Vitamin C Plays Important Role in Brain Function

This discovery is exciting and important to the DS community for several reasons — one, it reinforces how important common vitamins are, which supports the use of TNI (Targeted Nutrition Intervention) — two, it reminds us of the connection between eye dysfunction and brain dysfunction so we will recognize and treat it as a symptom of a brain disorder in the central nervous system and not just as a sensory issue — three, it reminds us that brain receptors and cells can be protected from premature breakdown by antioxidants such as vitamin C and — four it offers us an additional way to treat GABA overexpression, which is a major problem in individuals with T21 (presently addressed with Ginkgo Biloba). My notes are in italics. I also bolded parts I felt are significant.

Additionally, Vitamin C is great for increasing the level of glutathione in the body, which is much needed in individuals with DS. See studies below.

Also this linked study shows that treatment with vitamin C can dissolve the toxic protein aggregates that build up in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease.

OHSU scientists discover new role for vitamin C in the eye — and the brain

07/14/11 Portland, OR

In a surprising finding, vitamin C is found to prolong proper function of retinal cells.

Nerve cells in the eye require vitamin C in order to function properly — a surprising discovery that may mean vitamin C is required elsewhere in the brain for its proper functioning, according to a study by scientists at Oregon Health & Science University recently published in the Journal of Neuroscience.

“We found that cells in the retina need to be 'bathed' in relatively high doses of vitamin C, inside and out, to function properly,” said Henrique von Gersdorff, Ph.D., a senior scientist at OHSU's Vollum Institute and a co-author of the study. “Because the retina is part of the central nervous system, this suggests there's likely an important role for vitamin C throughout our brains, to a degree we had not realized before.”

The brain has special receptors, called GABA-type receptors, that help modulate the rapid communication between cells in the brain. GABA receptors in the brain act as an inhibitory “brake” on excitatory neurons in the brain. (These receptors do not work properly in people with Down syndrome.) The OHSU researchers found that these GABA-type receptors in the retinal cells stopped functioning properly when vitamin C was removed.

Because retinal cells are a kind of very accessible brain cell, it’s likely that GABA receptors elsewhere in the brain also require vitamin C to function properly, von Gersdorff said. And because vitamin C is a major natural antioxidant, it may be that it essentially ‘preserves’ the receptors and cells from premature breakdown, von Gersdorff said. (Premature breakdown of brain cells and receptors is also a concern for individuals with DS.)

The function of vitamin C in the brain is not well understood. In fact, when the human body is deprived of vitamin C, the vitamin stays in the brain longer than anyplace else in the body. “Perhaps the brain is the last place you want to lose vitamin C,” von Gersdorff said. The findings also may offer a clue as to why scurvy — which results from a severe lack of vitamin C — acts the way it does, von Gersdorff said. One of the common symptoms of scurvy is depression, and that may come from the lack of vitamin C in the brain. (Also interesting because Prozac, used to treat cognitive problems in DS, heals depression while regenerating neurons. If vitamin C relieves depression then it makes you wonder if it may effect neurogenesis as well.)

The findings could have implications for other diseases, like glaucoma and epilepsy. (In DS, the prevalence of patients with glaucoma was 11.5%, significantly higher [P = 0.014] than that in the Non-DS control group, 1.1%.) Both conditions are caused by the dysfunction of nerve cells in the retina and brain that become over excited in part because GABA receptors may not be functioning properly. (Jett had nystagmus which is an eye flutter. His TCM said that she was concerned about the possibility of seizures because of the presence of the nystagmus. Her concerns make much more sense to me now.)

“For example, maybe a vitamin C-rich diet could be neuroprotective for the retina — for people who are especially prone to glaucoma,” von Gersdorff said. “This is speculative and there is much to learn. But this research provides some important insights and will lead to the generation of new hypotheses and potential treatment strategies.”
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Scientists and students in von Gerdorff's lab in OHSU's Vollum Institute are dedicated to basic neuroscience research. The vitamin C research work was done using goldfish retinas, which have the same overall biological structure as human retinas.

