapeutic Applications of Whey Protein. Altern. Med. Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):136-56. Review. Marshall K. Therapeutic Applications of Whey Protein. Altern. Med. Rev. 2004 Jun;9(2):136-56. Review.

The Buffer EffectThe Buffer Effect I.Possible MechanismsI.Possible Mechanisms

– Stimulate albumin productionStimulate albumin production Increase drug binding—reduce unbound drug Increase drug binding—reduce unbound drug

concentrations—reduced pharmacological effectsconcentrations—reduced pharmacological effects

““The protein component of the meal was sufficient to stimulate albumin synthesis in The protein component of the meal was sufficient to stimulate albumin synthesis in both the elderly (147+/- 14 mg. kg body wt(-1).d.(-1)and the young.”both the elderly (147+/- 14 mg. kg body wt(-1).d.(-1)and the young.”““Elderly subjects have lower rates of albumin synthesis than do young subjects Elderly subjects have lower rates of albumin synthesis than do young subjects during fasting, but they stimulate albumin synthesis proportionately in response to during fasting, but they stimulate albumin synthesis proportionately in response to the oral ingestion of protein. The intakes of additional fat and carbohydrate do not the oral ingestion of protein. The intakes of additional fat and carbohydrate do not stimulate albumin synthesis further.”stimulate albumin synthesis further.”

Caso G, Feiner J, Mileva I, Bryan LJ, Kelly P, Autio K, Gelato MC, McNurlan MA. Response of albumin synthesis to oral nutrients in Caso G, Feiner J, Mileva I, Bryan LJ, Kelly P, Autio K, Gelato MC, McNurlan MA. Response of albumin synthesis to oral nutrients in young and elderly subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb:85(2):446-51. PubMed PMID: 17284742.young and elderly subjects. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007 Feb:85(2):446-51. PubMed PMID: 17284742.

See handout for further references.See handout for further references.

The Buffer EffectThe Buffer Effect II. Possible MechanismsII. Possible Mechanisms

– Increase concentration of unbound, free amino acidsIncrease concentration of unbound, free amino acids Available for neurotransmitter (NT) synthesisAvailable for neurotransmitter (NT) synthesis Competition between certain AAs (broad spectrum) may Competition between certain AAs (broad spectrum) may

serve to balance serum AA ratios—may balance NT serve to balance serum AA ratios—may balance NT synthesissynthesis

““The entry of tryptophan in the brain is influenced by the plasma level of free tryptophan (not The entry of tryptophan in the brain is influenced by the plasma level of free tryptophan (not bound to albumin.”bound to albumin.”11

““Increased plasma free tryptophan leads to an increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free Increased plasma free tryptophan leads to an increase in the plasma concentration ratio of free tryptophan to the branched chain amino acids (BCAA) which compete with tryptophan for entry into tryptophan to the branched chain amino acids (BCAA) which compete with tryptophan for entry into the brain across the blood-brain barrier.”the brain across the blood-brain barrier.”22

11Newsholme EA, Blomstrand E. The plasma level of some amino acids and physical and mental fatigue. Experentia.1996 May 15;52(5):413-5. Review. Newsholme EA, Blomstrand E. The plasma level of some amino acids and physical and mental fatigue. Experentia.1996 May 15;52(5):413-5. Review.

22Castell LM, Yamamoto T, Phoenix J, Newsholme EA. The role of tryptophan in fatigue in different conditions of stress. Adv Exp Med Biol. Castell LM, Yamamoto T, Phoenix J, Newsholme EA. The role of tryptophan in fatigue in different conditions of stress. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1999;467:697-704. Review.1999;467:697-704. Review.

