Posted by senfar on January 29, 2010, at 23:47:25
In reply to Hinz Protocol~aka~NeuroAssist~aka~Replete, posted by Green Willow on November 30, 2009, at 21:18:05
I came across the following answer by Dr.Ray Sahelian in reply to Dr. Marty Hinz's post on Dr.Sahelian's website (www.raysahelian.com). Since it includes a comment about some ingredients in the Neuroassist protocol you may find it useful.
"Q. My name is Marty L. Hinz, MD, President Clinical Research, NeuroResearch Clinics, Inc. Cape Coral, Florida USA. There is a recently published peer reviewed literature relating to neurotransmitters and neurotransmitter testing. I attached a chapter from a new medical text book edited by Ingrid Kohlstadt, MD of Johns Hopkins Medical School and a writing by the University of Minnesota Medical School that is in the May 2009 Journal of NeuroPsychiatry. Of concern is laboratory companies out there that are promoting neurotransmitter testing trying to test basic neurotransmitter science that is not supported by the literature and these peer reviewed articles.
A. A review of the chapter written by D. Marty L. Hinz, M.D. that was attached in the email leads to a section that says,
TABLE 29.1
The Generic Amino Acid Dosing Protocol (milligrams of 5-HTP / milligrams tyrosine) If relief of symptoms is not obtained with level 3 dosing, obtain urinary neurotransmitter testing. Use of proper levels of cofactors and sulfur amino acids is required for optimal results
LEVEL AM NOON 4 PM 7 PM
1 150/1500 150/1500
2 150/1500 150/1500 300/1500
3 150/1500 150/1500 300/1500 300/1500The generic protocol developed for treatment of neurotransmitter dysfunction disease relating to the catecholamine system and/or serotonin system involves the use of tyrosine, 5-HTP, and cofactors. Results do not appear to be dependent on taking the amino acids with or without food. The following cofactors need to be used along with the amino acid precursors:
Vitamin C 1000 mg/day
Vitamin B6 75 mg/day
Calcium 500 mg 500 mg/day
In addition
Cysteine 4500 mg/day in equally divided doses
Selenium 400 mcg/day
Folic acid 2000 to 3000 mcg/dayDr. Sahelian comments: I am concerned that many people on this protocol will have heart rhythm disturbances and insomnia. Tyrosine can cause heart rhythm problems in as a low a dosage as 250 mg. I also do not believe that urinary neurotransmitter testing is necessary, it is just an additional expense. I have not seen any peer reviewed published research that demonstrates that repeatedly testing urinary neurotransmitter levels leads to a better outcome for patients who are depressed.
Many people with mild to moderate depression may find mood elevation with using 50 to 100 mg of 5-HTP supplements bought online or in a health food store without incurring the expense of doctor visits and neurotransmitter testing. Others benefit from SAM-e and St. John's wort. Some people who promote these kinds of tests are likely to monetarily profit from the testing. There have been countless people who have recovered from their depression without incurring the costs of such urinary neurotransmitter testing.
I am also concerned about the high dosages of selenium. Studies have shown that high amounts, usually over 100 mcg a day, can reduce longevity.
poster:senfar
thread:927617
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20091202/msgs/935380.html