The retina research work was done by Ph.D. student Evan Vickers, working as part of the von Gersdorff lab. The work was in collaboration with Cecilia Calero in the lab of Dr. Daniel J. Calvo from the University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Gustavo Cid and Luis Aguayo from the University of Concepcion, Chile.

The work was funded by the Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Tecnicas (Argentina), the Pew Foundation, the International Brain Research Organization and the National Eye Institute of the National Institutes of Health.

The study was published online in the June 29 issue of the Journal of Neuroscience, which is the official journal of the Society for Neuroscience.

About the Vollum Institute

The Vollum Institute is dedicated to basic research focusing on gene regulation, structural biology, cell signaling, molecular neuroscience and synaptic modulation with implications for human diseases ranging from autism and other neurodevelopmental disorders to Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, psychiatric diseases and mechanisms of drug addiction.

Dosage

How much vitamin C should our loved one get and in what form?

A recommended dose of vitamin C is 250-2000 mg (not the US government's recommendation) for adults. So, just to give you an idea, 150 lbs = 250-2000 mg; 75 lbs = 125-1000 mg; 37 lbs = 62-500 mg; 19 lbs = 31-250 mg; 9 lbs = 15-125 mg, etc. Vitamin C is safe – too much simply causes diarrhea. Try increasing the amount until it causes loose stools, then reduce the dose slightly so it does not. This is called taking vitamin C to "bowel tolerance". Using muscle testing might be an easy and effective way to find out how much vitamin C your child can tolerate.

Jett weighs 20.6 lbs and he takes 3,750 mg of vitamin C, twice a day. Your child may not need that much, or may need more! I figured out this dose by increasing it "to bowel tolerance." I slowly increased his dose until his stool became loose. Once this happened, I lowered the dose until he was regular and his stool consistency was normal. Bonus: Jett's constipation is gone! 
(See Constipation: Causes and Cures, if needed.)

I started Jett on the Nature's Way Alive Vitamin C which I was happy with but he needed so much that it became too bulky.  

Once he's at least 60 lbs,I may try the liposomal vitamin C, to maximize my dollar. It's very strong stuff, so if you use it, use very little and slowly work your way up to the maximum dose.

Even though Vitamin C is commonly supplemented, you'll still need to introduce it slowly and in small amounts. The initial doses of C may trigger an immune response in your child. (It can "kick-start" a sleeping immune system.) For Jett, he got a runny nose in the night. (I had to wake up and clean out his nose.) He'd never been sick and doesn't have runny noses, so this was significant for him. In other children I know who start on C, they actually got colds. Or at least the symptoms of a cold: runny nose, fever, etc. So, do ease your child into the dose. And pick a time when you don't have an upcoming recital or event where you'll need your child to be 100%. Also give him plenty of fluids throughout the day to help his body get rid of whatever the C has found to fight off. Update: At the same time that I had tried the C, I also was seeing if he could tolerate a little dairy. So when I stopped the dairy, and continued the C, the runny nose stopped. So, in Jett's case, it was the dairy and not the C.

Another possible side effect is gas. The Vitamin C will kill off yeast. This "die off" may cause gas. If your child still eats things that promote yeast like sugar, you may have more gas. Jett's diet is pretty clean and doesn't seem to have a problem with yeast, so he hasn't had this side effect. A teen that I know had terrible gas at first because he has a yeast-supporting diet.

Products

The most powerful and fast acting form of vitamin C is as ascorbic acid. If your child is sensitive to the acidity, you may want to purchase buffered C (Perque Potent C Guard is the only one not derived from corn) or by adding baking soda to your Vitamin C Powder from Vitacost or The Vitamin C Foundation Brand (which is not sourced from China). If it's still a problem, you can try a powdered fruit which is high in Vitamin C like Camu Camu or Amla. Jett uses camu camu because amla didn't muscle test well for Jett.


Be sure to get $10 off your first Vitacost vitamin order.

Details

Nature's Way Alive Vitamin C is easily absorbed, gentle on the stomach, non-GMO and free of common food allergens. It's just pure vitamin C complex from four 100% organic fruit sources: acerola, goji, amla (amalaki) and kiwi. You can get it in vegetarian capsules or in powder form. One capsule is 125 mg, when I started, I gave him a capsule a day and saw how that went for a week.

