Evidence supporting the use of: Biopterin
For the body system: Specific Neurotransmitters
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 4
Biopterin, specifically in its active form tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), plays a well-established biochemical role in the synthesis of several key neurotransmitters, including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. BH4 functions as an essential cofactor for the enzymes phenylalanine hydroxylase, tyrosine hydroxylase, and tryptophan hydroxylase—these are the rate-limiting enzymes responsible for producing the aforementioned monoamine neurotransmitters. Deficiency in BH4, whether inherited or acquired, can lead to significant neurological dysfunction due to impaired synthesis of these neurotransmitters.
Clinically, supplementation with BH4 (commercially available as sapropterin dihydrochloride) is used in the treatment of certain rare metabolic disorders such as phenylketonuria (PKU), and has been investigated in other conditions involving neurotransmitter synthesis deficits. The scientific literature supports its critical role in neurotransmitter pathways, and there are documented cases where BH4 supplementation improves neurological outcomes in patients with BH4 deficiencies. However, for the general population or for use as a broad "nootropic" or neurotransmitter support supplement, the evidence is more limited, as most research and clinical use focuses on specific metabolic or genetic disorders rather than general health.
Overall, the use of biopterin (BH4) in supporting the "Specific Neurotransmitters" body system is strongly validated by biochemical and clinical research, especially in contexts of deficiency or dysfunction.
Other ingredients that support Specific Neurotransmitters
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)5-Methoxytryptamine
Acetyl L-carnitine
Acetyl-L-Tyrosine
Acetylcholine
Agmatine
Alpha glyceryl
Alpha lactalbumin
aniracetam
Bacopa
Bacopin
beta phenethylalamine
biopterin
brahmi
caffeine
catecholamine
chocolate
choline
citicoline
cowage seed
cytisine
D-Aspartic Acid
deanol
decarboxylase
DMPX
dopamine
GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid)
galantamine
gastrodin
ginkgolides
Glutamate
Glutamic acid
glycerophosphocholine (GPC)
Griffonia simplicifolia
huperzine A
L-phenylalanine
L-taurine
L-theanine
L-tryptophan
l-tyrosine
Melatonin
Mesembrine
NADH
Oleoylethanolamide
Phenylethylamine (PEA)
phosphatidylserine
phytocannabinoids
Polygala
pyridoxal-5-phosphate (P-5-P)
SAMe (S-adenosyl-L-methionine disulfate p-toluensulfate)
sceletium
skullcap
St. John's Wort
Sulbutiamine
terpene lactones
Triacetyluridine
Vincamine
Withanolides
Xanthine