INTRODUCTION: THE SCIENCE OF BALANCED BRAIN HEALTH SUPPORT
Welcome! On this page we offer an introduction to the scientific research underpinning our formulations.
CHK Nutrition™ amino acid products are designed to support normal brain, gut and overall health by providing balanced amino acid nutrients which support serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine.
- Serotonin is known to control mood, appetite, sleep, memory, learning, and temperature regulation.*
- Dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine (the catecholamines) are known to control movement, balance, motivation, and the drive for reward.*
*These areas of support represent healthy, normal support and not disease management.
Why administering serotonin or catecholamines is not an option
Directly administering serotonin or catecholamines for brain health isn't feasible due to the blood-brain barrier. This protective layer around the brain selective allows some molecules to pass, but serotonin and the catecholamines are too large. Thankfully, serotonin can be supported by 5-HTP. The catecholamines can be supported by L-tyrosine and L-dopa (naturally sourced from Mucuna).
Serotonin Pathway
The Catecholamines Pathway
Our early research – shifting to a bigger picture
Evolution of Our Research: A Journey of Uncovering the Importance of Catecholamines
Nearly three decades ago, our research embarked on a groundbreaking exploration of 5-HTP. At that time, the spotlight shone brightly on how 5-HTP supports serotonin, yet the interplay and significance of the catecholamines remained largely unexplored by articles, companies, and healthcare providers.
As our journey in research unfolded, it became increasingly evident that normal brain support demanded more than the singular focus on 5-HTP. While serotonin played a pivotal role, the intricate dynamics of the catecholamines emerged as equally essential in the delicate balance required for comprehensive brain health.
This revelation marked a turning point in understanding, which allowed us to provide a well-rounded and balanced solution for optimal well-being.
Evolution of Our Research: A Journey of Uncovering the Importance of the Enzyme, Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylase
As our ongoing research unfolded, we focused on a crucial aspect of neurotransmitter support—specifically, the enzyme responsible for converting 5-HTP into serotonin and L-dopa into dopamine. Remarkably, these conversions share the same enzyme, underscoring the intricate interplay within the brain's biochemical pathways.
The ratio and chemistry involved in these conversions are more complex than can be fully covered in this introduction. However, our research has unveiled a pivotal insight: when utilizing nutritional supplements to bolster serotonin and the catecholamines, achieving a delicate balance in these nutrients is paramount.
Without properly balanced nutrients, it is possible to do more harm than good when using amino acid support.
Our formulation and premium products
It took almost four years to research our amino acid formulas and almost six years before our products were available to healthcare providers because we wanted to be certain of accuracy, applicability, quality and consistency. Our products quickly found success because we have been able to offer quality controlled, premium ingredients that offer reliable, balanced brain, gut and overall health support for normal health. We are proud that research did not stop at our formulations. Twenty years later, our products continue to be used in on-going research and our commitment to quality has been unwavering.
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Why does a shared enzyme matter to balanced amino acid administration?
A simple explanation is that administering 5-HTP at a ratio higher than recommended will reduce the access L-dopa has to the shared enzyme. L-dopa will not be able to convert into dopamine at the appropriate rate. The same is true if you administer tyrosine or L- dopa at a ratio higher than recommended. These precursors will crowd out 5-HTP, reducing its conversion into serotonin.
Eventually, the reduced conversion of the outnumbered group will result in the depletion of serotonin or dopamine, depending on which precursor is outnumbered. This depletion will have implications throughout the body. This depletion can occur from the administration of only serotonin precursors, only dopamine precursors, or an incorrectly balanced ratio of both.
This is why, It is possible to do more harm than good by administering incorrectly balanced amino acid precursors
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A Few Key Points: Serotonin and Catecholamine Support – Beyond Balance
Serotonin Support
- 5-HTP is the most direct way to support normal serotonin
- 5-HTP crosses the blood brain barrier
- 5-HTP is freely converted into serotonin without biochemical feedback inhibition
- 5-HTP is more efficient at supporting serotonin than tryptophan
For serotonin support, 5-HTP is superior to tryptophan because tryptophan hydroxylase, which converts tryptophan into 5-HTP, is limited in terms of enzymatic activity. Once tryptophan hydroxylase reached its threshold, additional tryptophan will not yield more 5- HTP. Therefore, tryptophan does not support serotonin as well as 5-HTP.
5-HTP is found in very trace amounts in a very small number of foods. Therefore, 5-HTP supplementation is the most direct way of administering additional 5-HTP.
Catecholamine Support
- L-tyrosine and L-dopa have an important role in supporting the catecholamine system
- L-tyrosine and L-dopa cross the brain’s protective layer.
When supplementing with L-dopa, L-tyrosine supports normal L-dopa levels in the body without fluctuations. L-dopa is the intermediary molecule between L-tyrosine and dopamine. L-tyrosine’s ability to maintain normal L-dopa levels is essential for consistent catecholamine levels. Until recently, L-tyrosine’s importance was not well understood, making it an often overlooked nutrient for supporting catecholamine health.
L-dopa (naturally sourced from Mucuna) is more effective at supporting dopamine assuming that adequate levels of L-tyrosine are present. Therefore, many healthcare professionals choose to use L-tyrosine as a supporting base and increase Mucuna levels when they determine that addition dopamine support is beneficial.
Why do our product formulations work so well? They supply balanced administration of serotonin and dopamine support.
Our product formulations contain co-factors known to support the normal conversion of these amino acids into their respective neurotransmitters. These co-factors include vitamin C, vitamin B6, and calcium.
Our researched formulas are designed to offer your patients precision and ease. Many patients report that in addition to enjoying the health support, they appreciate that their lives have not become over-run by the numerous pill bottles that would be necessary if they tried to piece together these formulas.
Most of all, patients appreciate our commitment to quality, the dedication to independent testing and the commitment to ongoing research.
By supplying our researched amino acid formulations with co-factors known to support normal brain, gut and overall health, you can provide your patients with the confidence of quality while make dosing much easier.