I then was using Vitacost brand Buffered C Complex because Jett's need for vitamin C was greater than I realized and I had to give too many of the Nature's Way capsules (6) which was becoming too bulky for him to have to eat mixed in his food. Once he can take capsules, I would like to go back to find an organic source. So, now, Jett weighs 20.6 lbs and he takes 3,750 mg of vitamin C. I figured out this dose by increasing it "to bowel tolerance." I slowly increased his dose until his stool became loose. Once this happened, I lowered the dose until he was regular and his stool consistency was normal.

Then I used Vitamin C Powder but it is derived from corn so I discontinued. It also isn't buffered so it can be hard on tooth enamel. This product is the best kind because it's properly buffered and is not derived from corn: Perque Potent C Guard another choice to consider would be the product from 
The Vitamin C Foundation. The Ester C didn't work at all, by the way.

At four years old, I'm just using camu camu powder over ascorbic acid for Jett, at one teaspoon twice a day, more only if there's any constipation. Originally, I was avoiding ascorbic acid because of the sour taste, but I read that, after long term use, it could break down into oxalates in the intestines which may lead to oxalate stones like kidney stones. The findings are debatable, see here for details.

According to the makers of Lypo Spheric Liposomal Vitamin C, it provides maximum assimilation and bio-availability because there are no binders, fillers, gelatins, capsule materials, dyes, sweeteners or flavorings common with tablet and capsule supplements. Plus, if you take more than 2 to 3 grams of traditional Vitamin C, the ascorbic acid in the intestines can cause gastric distress -- gas, cramps, and diarrhea. Often Vitamin C will be eliminated via very loose stool. By using this brand, you can supposedly avoid the degradation and discomfort associated with traditional forms of Vitamin C and protect the lower G.I. Tract - hence, no gastric upset, no diarrheal flushing effect. Lastly, the liposomes quickly journey to the bloodstream and are circulated throughout the body and "grabbed" by the damaged cells that need it.

You will need to observe your child and go very slowly, especially if using the powerful Liposomal Vitamin C.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=lypo+spheric+vitamin+c&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=6340275787&ref=pd_sl_79vyvtto3p_b

How I got Jett to take his Vitamin C

I put 1/4 teaspoon in a little honey and a couple of large spoonfuls of applesauce. I give with a little bit of coconut water (for the potassium) and 1/4 teaspoon of chokeberry powder (for the other minerals needed for the C to be best ingested). Jett hates the sour taste, but takes it like this just fine. He'll even feed it to himself. He gets it three times a day.  Later, I added his fermented cod liver oil and choline which he is taking fine. At four years old, I just put camu camu in with his other supplements in his applesauce. (I need to start teaching him how to take capsules!)

Vitamin C Overdose

Since it's a water soluble vitamin, there isn't a high level of risk associated with an overdose. The excess amount that your body does not needs gets excreted out through urine so it does not cause much of a problem. However, that does not mean that you should continue with high C foods or supplements in excess if overdose symptoms appear.

Someone who has taken too much vitamin C may have a strong smell during urination, bloating or gas, nausea and an upset stomach. He might also experience sores on the inside of his mouth. Diarrhea could also occur. It was once believed to cause kidney stones, but experts now say there is no solid evidence of dangerous side effects from vitamin C.

In a more severe case of overdose, you might notice the following symptoms: a greater need for oxygen and deficiencies in B vitamins as well as copper. These symptoms usually only show up in more severe cases in which at least 6,000 mg of vitamin C has been consumed, or when someone takes a large amount of vitamin C and other vitamins or minerals. If you see any of these symptoms and believe that the cause may be a severe overconsumption of vitamin C, simply reduce the intake of vitamin C.

