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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by Kari on November 10, 2002, at 13:56:34
I have read conflicting information regarding the link between schizophrenia and glutamic acid (I assume this information would also apply to schizo-spectrum disorders). Some claim that the problem is a hypofuctional glutamate system while others speculate the opposite. Does anyone know what the current assumptions related to this may be?
Would supplementing with glutamic acid be worth a try or does this sound too risky?
Thanks.
Posted by Larry Hoover on November 10, 2002, at 14:16:09
In reply to Glutamic acid, posted by Kari on November 10, 2002, at 13:56:34
> Would supplementing with glutamic acid be worth a try or does this sound too risky?
> Thanks.I don't know anything about the theory, but it is a simple thing to test. Just eat some MSG.
Glutamate is an excitatory amino acid. It's pretty hard to predict what it will do in a particular individual. One of the treatments for ADHD, which is characterized by hyperactivity, is to take amphetamines or analogs, which cause hyperactivity in others. <shrug>
Posted by jay on November 10, 2002, at 15:38:10
In reply to Glutamic acid, posted by Kari on November 10, 2002, at 13:56:34
I think this is one suppliment that can be very dangerous. I have heard the following cited many places:"During a stroke, damaged brain cells release a neurotransmitter called glutamic acid. This glutamic acid causes a chain reaction that destroys more brain cells, releasing even more dangerous glutamic acid. David Schubert, Ph.D., professor of neurobiology at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego indicates that in their studies exposing brain cells to vitamin E in a laboratory seems to shield the cells from the effects of a stroke."
That is from a 'nutrition-sales' website
at:http://www.healingwithnutrition.com/adisease/alzheimers/nutritiondisorders.html
...but again, I have heard the info many times in many places.Jay
Posted by bluedog on November 11, 2002, at 5:04:46
In reply to Re: Glutamic acid..possible danger » Kari, posted by jay on November 10, 2002, at 15:38:10
I have read that Alpha-lipoic acid is supposed to be useful as an anti-oxidant and can actually boost glutathione levels in the body more efficiently than taking a glutathione supplement.
Now boosting glutathione levels in the brain is supposed to help with depression and can counteract possible damage caused by ssri anti-depressants.
I must add that I have only read this in passing and have not had the opportunity to read any decent unbiased studies on this matter.
Has anyone else heard the same and are there any decent studies to back up these claims?
Posted by Larry Hoover on November 11, 2002, at 7:41:45
In reply to What about lipoic acid..anyone?, posted by bluedog on November 11, 2002, at 5:04:46
> I have read that Alpha-lipoic acid is supposed to be useful as an anti-oxidant and can actually boost glutathione levels in the body more efficiently than taking a glutathione supplement.
Yes, it does.
> Now boosting glutathione levels in the brain is supposed to help with depression and can counteract possible damage caused by ssri anti-depressants.
Lipoic acid clearly and unequivocally increases antioxidant status in the brain. It has shown its ability to reduce lipid peroxidation, which would enhance the effect of fish oil. It has a quite separate effect of increasing insulin sensitivity, which *may* enhance tryptophan uptake. I don't know about an interaction with SSRIs.
> I must add that I have only read this in passing and have not had the opportunity to read any decent unbiased studies on this matter.
>
> Has anyone else heard the same and are there any decent studies to back up these claims?Lipoic acid is rather novel in that it is both lipid and water soluble. It quenches free radicals by both oxidant and reductant activity, as lipoic acid is itself freely reduced to dihydrolipoic acid. Lipoic acid also can regenerate 'spent' forms of other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E. Glutathione activity is always higher with lipoic acid supplementation, but the mechanism is unclear. It is not known whether lipoic acid is a precursor, if it is merely protective (allowing glutathione concentration to climb), or if it induces the formation of glutathione. Maybe all three.
This is one of those nutrients everyone should take. Mood effects would merely be a bonus.
Posted by Kari on November 12, 2002, at 12:33:31
In reply to Glutamic acid, posted by Kari on November 10, 2002, at 13:56:34
...and thanks for the warning, Jay.
This is the end of the thread.
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