Clinical Applications

• Supports nervous system health*
• Supports inhibitory neurotransmitters*
• Supports relaxation*
• Supports a healthy mood*
• Supports the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including serotonin*

FitWell combines vitamins, minerals, and amino acids with the addition of Suntheanine®, vitamin C, and selenium, further enhancing synthesis of chemical messengers that support calmness, a healthy mood, and a healthy nervous system.*

Discussion

Essential nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and others play a critical role in the formation of neurotransmitters, maintaining healthy neural communication, optimal brain function, and proper muscle activity. FitWell targets each of these aspects.*

Methylation involves adding a methyl group (one carbon and three hydrogen atoms) to various substances including proteins, enzymes, chemicals, DNA, or amino acids like homocysteine. This process is crucial for nervous system health and neurotransmitter synthesis. FitWell includes essential nutrients that facilitate the methylation process, including selenomethionine, vitamin B6 in the form of pyridoxal 5’-phosphate, vitamin B12 as methylcobalamin, and folate as both Quatrefolic® (5-MTHF glucosamine salt) and calcium folinate.[1] The status of pyridoxine is known to influence the central production of serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), which are key in managing physical pain and mental well-being.*[2]

FitWell incorporates magnesium as Albion® TRAACS® glycinate chelate, a variant shown to enhance intraneuronal magnesium levels.[3] Magnesium, as an enzyme cofactor, contributes to over 325 enzymatic actions, including soothing the nervous system and regulating muscle contraction. Studies in labs, animals, and epidemiology indicate a relationship between adequate magnesium and positive mood and tranquility.[4,5]

Vitamin C in FitWell is crucial for the enzymatic activity of two copper-dependent monooxygenases vital in synthesizing norepinephrine and serotonin. It also influences neuron activity in the brain, impacting neurotransmitter receptor synthesis and dynamics.[6] GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), a significant inhibitory neurotransmitter present in 30%-40% of brain synapses, counters the excitatory effects of glutamate. It plays a role in brain tranquility, stress response, mood, alpha and beta brain wave patterns, and sleep quality, as supported by research.*[7-9]

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), a precursor to serotonin, is well-absorbed in the gut and easily passes into the brain.[10] Serotonin oversees various brain functions, influences neurotransmitters like norepinephrine and dopamine, and is crucial in mood and behavioral regulation, including appetite control. Adequate 5-HTP levels are linked with feelings of calmness and relaxation, according to studies.[11]

L-Taurine, a neuroprotective amino acid deemed conditionally essential, aids in maintaining cell size and stabilizing brain cell membranes. Besides its antioxidant properties and role in cytokine regulation, taurine is vital in nerve impulse transmission and overall nerve health. Oral taurine supplementation has been shown to increase GABA levels.[12]

L-Theanine (Suntheanine®), a natural, active, free-form amino acid found in FitWell, aids in relaxation. Its mechanisms of action seem to be related to its effects on neurotransmitters, excitatory amino acid activities, and alpha brain wave patterns.[13-15] It is commonly used by healthcare professionals to promote overall relaxation without causing sleepiness.*

References

1. Bottiglieri T, Laundy M, Crellin R, et al. Homocysteine and folate metabolism in depression. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry. 2005 Sep;29(7):1103-12. [PMID: 10896698]
2. McCarty MF. High-dose pyridoxine as an ‘anti-stress’ strategy. Med Hypotheses. 2000 May;54(5):803-07. [PMID: 10859691]
3. Eby GA, Eby KL. Rapid recovery from major depression using magnesium treatment. Med Hypotheses. 2006;67(2):362-70. [PMID: 16542786]
4. Whittle N, Li L, Chen WQ, et al. Changes in brain protein expression are linked to magnesium restriction-induced depression-like behavior. Amino Acids. 2011 Apr;40(4):1231-48. [PMID: 21312047]
5. Sartori SB, Whittle N, Hetzenauer A, et al. Magnesium deficiency induces anxiety and HPA axis dysregulation: modulation by therapeutic drug treatment. Neuropharmacology. 2012 Jan;62(1):304-12. [PMID: 21835188]
6. Jacob, RA. Vitamin C. In: Shils M, Olson JA, Shike M, Ross AC, eds. Modern Nutrition in Health and Disease. 9th ed. Baltimore, MD: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 1999:467-482.
7. Fatemi SH, Folsom TD, Thuras PD. Deficits in GABA(B) receptor system in schizophrenia and mood disorders: a postmortem study. Schizophr Res. 2011 May;128(1-3):37-43. [PMID: 21303731]
8. Mombereau C. Genetic and pharmacological evidence of a role for GABA(B) receptors in the modulation of anxiety- and antidepressant-like behavior. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2004 Jun;29(6):1050-62. [PMID: 15039762]
9. Shell W, Bullias D, Charuvastra E, et al. A randomized, placebo-controlled trial of an amino acid preparation on timing and quality of sleep. Am J Ther. 2010 Mar-Apr;17(2):133-39. [PMID: 19417589]
10. Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev. 1998 Aug;3(4):271-80. [PMID: 9727088]
11. Turner EH, Loftis JM, Blackwell AD. Serotonin a la carte: supplementation with the serotonin precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan. Pharmacol Ther. 2006 Mar;109(3):325-38. [PMID: 16023217]
12. Oja SS, Saransaari P. Pharmacology of taurine. Proc West Pharmacol Soc. 2007;50:8-15. [PMID: 18605222]
13. Di X, Yan J, Zhao Y, et al. L-theanine protects the APP (Swedish mutation) transgenic SH-SY5Y cell against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity via inhibition of the NMDA receptor pathway. Neuroscience. 2010 Jul 14;168(3):778-86. [PMID: 20416364]
14. Yamada T, Terashima T, Okubo T, et al. Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Nutr Neurosci. 2005 Aug;8(4):219-26. [PMID: 16493792]
15. Nobre AC, Rao A, Owen GN. L-theanine, a natural constituent in tea, and its effect on mental state. Asia Pac J Clin Nutr. 2008;17 Suppl 1:167-68. [PMID: 18296328]