Sources

http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/about/news_events/news/2011/07-14-ohsu-scientists-discover.cfm
http://www.springerlink.com/content/47335275002817q2/
http://goldentigerlipids.com/lyvic.html
http://www.the-natural-path.com/vitamin-requirement.html
http://www.overdosesymptoms.com/vitamin_c_overdose/vitamin_c_overdose.html
http://www.vitamincoverdose.org/
http://chemo.net/newpage35.htm
http://www.vitamincfoundation.org//cart/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=2&zenid=54b7cbb5c429ce86374cf7a6c1f9bb6f

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Natural Ways to Help with ADD & Hyperactivity

People with T21 have a greater incidence of ADD (attention deficit disorder) than the typical population. According to http://www.ds-health.com/add.htm, "ADHD is characterized by consistent demonstration of the following traits: decreased attention span, impulsive behavior, and excessive fidgeting or other nondirected motor activity." Jett is only 2 1/2 so I'm not sure that he has it. 

I have ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder). In me, it manifests itself with bursts of anger, sleeplessness, forgetfulness and disorganization. Following this formula has worked great for me. If I don't follow it, the symptoms come right back (okay, so the disorganization hasn't been completely conquered!). Those with DS can not usually follow all of these suggestions. I've indicated in notes what differences you may need to consider with them. 

This formula is an adaption by Kay Ness, Neurodevelopmentalist,  from the Willis list.

From my experience, there are eight things that reverse inattention and hyperactivity every time.

A 2003 study listed these causes:

1. Food and additive allergies
2. Environmental toxicity
3. Dietary deficiencies of protein
4. Excess of simple sugars
5. Mineral imbalances, particularly iron deficiency
6. Deficiencies in cell membrane components (Fatty acids and Phospholipids)
7. Thyroid disorders
8. Deficiencies in B-vitamins

What to do:

First: NO sugar, fruit juices, aspartame (NutraSweet), Splenda, MSG, and limited and controlled amounts of High-Glycemic Indexed foods (basically foods high in sugar/starch).

Second: NO phosphates (meaning processed meats, soft drinks, prepared cakes and baked goods with phosphates/phosphoric acid or bromine added).

Third: Eliminate all allergens.

Fourth: NO colors, dyes, or high salicylate foods (Feingold diet).

These four cost nothing, yet often solve the problem.

Fifth: supplement 100 mg Vitamin B6 (with 50 mg vitamin B2) both 3 times a day. This alone has proven more effective than Ritalin, with no side effects.*

Sixth: supplement 50 mg zinc (at evening on empty stomach with a little oil) and supplement 100 mg magnesium 3 times a day. Always supplement 50 mg vitamin B1 three times a day with the magnesium.

Seventh: Introduce fatty acids into the diet: Evening Primrose Oil and cod-liver oil (DHA alone will not work).

Eighth: Underneath all this place a good multivitamin/mineral. (I use Optimal Multivitamin - Andi.)

Other supplements known to help with the hyperness are calcium, **iron, chromium, boron, lithium orotate, folic acid, glutathione, the amino acid tyrosine (builds dopamine and the stimulating hormone norepinephrine), taurine and ***GABA (calming amino acids), and Saccharomyces boulardii and colostrum to build Immunoglobulin-A (IgA) to overcome allergies.

Children with blood lead levels above 10 micrograms per deciliter were nearly three times as likely to show hyperactivity and anti-social behavior as children whose blood lead levels were between 0 and 2 micrograms per deciliter. Detoxifying lead naturally.

Chembalance.com addresses minerals and specific vitamin deficiencies that you can test yourself every day. Oh, I'd also look at iodine. I don't believe the 'every time' thing but certainly this is a good and basic list.

*Those with DS often can't properly use extra B6. I get around this by supplementing Jett with a natural, synergistic form of B6 through Royal Jelly which has a wide range of B vitamins. I also supplement with B12, for other reasons. -Andi
**Since DS causes complications with iron, I wouldn't supplement our kids with it until you have tried altering diet to help metabolize iron in food better. To help Jett utilize the iron he does ingest, I give him large doses of  Vitamin C. This has been working for him.-Andi
***Since DS causes an overexpression of GABA, I wouldn't supplement our kids with it, unless you know specifically that your child needs it. Some of our kids do need GABA, most do not. One way to tell is how s/he reacts to Gingko. Jett reacts well to Gingko so does not need extra GABA.-Andi

Here's an article by Kay on the neurodevelopmental approach to treating ADD: http://senc.us/ADD_ADHD.html

Another article on treating ADD naturally found here: http://intelegen.com/nutrients/add.htm

Natural Control of ADD & ADHD Billie J. Sahley, Ph.D., CNC
Excerpt:

Six million children in this country suffer some type of learning disability, ADD, or ADD with hyperactivity (ADHD). Over two million children currently take Ritalin for ADD/ADHD. ADD and ADHD may be caused by psychological problems, including trauma and abuse, nutritional deficiencies, chemical imbalances, allergic responses to food and chemicals, or a poor diet. A failure in the brains inhibitory system (the ability of the brain to inhibit and control itself) may also cause ADD/ADHD.

