Umfassendes Neurotransmitter-Profil

Comprehensive Neurotransmitter Profile

Formerly known as Neuro-Biogenic Amines.

For people who want a more comprehensive look at neurotransmitter secretion and the metabolism of these markers, consider the Comprehensive Neurotransmitter Profile. This profile includes all of the markers that are part of the NeuroBasic Profile (Serotonin, GABA, Dopamine, Norepinephrine, Epinephrine, Glutamate, Glycine, Histamine, and Phenethylamine), with the addition of the following:

DOPAC: DOPAC is the primary metabolite of dopamine formed via the actions of the MAO enzyme. When DOPAC is elevated and dopamine is low/low range, slowing the activity of the MAO enzyme may help to increase dopamine levels.

3-MT: 3-MT is formed by direct metabolism of dopamine by the COMT enzyme. Very high levels of 3-MT may have stimulant qualities. When 3-MT is elevated and dopamine is low/low range, slowing the activity of the COMT enzyme may help to increase dopamine levels.

Normetanephrine: Normetanephrine is a metabolite of norepinephrine formed via the actions of the COMT enzyme. When normetanephrine is elevated and norepinephrine is low/ low range, slowing the activity of the COMT enzyme may help to increase/maintain norepinephrine levels.

Metanephrine: Metanephrine is a metabolite of epinephrine formed via the actions of the COMT enzyme. When metanephrine is elevated and epinephrine is low/low range, slowing the activity of the COMT enzyme may help to increase/maintain norepinephrine levels.

5-HIAA: Clinically, urinary 5-HIAA is an indicator of serotonin synthesis and metabolism by the MAO enzyme. Some medications as well as dietary consumption of foods rich in serotonin (avocados, eggplant, tomatoes, bananas, melons, pineapple, grapefruit, plums, nuts/nut butters) may elevate 5-HIAA levels. It is recommended to avoid these foods for 3 days prior to sample collection. When 5-HIAA is elevated and serotonin is low/low range, slowing the activity of the MAO enzyme may help to increase serotonin levels.

Tryptamine: Tryptamine is a trace amine derived directly from tryptophan by a vitamin B6-dependent enzyme. Trace amines (tryptamine, tyramine, PEA) may have stimulant effects at high levels. Tryptophan supplementation may increase tryptamine levels. Decreased tryptamine levels may be associated with depression. Tryptamine is normally metabolized by MAO; low enzyme activity may increase tryptamine levels.

Tyrosine: Tyrosine is the amino acid precursor for dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine. Low tyrosine levels may increase irritability and lower mood, mental performance, energy levels, body temperature and thyroid function. Tyrosine hydroxylase converts tyrosine into the dopamine precursor L-DOPA.

Tyramine: Tyramine is a trace amine derived directly from tyrosine by a vitamin B6-dependent enzyme. Trace amines (tryptamine, tyramine, PEA) may have stimulant effects at high levels. Foodstuffs such as hard cheeses, chocolates, and red wines contain large amounts of tyramine. Decreased tyramine levels may be associated with depression. Tyramine is normally metabolized by MAO; low enzyme activity may increase tyramine levels.

Taurine: Taurine is an essential amino acid that has an inhibitory effect on neurons; it is important for balancing the action of excitatory neurotransmitters, particularly glutamate. Symptoms of elevated taurine may include apathy, sleep changes, irritability, recklessness, poor concentration, aches and pains, or social withdrawal. Taurine is an ingredient in many “energy drinks.” Decreased CNS taurine synthesis has been reported in individuals with autoimmune and neurodegenerative diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and motor neuron diseases such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

Symptoms and conditions:

• Depressed mood
• Anxiety
• Adrenal dysfunction
• Fatigue
• Poor sleep
• Loss of mental focus, or cognitive fog
• ADD and ADHD
• Addiction or dependency
• Loss of appetite control
• Compulsive behavior
• Cravings
• Low libido
• Sexual dysfunction

Profile Includes:
Catecholamine Fractionation, free: Dopamine, Epinephrine, & Norepinephrine, Serotonin, Histamine, Amino Acids: GABA, Glutamate,
Glycine, & Phenethylamine (PEA) , Creatinine
5-Hydroxyindolacetic acid (5-HIAA), 3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), 3-Methoxytyramine (3-MT), Metanephrine Fractionation: Metanephrine & Normetanephrine, Amino Acids: Taurine, Tyrosine, Tyramine & Tryptamine

