Neurotransmitter Metabolism

    Neurotransmitter metabolites of dopamine is measured as HVA; catecholamines as VMA and serotonin as 5HIAA.

Homovanillic Acid (HVA)

    Homovanillic acid (HVA) is a breakdown product of dopamine. Its amino acid precursors are phenylalanine and tyrosine.

- Homovanillic acid elevated: Elevated levels may indicate a high turnover. Reducing stress and /or supplementing with calming herbs such as GABA, magnesium and lemon balm may help to reduce levels.

- Homovanillic acid low: If levels are low, it may indicate that these products are no longer being made due to adrenal exhaustion.

- Consider: Tyrosine or phenylalanine and co-factors may help to increase levels. If VMA is elevated and HVA is low it may indicate a need for copper.

 

Vanillylmandelic Acid (VMA)

    Vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) is the breakdown product of both adrenaline and noradrenaline.

- Vanillylmandelic acid elevated: Elevated levels indicate a high turnover of adrenal fight or flight neurotransmitters.

- Consider: Tyrosine and phenylalanine.

- Vanillylmandelic acid low: Low levels of vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) may indicate that these products are no longer being made due to adrenal exhaustion. Supplementing with tyrosine or phenylalanine may increase the production. Reducing stress and supplementing with calming herbs and co- factors may help.

- Co-factors include iron, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), vitamin B6, magnesium, and copper. Checking cortisol levels can help determine treatment.

- Consider: Tyrosine and phenylalanine.

 

5-Hydroxyindoleacetic Acid (5-HIAA)

    5-HIAA is the primary metabolite of serotonin, a neurotransmitter made from the amino acid tryptophan.

    Serotonin is produced as needed by the nervous system, mainly by the brain but also cells in the lungs and GI tract. After is used by the body, serotonin is then broken down in the liver and its metabolites including 5HIAA, are excreted in the urine.

    Acting as a neurotransmitter, serotonin controls functions relating to mood, behavior, appetite, sleep and bowel contractions. Many drugs, primarily antidepressants can act in such a way that essential amino acids are lost due to increased metabolic activity to produce neurotransmitters.

- 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) high: Elevated 5-HIAA is indicative of higher than normal turnover of serotonin with potential depletion of tryptophan or a high turnover due to antidepressant use such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors - SSRI’s (zoloft, proza, etc.).

- 5-HTP can be used for individuals who are depressed, have sleep problems or chronic pain as fibromyalgia. Tryptophan supplementation may increase production of serotonin and excretion of 5-HIAA.

- 5-Hydroxyindoleacetate (5-HIAA) low: Low values of 5-hydroxyindoleacetate (5-HIAA) may indicate inadequate production of serotonin.

- Consider: Tryptophan, 5-HTP, vitamin B6, iron, BH4.