Ritalin, the most commonly used drug for ADD and ADHD, is an amphetamine and a Schedule II class drug (other Schedule II drugs are morphine, opium, and medicinal cocaine). Doctors prescribe Ritalin for many children who do not need it, causing a number of adverse mental and physical side effects. Yet this potent, toxic drug is being used as a quick fix to quiet children. Surprisingly, prescription rates for Ritalin doubled between 1992 and 1996. 

Children demonstrating symptoms of anxiety, ADHD or ADD often have an imbalance in their brains biochemistry. A biochemical imbalance results from a deficiency of neurotransmitters, the chemical messengers of the brain. If a biochemical imbalance goes untreated, a child can display maladaptive behavior, followed by possible long-term physical and emotional problems.

A child's state of health reflects his or her state of nutrition. When minerals, vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, or even hormones are deficient in a child's system, the result can be a disturbed biochemical homeostasis causing impaired functions in the brain. This, in turn, can cause an inability to focus, concentrate, and stay on task. (I believe this is the problem in those with Down syndrome. -Andi)

At the Pain and Stress Center in San Antonio, we have successfully treated numerous children with orthomolecular therapy. Orthomolecular therapy corrects the brains biochemical imbalance, without toxic drugs that can produce adverse side effects. ADD/ADHD presents a major problem facing parents today. Most people think of hyperactivity as some type of behavioral problem (a child who is impatient, impulsive, and constantly moving); but not all hyperactive children are aggressive. Some are very passive, withdrawn, and find it hard to communicate their feelings. 

ADD/ADHD is not a condition that can be measured in precise scientific terms. Nor is it a situation with a quick fix, especially with powerful and addictive drugs such as Ritalin. ADD/ADHD is a complex and intricate condition in which children demonstrate maladaptive or disorganized behaviors, which put them out of sync with the world around them.

Numerous clinical studies established that hyperactive children often have low serotonin levels. A proper combination of tryptophan or 5-HTP and B6, elevates the serotonin level and balances the brain; the child's symptoms diminish. The dosage, of course, depends on the child's age, weight, and the degree of hyperactivity. (I think this is also the issue in those with T21. I supplement Jett with tryptophan every night. Be wary of 5-HTP is your child has any signs of a seizure disorder. -Andi)

Effectiveness of Amino Acids 

Neurotransmitters affect behavior and learning. A neurotransmitter deficiency consequently has a dramatic effect on childrens or adults abilities to learn and function in an orderly manner. Most hyperactive and ADD children are born with a shortage of neurotransmitters, establishing a genetic link, most often on the male side. These children also do not manufacture the needed amount of these chemical messengers. 

Where do we get neurotransmitters? From the amino acids, GABA, glycine, taurine, tyrosine, glutamine and tryptophan. Do children or adults get enough aminos through diet? NO! Balanced amino-acid doses, in the right combination and formulas, produce the needed neurotransmitters naturally. Using a stimulant medication to try to produce neurotransmitters is like a shotgun going off in the childs brain. Our children were not born with Ritalin in their brain, so how can they have a Ritalin deficiency? (I also supplement Jett with tyrosine in the morning and afternoon. The other amino acids: GABA, glycine, taurine and glutamine I find questionable or I'm uncertain about for those with DS. -Andi)

Approximately fifty different neurotransmitters exist in the human brain, but communication between brain cells uses only ten (approximately) major neurotransmitters. How we feed the brain directly affects our production of neurotransmitters. With proper nutrition and supplementation, we can correct or enhance mind, mood, memory, and behavior.

