When discussing amino acid therapy, many people focus in on the actual amino acids themselves – including 5-HTP and L-tyrosine – and understandably so, as they are the building blocks for the neurotransmitters we are trying optimize. However, a number of other nutrients are necessary to convert these amino acids into their respective neurotransmitters; these are often referred to as ‘cofactors’ and one of the most important cofactors in regards to neurotransmitter balance is vitamin B6.
Serotonin and Dopamine Synthesis
In the synthesis of serotonin and/or dopamine there are two critical components: (1) the precursors 5-HTP and L-dopa and (2) the availability of vitamin B6. If either of these critical nutrients is deficient, proper neurotransmitter function cannot be restored. This is because the enzyme that helps convert 5-HTP and L-dopa into serotonin and dopamine is depended on the active form of B6 to function (the active form of vitamin B6 is called pyridoxal-5-phosphate (PLP)).
Dramatic Evidence
In 1941, a University of Minnesota Neurologist named A.B. Baker published a paper in the JAMA claiming that over 25% of the Parkinson’s patients he treated could achieve “significant” relief of symptoms through administration of only vitamin B6. That finding correlates well with two papers that were published last year claiming that massive, systemic vitamin B6 depletion (due to carbidopa use) is at the heart of many of the symptoms previously attributed to the progression of Parkinson’s disease (links to papers below).
How much B6 is needed?
This is a great question, as nobody knows the exact answer. What is apparent is the US RDA of 2 mg/day is insufficient. According to the National Institute of Health’s website, toxicity from vitamin B6 does not occur until there has been ingestion of one gram (1000 mg) of vitamin B6/day for one year.
Marty Hinz, MD, who has published numerous papers on amino acid therapy and neurotransmitter imbalance, has put forth the following recommendations:
- Healthy individuals: 100 mg/day
- People with one or more conditions involving neurotransmitter imbalance: 200 mg/day
- Parkinson’s disease or Restless Leg Syndrome: 300-1200 mg/day
As always, it is best to work with your health care provider to determine your exact needs based on your specific state of health, but these give you a rough guideline to share with your provider.
The Parkinson’s disease death rate: carbidopa and vitamin B6