Synthesis of NeurotransmittersSynthesis of Neurotransmitters ““Since tryptophan indirectly helps to boost your Since tryptophan indirectly helps to boost your

endorphin levels and directly boosts levels of endorphin levels and directly boosts levels of antidepressant serotonin, it can be mood damaging antidepressant serotonin, it can be mood damaging to take amino acid blends that lack it. In fact, giving to take amino acid blends that lack it. In fact, giving test subjects an amino acid blend lacking tryptophan test subjects an amino acid blend lacking tryptophan is a common way of studying depression, panic, and is a common way of studying depression, panic, and insomnia.” “Unlike the other neurotransmitters that insomnia.” “Unlike the other neurotransmitters that regulate your feelings if well being, your endorphins regulate your feelings if well being, your endorphins are composed not one but at least fifteen amino are composed not one but at least fifteen amino acids. acids.

Dr. Julia Ross, MA; The Mood CureDr. Julia Ross, MA; The Mood Cure

The Buffer EffectThe Buffer Effect III. Possible MechanismsIII. Possible Mechanisms

– Supplementation provides conditionally essential AAs depleted Supplementation provides conditionally essential AAs depleted in stress conditionsin stress conditions

Inflammatory response and antioxidant statusInflammatory response and antioxidant status

– Facilitate repair of cellular infrastructureFacilitate repair of cellular infrastructure Similar mechanisms seen in wound healingSimilar mechanisms seen in wound healing

Evidence of poor infrastructureEvidence of poor infrastructure

““The undernourished category of malnutrition leads to loss of body cell mass, which, together with inflammation The undernourished category of malnutrition leads to loss of body cell mass, which, together with inflammation diminish host response and quality of life.”diminish host response and quality of life.”11

““Multiple deficits, including cell atrophy and loss, have been observed in limbic and cortical brain regions of patients Multiple deficits, including cell atrophy and loss, have been observed in limbic and cortical brain regions of patients with mood disorders.”with mood disorders.”22

11Soeters PB, Schols AM. Advances in understanding and assessing malnutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 Sep;12(5):487-94. Review.Soeters PB, Schols AM. Advances in understanding and assessing malnutrition. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2009 Sep;12(5):487-94. Review.

22Tanis KQ, Duman RS. Intracellular signaling pathways pave roads to recovery for mood disorders.” Ann Med. 2007;39(7):531-44. Review.Tanis KQ, Duman RS. Intracellular signaling pathways pave roads to recovery for mood disorders.” Ann Med. 2007;39(7):531-44. Review.

Professional Comments

“I have...found them helpful in decreasing withdrawal symptoms from medications and substances. I find they quietly nudge a resistant depression to respond to treatment. I have used it successfully with bipolar depression that has been difficult to balance in the past.”

Natalie Sadler, MD

Amino Acids in Recovery from Amino Acids in Recovery from Substance Use DisordersSubstance Use Disorders

See julia ross and k blumSee julia ross and k blum

Needed ResearchNeeded ResearchPost Traumatic Stress DisorderPost Traumatic Stress Disorder1.1. ““According to current estimates, between 10 and 30 percent of service According to current estimates, between 10 and 30 percent of service

members will develop PTSD within a year of leaving combat. When we members will develop PTSD within a year of leaving combat. When we consider a range of mental health issues including depression, consider a range of mental health issues including depression, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance abuse, the number generalized anxiety disorder, and substance abuse, the number increases to between 16 and 49 percent.” (National Council on increases to between 16 and 49 percent.” (National Council on Disability)Disability)

Amino shock Troops:Amino shock Troops:Perhaps the most effective use of amino acids for first aid care is the Perhaps the most effective use of amino acids for first aid care is the way they protect the body from shock. In fact, if your metabolic way they protect the body from shock. In fact, if your metabolic pathways are well supplied, your body can probably resist shock pathways are well supplied, your body can probably resist shock altogether.” “Doses of the complete blend should therefore be included altogether.” “Doses of the complete blend should therefore be included as the first line of defense against shock trauma.”  “The complete blend as the first line of defense against shock trauma.”  “The complete blend will protect against enzyme depletion and support the immune system.”  will protect against enzyme depletion and support the immune system.”  Erdmann, PhD; The Amino RevolutionErdmann, PhD; The Amino Revolution  

Soft-tissue degenerative diseaseSoft-tissue degenerative disease1.1. Bruce N. Ames, PhDBruce N. Ames, PhD