All major neurotransmitters are made from amino acids and dietary protein. One of the dangers of a low-protein diet is not ingesting enough amino acids to make adequate brain neurotransmitters. Apathy, lethargy, difficulty concentrating, loss of interest, and insomnia all result when the diet does not include adequate amounts of amino acids. Drugs do not produce or increase production of neurotransmitters. Drugs only address symptoms. Amino acids restore the balance nature intended. 

Some of the major symptoms of neurotransmitter deficiencies are ADD, ADHD, brain fog, mood swings, increased stress, anxiety, depression, insomnia, irritability, and aggression. Stress plays a major role in the depletion of neurotransmitters. Inhibitory neurotransmitters are the keys to behavior, emotions, and pain. Inhibitory amino acids include tryptophan, taurine, GABA, and glycine.

Millions of people have turned to drugs known as SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors). These drugs, such as Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, and Effexor work by selective enhancement of serotonin levels. SSRIs prevent the presynaptic nerve from reabsorbing serotonin that it previously secreted. Prozac causes an increase in brain serotonin levels; but Prozac and other prescription drugs do not increase neurotransmitters. 

5-HTP is synergistic with other supplements that enhance neurotransmitters such as GABA, glutamine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, and glycine. (Caution--15% of children with DS had seizures on 5-HTP. -Andi) Magnesium prolongs the benefits of 5-HTP. Chronic stress depletes available serotonin, as well as interferes with serotonins ability to control behavior. Research demonstrates that low serotonin levels can change brain function and impair learning. Low serotonin may be responsible for an increase in depression and drug use among teens and children. Most teens with low serotonin levels are more prone to try recreational drugs or even prescription drugs, for relief. A low brain serotonin level impairs the ability to focus and reason. 5-HTP shows a lot of promise as a natural answer to a multitude of problems that plague adults and children. Use caution with 5-HTP if your child is taking prescription antidepressant medications.

GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid)
(Not usually recommended for people with DS. -Andi) GABA, an inhibitory neurotransmitter, is found throughout the central nervous system. GABA assumes an ever-enlarging role as a significant influence on ADD, ADHD, stress, anxiety, and depression, as well as stress-induced illnesses. According to Candace Pert, a neuroscientist who discovered the GABA receptor, every cell in the body has a GABA receptor, which is one reason why GABA has such positive effects. GABA inhibits the cells from firing, diminishing anxiety-related messages.

Tranquilizers provide only temporary relief. We have seen many patients on Xanax that still experience anxiety. They have been told it is not addictive: it is! THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A TRANQUILIZER DEFICIENCY! Nutrient deficiencies do occur, however; and they can and do change behavior. GABA, glutamine, and glycine prove vital for energy and the smooth running of brain functions. We have successfully used these three amino acids with patients to ease anxiety, irritability, and ADD.

Research demonstrates a large number of children who display ADD/ADHD behavior actually experience anxiety. If they use all available GABA, then the receptors in the brain become empty, allowing the brain to be bombarded with random firings of excitatory messages. However, when adequate amounts of GABA are present, the reception of multiple random firings are blocked, so the brain does not become overwhelmed. At the Pain & Stress Center we regularly combine GABA and other amino acids to achieve positive results. Dose amounts vary, depending on the age and weight of the child. 

GABA now takes its place as a major influence on those taking drugs, and in many cases, replacing the drugs. We have found that, when combined with other amino acids, GABA works exceptionally well with ADD children.

L-Glutamine 

(Not recommended for people with DS. -Andi) Glutamine, along with GABA and Glycine, is rapidly becoming an important therapeutic amino acid of the 21st century. Glutamine, found in many foods, is the third most abundant amino acid in the blood and brain. It also provides a major alternative fuel source for the brain when blood sugar levels are low.

Glutamine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and is the precursor for GABA, the antianxiety amino acid. The amino acid trio of Glutamine, GABA, and Glycine plus B6 are among the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. Glutamine is found in the nerves of the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, in the cranial nerves, and in many other areas of the brain. These three amino acids work together as inhibitory neurotransmitters. Anyone taking amino acids must take B6 to metabolize the amino acids.