Sample required: Urine

Process:

Approximate processing time: 21 days

You order the test and receive the test kit, including preparation and execution instructions, delivered to your home. You schedule the return shipment with DHL. You collect the samples according to the provided instructions. You send the samples back to the laboratory using the DHL return bag. Your samples will be examined and analyzed, after which I will receive a report. If you wish, we can review this report together in a consultation (approx. 1 hour).You then discuss the recommendations with your trusted doctor to ensure everything is checked in relation to any existing medication. Any liability on my part is excluded.If you are already my client, the consultation can be integrated into your therapy. Otherwise, the time and consultation will be charged at CHF 250.

Additional tests for adrenaline status:
Adrenal Stress Profile (Please contact me if needed)

Bestes Vorgehen für die Probeentnahme:

2 Tage vor und während der Sammlung: Vermeiden Sie Avocados, Auberginen, Tomaten, Bananen, Melonen, Ananas, Grapefruit, Pflaumen, Fruchtsäfte, Nüsse, Nussbutter, Wein, Käse, Reis und Schokolade

1 Tag vor und während der Sammlung: Vermeiden Sie anstrengende Bewegung, Alkohol, koffeinhaltige Getränke und Nikotinprodukte.

Am Tag vor und während der Tests wird empfohlen, alle Nahrungsergänzungsmittel und Medikamente zu vermeiden, bis nach der Sammlung aller Proben (einschließlich derjenigen, die Allergien, Stimmung, Schlaf, Schmerzen und Entzündungen regulieren).

 

Setzen Sie niemals verschreibungspflichtige Medikamente ohne Rücksprache mit Ihrem Arzt ab.

 

Für Patienten, die psychoaktive Medikamente einnehmen (z.B. SSRIs, Benzodiazepine usw.):

• Viele Medikamente können für Tests abgesetzt werden, aber psychoaktive Medikamente werden anders behandelt. Diese sollten nicht plötzlich abgesetzt werden und sollten am Tag vor der Sammlung wie gewohnt weitergenommen werden, um sicherzustellen, dass die Ergebnisse die Neurotransmitterspiegel unter dem Einfluss dieser Medikamente widerspiegeln. Am Tag der Sammlung sollten alle morgendlichen Dosen nach der ersten morgendlichen Urinprobe eingenommen werden.

• Für verschriebene Medikamente (z.B. bestimmte Angstmedikamente): Versuchen Sie, den Urin so weit wie möglich vom letzten Einnahmezeitpunkt zu sammeln.

• Wenn psychoaktive Medikamente reduziert werden: Tests können während dieses Prozesses durchgeführt werden, um die Aminosäure- und Cofaktortherapie zur Unterstützung dieses Übergangs zu leiten. Bitte sammeln Sie den Urin zwischen den Reduktionsdosen – z.B. wenn jemand Medikamente alle zwei Tage nimmt, testen Sie am Tag nach der Einnahme.

• Um endogene (ohne den Einfluss von Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln) Neurotransmitterspiegel zu testen: Es wird empfohlen, 6-8 Wochen nach dem Absetzen psychoaktiver Medikamente zu warten, bevor die endogenen Neurotransmitterspiegel getestet werden.

Für Patienten, die Aminosäuren oder Melatonin einnehmen:

Um endogene Werte ohne den Einfluss von Nahrungsergänzungsmitteln zu testen:

• Da Aminosäuren unterschiedlich metabolisiert werden und Melatonin in Serotonin umgewandelt werden kann, sollten sowohl Aminosäure- als auch Melatoninpräparate mindestens eine Woche vor einer Spot-Urinprobe vermieden werden. Es wird auch empfohlen, während der Durchführung einer 24-Stunden-Urinprobe auf Nahrungsergänzungsmittel zu verzichten.

Um therapeutische Werte zu testen (um zu sehen, wie die Nahrungsergänzung die Neurotransmitter beeinflusst):

• Stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie die Nahrungsergänzungsmittel täglich bis zur Sammlung eingenommen haben.

• Stellen Sie sicher, dass zwischen der letzten Dosis und der Urinsammlung mindestens ein 24-Stunden-Intervall liegt. Nahrungsergänzungsmittel können nach der AM-Probe wieder aufgenommen werden.

