Posted by SalArmy4me on July 10, 2001, at 3:42:23
In reply to THANK YOU LRC--you've saved me!!!, posted by Pattisun on July 9, 2001, at 15:11:11
Psychosomatics. American Psychosomatic Society
Volume 61(5) September/October 1999 p 712
Dietary Supplements and Natural Products as Psychotherapeutic Agents
[Special Issue: Psychopharmacology And Psychosomatic Research]
Fugh-Berman, Adriane MD; Cott, Jerry M. PhD:There is evidence of links among folate, tetrahydrobiopterin (an essential cofactor in the hydroxylation process in the mammalian brain), and monoamine metabolism in depression (119, 129). Tetrahydrobiopterin is necessary for the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine and has also been reported to have antidepressant activity (130). The methyl donor, SAMe, is closely linked with folate and vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) metabolism. SAMe is required in numerous transmethylation reactions involving nucleic acids, proteins, phospholipids, monoamines, and other neurotransmitters, and deficiencies of either folate or B12 have been found to reduce the synthesis of SAMe (and thus its levels) in the central nervous system (131).
The administration of SAMe has antidepressant properties (132–135) and, as added evidence, has been reported to induce mania in bipolar patients (136). Preliminary studies indicate that it may improve cognitive function in patients with dementia (131).
Adverse Effects and Interactions.
Tetrahydrobiopterin is not commercially available. SAMe has been reported to cause mild and transient insomnia, nervousness, lack of appetite, constipation, headaches, heart palpitations, nausea, dry mouth, sweating, and dizziness (135).
poster:SalArmy4me
thread:69398
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20010708/msgs/69575.html