Intellectually impaired children and adults often show an increase in IQ after taking glutamine in combination with Ginkgo biloba and B6. Dr. Roger Williams demonstrated that children and adults diagnosed with ADHD showed a marked improvement when taking 250 mg to 1,000 mg of glutamine daily.

GABA and glutamine are not only found in the brain, but also in the receptor sites throughout the body. Glutamine is the memory and concentration amino acid. Seventy five percent of hyperactive and ADD childrens blood tests showed low levels of glutamine.

Dr. C. Fredericks research also demonstrated a definite increase in the IQs of children given glutamine. When glutamine was given daily, children showed impressive improvements in their abilities to learn, to retain, and to recall. Glutamine is a major part of my orthomolecular program for hyperactive and ADHD children. Glutamine is one of the amino acids that create the neurotransmitters in the brain that enhance learning and memory. Hyperactive and ADD children have low neurotransmitter levels, especially glutamine. Adding glutamine increases the level of neurotransmitters. Start with 500 mg of glutamine and gradually increase until you reach the optimal dose for your child, to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day.

Glycine

Glycine is a nonessential amino acid, with the simplest structure of all the amino acids resembling glucose (blood sugar) and glycogen (excess sugar converted in the liver for storage). Glycine is sweet to the taste, can be used as a sweetener, and can mask bitterness and saltiness. Pure glycine dissolves readily in water. As the third major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain, glycine readily passes the blood-brain barrier. Studies by the late Carl Pfeiffer, MD, Ph.D., demonstrated glycine as an important factor in psychiatric disorders.

Glycine decreases the craving for sugar, and, in many cases, can replace sugar on foods such as cereal. Glycine calms aggression in both children and adults. When combined with GABA and glutamine, glycine influences brain function by slowing down anxiety-related messages from the limbic system.

As a very nontoxic amino acid, both children and adults can use glycine. Glycine can be mixed with other amino acids. Doses for a child range between 500 to 2,000 mg daily, divided.

Glutamine functions as an inhibitory neurotransmitter, and is the precursor for GABA, the antianxiety amino acid. The amino acid trio of Glutamine, GABA, and Glycine plus B6 are among the major inhibitory neurotransmitters in the brain. Glutamine is found in the nerves of the hippocampus, the memory center of the brain, in the cranial nerves, and in many other areas of the brain. These three amino acids work together as inhibitory neurotransmitters. Anyone taking amino acids must take B6 to metabolize the amino acids. 

Intellectually impaired children and adults often show an increase in IQ after taking glutamine in combination with Ginkgo biloba and B6. Dr. Roger Williams demonstrated that children and adults diagnosed with ADHD showed a marked improvement when taking 250 mg to 1,000 mg of glutamine daily.

GABA and glutamine are not only found in the brain, but also in the receptor sites throughout the body. Glutamine is the memory and concentration amino acid. Seventy five percent of hyperactive and ADD childrens blood tests showed low levels of glutamine. 

Dr. C. Fredericks research also demonstrated a definite increase in the IQs of children given glutamine. When glutamine was given daily, children showed impressive improvements in their abilities to learn, to retain, and to recall. Glutamine is a major part of my orthomolecular program for hyperactive and ADHD children. Glutamine is one of the amino acids that create the neurotransmitters in the brain that enhance learning and memory. Hyperactive and ADD children have low neurotransmitter levels, especially glutamine. Adding glutamine increases the level of neurotransmitters. Start with 500 mg of glutamine and gradually increase until you reach the optimal dose for your child, to a maximum of 3,000 mg per day.

Taurine 

Taurine is now classified as a conditionally essential amino acid in the adult. In infants and children, however, taurine is an essential amino acid. As one of the sulfur amino acids, adults synthesize taurine from cysteine and methionine, provided B6 and zinc are present. Taurine is found abundantly throughout the body in the heart, olfactory bulb, central nervous system, and brain (hippocampus and pineal gland). 

As an inhibitory neurotransmitter, taurine, after GABA, is the second-most important inhibitory transmitter in the brain. Taurines inhibitory action in the brain equals that of GABA and glycine. Its inhibitory effect is one source of taurines anticonvulsant and antianxiety properties. 

