We all long to navigate through life with ease. A balanced mood and emotional stability help us cope with the demands of modern life. In addition to fulfilling crucial basic needs like regular exercise and sufficient sleep, nutrition also plays a significant role in our mood because certain nutrients and supplements can positively influence the brain’s neurochemistry. From amino acids that serve as building blocks for neurotransmitters to vitamins and minerals involved in energy metabolism, targeted supplementation to a balanced diet can play a supportive role in mood balance.
Synergo genius contains several naturally occurring substances that can positively impact your mood balance:
L-Tryptophan
L-tryptophan is known as one of the most important natural mood enhancers. As an essential amino acid, our body cannot produce it on its own. L-tryptophan is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin, which also acts as a hormone in the body. Serotonin is commonly referred to as the “happiness hormone” because it’s extremely important for our mood balance. Serotonin is converted into melatonin in the pineal gland, which is crucial for our sleep-wake cycle and good sleep. Adequate sleep, in turn, positively impacts our mood.
N-Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
N-acetyl-l-tyrosine is a highly bioavailable form of the amino acid L-tyrosine. L-tyrosine is a precursor to the catecholamines dopamine, norepinephrine, and adrenaline, which act as neurotransmitters and hormones in the body. They play a key role in regulating mood and motivation. Dopamine acts as a “feel-good substance” in the brain’s reward system, influencing emotions, motivation, and joy. Thanks to dopamine, we feel happiness and contentment. Insufficient dopamine release leads to feelings of apathy, lack of motivation, joylessness, listlessness, tiredness, lack of concentration, sadness, or even depression. Low levels of norepinephrine and adrenaline are also associated with mood lows in the literature.
L-Theanine
L-theanine is a non-proteinogenic amino acid, meaning it is not used to build the body’s own proteins. It is the bioactive substance found in green tea. L-theanine has anxiety-reducing and calming effects without causing drowsiness. According to study results, it can influence the release and concentration of certain neurotransmitters. It increases dopamine levels (dopamine being the most important neurotransmitter in the reward circuit), regulates serotonin levels (serotonin = “happiness hormone”), and increases the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA = acts as a neurotransmitter in the body but does not transmit signals; instead, it inhibits them. Thus, GABA can have a relaxing and calming effect). Through these effects, L-theanine can evoke feelings of relaxation, serenity, happiness, and well-being.
Citicoline (also: CDP-Choline)
Citicoline indirectly supports dopamine release in the brain. Dopamine is an important neurotransmitter for mood balance. As mentioned earlier in the text, citicoline is a precursor of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. The two neurotransmitter systems, acetylcholine, and dopamine are closely connected. Therefore, citicoline indirectly influences dopamine release in the central nervous system. It also seems to stimulate and protect dopamine-producing neurons. Citicoline further enhances the activity of the dopamine precursor tyrosine, allowing dopamine to remain active in the body for a longer duration. There are also studies indicating that citicoline increases the density of dopamine receptors, which tend to decrease with age.
Rhodiola rosea (also: golden root)
There is some evidence that Rhodiola rosea can support mood in various ways, although the exact mechanisms are not fully understood. Golden root is primarily known for reducing the effects of stress, and less stress usually has a positive and stabilising effect on mood. Some studies also suggest that Rhodiola rosea could influence the concentration of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain. These neurotransmitters play a role in regulating mood, and balanced function could have a positive impact on emotional health. Rhodiola is also associated with increased energy and endurance, and higher energy levels can positively influence mood balance. Rhodiola rosea is also valued for its anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation in the body can affect neurological function and may be linked to mood disorders.
Vitamin B6 (also: pyridoxine)
Vitamin B6 plays an important role in the body, as it is involved in numerous metabolic processes, including those that play a role in regulating mood. Vitamin B6 is involved in converting L-tryptophan into serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter often referred to as the “happiness hormone” and plays a crucial role in mood balance. Adequate availability of vitamin B6 can promote the production of the happiness hormone serotonin. Vitamin B6 is also involved in the conversion of l-dopa to dopamine. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter associated with reward and well-being. Adequate levels of vitamin B6 could thus support dopamine production. Furthermore, vitamin B6 plays a role in the synthesis and regulation of various neurotransmitters in the brain. A balance of neurotransmitters is important for normal nervous system function and can have a positive effect on mood. Ultimately, vitamin B6 is also involved in the regulation of hormones that can influence the sleep-wake cycle and stress. A balanced hormone balance can contribute to stabilising mood.
Vitamin B12 (also: cobalamin)
Vitamin B12 plays a particularly important role in the body’s nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. However, it is also involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine, which are responsible for mood regulation. Adequate levels of vitamin B12 could thus help maintain the production and balance of these neurotransmitters. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue and lack of energy, which in turn can negatively affect mood. Vitamin B12 is also important for the health of the nervous system because adequate levels help maintain the myelin sheaths that protect nerve cells. And a protected nervous system can contribute to emotional stability. A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to various health problems, including neurological symptoms such as depression and anxiety.
Piperine
Piperine from black pepper generally acts as a so-called bioenhancer, meaning it serves as a natural amplifier for other substances. However, it can also support your mood balance: The feel-good messenger dopamine, as well as the happiness hormone serotonin, are cleaved by a specific enzyme: monoamine oxidase, abbreviated as MAO. Once cleaved, both dopamine and serotonin lose their effectiveness, which can lead to reduced well-being, fewer feelings of happiness, and declining motivation. This is where piperine comes in: It inhibits the MAO enzyme, contributing to less dopamine and serotonin cleavage, allowing more of them to act in your brain. Piperine is also involved in the production of neurotransmitters because it controls the calcium flow in your body. Calcium promotes the growth of nerve cells and helps release neurotransmitters that are important for your mood balance.
