Amino Acids and Nutrient Testing for Depression

Depression is one of the many symptoms linked to amino acid deficiencies.  Once thought primarily a mental or neurological condition, it turns out that depression can also be a problem with nutrition.

The body runs on 22 amino acids -- each with their own names and unique duties to perform.  A special few amino acids are precursor to brain chemicals -- the neurotransmitters -- that regulate our mood.   This article aims to explain the link between amino acid deficiencies and depression, and why is amino acids and nutrient testing important.  

What are neurotransmitters?

Neurotransmitters are brain chemicals that regulate our mood and appetite.  When the body is flushed with neurotranmitters, you'll get to experience first hand all the synonyms for happy.  However, when the levels of these brain chemicals are way down, you get the exact opposite -- lethargy, melancholy and depression.

The five key neurotransmitters that affect our moods are:

Endorphins - The body's natural painkiller.
Serotonin - Natural anti-depressant and sleep promoter.
GABA (gamma-aminobutyric-acid) - Natural tranquilizer.
Catecholamines - Examples of catecholamines are norepinephrine, epinephrine, and dopamine.  They are the body's natural tranquilizer and helps you focus.
Glucose - Adequate levels keeps brain fuel supplies stable.

What affects neurotransmitter levels? 

The causes of neurotransmitter repletion includes; high consumption of mind altering substances, high consumption of sugar and caffeine, chronic stress, food allergies and sensitivities, and nutritional deficiencies.  Certain amino acids such as; tryptophan, taurine, theanine, tyrosine, phenylalanine and glutamine, are precursors for neutransmitters.

It is important to have your amino acid levels tested to confirm if your depression is caused by nutritional deficiencies.

Amino acids and nutrient testing

Amino acid testing are usually done through blood and/or urine sampling. Blood testing assesses the levels of amino acids present within the circulatory system at the time of sampling. While urine amino acids, which require more samples throughout a 24-hour period, assesses the amino acid activities on the specific times of the day. These laboratory tests determine the overall state of amino acids levels of your body and help diagnose whether your depression is caused by deficiency of the special amino acids that fuel the neurotransmitters or cause by other conditions.

Depression is just one among the many body health conditions that can result from amino acids and nutrient deficiency. If you or a loved one is feeling overly melancholic, consult your doctor. If tests reveal your condition is caused by the lack of nutrients, it’s nothing that healthy diet of foods with amino acids, a change in lifestyle and some supplementation can’t help.