Some children with Down syndrome have shown an increase in IQ levels when taurine was added to their diet along with glutamine, B6, and vitamin E. The need for taurine increases whenever you experience more stress than usual, or have an illness.

Tyrosine 

Tyrosine is the amino acid and inhibitory neurotransmitter that often helps overcome depression. Clinical studies show that tyrosine controls medication-resistant depression. 

In a 1980 issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry, a study by Dr. Alan Gelenberg of Harvard Medical School discussed the role of tyrosine in the control of anxiety and depression. Dr. Gelenberg postulated that the lack of available tyrosine results in deficiency of the hormone norepinephrine at a specific location in the brain that relates to mood problems such as depression. Children given tyrosine supplementation demonstrated a marked improvement in mental performance and mood stability.

Tyrosine, because of its role in assisting the body to cope physiologically with stress and building the bodys natural store of adrenaline, deserves to be called the stress amino acid. Stress exhaustion requires tyrosine. During periods of stress, in order to continue coping with stress physiologically, the brain requires tyrosine. Tyrosine aids children and young teens, as well as adults, with recurrent depression and mood disorders. In children, dosage ranges from 200 to 500 mg daily. (See L-tyrosine: Building Block for Neurochemicals for more information. -Andi)

Magnesium 

Hyperactive or ADD children are almost always deficient in magnesium. Magnesium proves necessary for proper brain energy and is the first mineral depleted when anyone (child or adult) is under stress. Magnesium is a stress mineral, and deficiency can lead to hyperactive or ADD behavior.
Magnesium plays a significant role in sugar metabolism and in the proper utilization of carbohydrates to create energy. Magnesium is so very important in a childs diet, especially if he displays hyperactive behavior, ADD, or other behavioral problems. Magnesium can be taken in liquid form, tablet, or capsule.
When added to the ADD/ADHD diet, calming effects sometimes occur immediately. Most magnesium exists inside the cells where it activates enzymes necessary for the metabolism of carbohydrates and amino acids. In 1988, a study published in Alternative Medicine Review linked the development of ADHD to low blood-serum magnesium levels. A group of children followed for six months were given 200 mg of magnesium a day. Researchers noted remarkably decreased hyperactivity in the children. 

As a major nutrient needed by ADD/ADHD children and adults, magnesium is the number one stress mineral needed by the body. Magnesium is responsible for over three hundred enzyme functions. It cannot be stored by the body, and it must be taken daily. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include asthma, migraines, eye twitches, anxiety, confusion, muscle spasms, irritability, depression, nervousness, fatigue, mood swings, PMS, hypertension, and insomnia. (Click for more on Magnesium and DS. -Andi)

Calcium 

A calcium deficiency can also induce ADD/ADHD behavior. A child deficient in calcium exhibits irritability, sleep disturbances, anger, and inattentiveness. The first signs of a calcium deficiency include nervous stomach, cramps, tingling in the arms and legs, and painful joints. A calcium deficiency can also lead to ADD/ADHD behavior. Children sensitive to dairy products must receive daily calcium supplementation in capsule, chewable, or liquid form. Children up to 10 years of age need 1000 mg of calcium daily; adolescents need 1,200 to 1,500 mg daily. For those involved in sports activities, calcium supplementation is a must. 

Huperzine 

Recent research reports that Huperzine A improves mental function and learning in adolescents. Chinese researchers designed a study to determine the efficiency of Huperzine on memory and learning. The clinical study included 34 matched pairs of junior middle school students that had significant complaints of poor memory and difficulty in learning. In the double blind trial, half of the students received a placebo while the other half received Huperzine A for four weeks. Academic performance was measured before and after the clinical trial. The Huperzine group scored significantly better on standard memory tests without side effects.
Huperzine A is an extract derived from Chinese club moss. Huperzine can be combined with amino acids and other nutrients. The suggested dosage is one 50 mcg capsule in the morning and in the evening for children aged 12 and over.
This information is excerpted from my book Control Hyperactivity/ADD Naturally. Other resources include Is Ritalin Necessary?
Both are available through:
Pain & Stress Center5282 Medical Dr. #160San Antonio, TX 78229-6023

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