• Hinweis: Es kann bis zu 6 Monate oder länger dauern, um Verbesserungen der Neurotransmitterwerte mit Aminosäure- und Cofaktortherapie zu sehen, während Symptome möglicherweise bereits nach Wochen in der Therapie zu verbessern beginnen.

Lebensstil- und Ernährungsumstellungen sind oft notwendig, zusammen mit Aminosäuren- und Cofaktorsupplementen, um ein optimales Neurotransmittergleichgewicht zu erreichen und aufrechtzuerhalten.

Für Patienten, die Freizeitdrogen konsumieren:

Um endogene Werte ohne den Einfluss von Drogen zu testen:

• Fragen Sie Ihren Anbieter, wie lange Freizeitdrogen vor der Urinsammlung vermieden werden sollten. In der Regel dauert es 5 bis 7 Halbwertszeiten, bis ein Stoff aus dem Blut entfernt wird.

Um Neurotransmitter bei aktuellem Drogenkonsum zu testen:

• Es wird empfohlen, Neurotransmitter so weit wie möglich vom letzten Konsum zu testen. Wenn Freizeitdrogenkonsum selten ist, sollten Sie mit Ihrem Anbieter besprechen, welcher Tag am besten für die Tests geeignet ist.

Best Practices for Specimen Collection

2 days before and during collection: Avoid avocados, eggplant, tomatoes, bananas, melons, pineapple, grapefruit, plums, fruit juice, nuts, nut butters, wine, cheese, rice, and chocolate

1 day before and during collection: Avoid strenuous exercise, alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and nicotine products. On the day before and during testing, it is recommended to avoid all supplements and medications until after all samples have been collected (including those that regulate allergy, mood, sleep, pain and inflammation.)

 

Never discontinue prescription medications without consulting your physician.

 

For patients on psychoactive medications (i.e., SSRIs, benzodiazepines, etc.):

• Many medications can be stopped for the purposes of testing, but psychoactive medications are handled differently. Psychoactive medications should not be stopped suddenly and should be continued as usual the day before collection to ensure results reflect neurotransmitter levels under the influence of these medications. On the day of collection, be sure to take any morning medication doses after the first morning urine collection. (Timing of medication dosing does not need to be adjusted if collecting a 24-hour urine sample.)

• For medications prescribed on an as-needed (prn) basis (i.e., certain anxiety medications): Try to collect urine as far from the last dose of prn prescriptions as possible.

• If tapering off psychoactive medications: Testing can be done during this process to help guide amino acid and co-factor therapy to assist with this transition. Please collect urine between tapered doses - i.e., if one takes medication every other day, test on the day following medication use.

• To test endogenous (levels without the influence of supplements) neurotransmitter levels: It is recommended to wait 6-8 weeks after discontinuing psychoactive meds to test endogenous neurotransmitter levels.

For patients on amino acid or melatonin supplementation:

To test endogenous levels away from the influence of supplements:

• Because amino acids metabolize at different rates and melatonin can convert into serotonin, both amino acid and melatonin supplementation need to be avoided for at least one week prior to spot urine collection. It is also recommended to avoid supplements throughout the day when performing a 24-hour urine collection.

To test therapeutic levels (to see how supplementation is impacting neurotransmitters):

• Make sure you have been taking supplements daily leading up to collection.

• Ensure at least a 24-hour dosage interval between last dose and time of urine collection. Supplementation can be resumed after AM collection. For a 24-hour urine collection, supplementation should be paused until the collection is completed.

• Note: It may take 6 months or longer to see improvements in neurotransmitter levels with amino acid and cofactor treatment, whereas symptoms may start to improve as soon as weeks into therapy. Lifestyle and dietary changes are often necessary, along with amino acid and cofactor support, to establish and maintain optimal neurotransmitter balance.

For patients who use recreational substances:

To test endogenous levels away from the influence of substances:

• Ask your provider how long to avoid recreational substances prior to urine collection. Typically, it takes 5 to 7 half-lives for a substance to be eliminated from the blood.

To test neurotransmitters with current substance use:

• It is recommended to test neurotransmitters as far from the last use as possible. If recreational substance use is infrequent, please check with your provider to determine the best day to test.