Neurotransmitters

The way the brain works is extremely complex. The interplay of signals and neurotransmitters is the basis of our mental fitness. Amino acids such as GABA and NADH play an important role in supporting the balance of neurotransmitters. A sensible diet that takes these elements into account can help support your cognitive function, keep your mind clear and positively influence your neurological health.

Acetyl-L-carnitine HCL (120 caps)

Targeted availability – crosses the blood-brain barrier and is directly available to the body
For cognitive processes – building block for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine
More than L-carnitine – with an additional acetyl group

Content: 0.1396 Kilogramm (€178.37* / 1 Kilogramm)

€24.90*

23 %

Amino Komplex 9 Essentials (150 Tbl)

Optimally supplied with 9 essential amino acids – ideal for active phases of life
amino acids in pure form – plant-based, pure and carefully combined
the daily building block for your protein-conscious lifestyle

Content: 0.1935 Kilogramm (€102.84* / 1 Kilogramm)

€19.90* €25.90* (23.17% saved)

Choline + Inositol 450/450 mg (60 Kps)

Powerful 2-in-1 formula: 450 mg choline + 450 mg myo-inositol in an ideal 1:1 ratio – synergistically combined
Well supplied – even for vegans: With plant-based choline bitartrate – highly bioavailable and suitable for all diets
For cells & nerves: Choline supports liver function & fat metabolism

Content: 0.0545 Kilogramm (€23,669.72* / 100 Kilogramm)

€12.90*

Choline 600 mg (60 Kps)

Highly concentrated & pure: 600 mg choline per daily serving – ideal for targeted supplementation
Important for liver & fat metabolism: With bioavailable choline bitartrate – plant-based & well tolerated
Structurally important: Choline is a component of phospholipids and contributes to the formation of the body's own substance acetylcholine

Content: 0.0522 Kilogramm (€285.44* / 1 Kilogramm)

€14.90*

27 %

GABA 1000 mg (120 tablets)

For relaxed moments in everyday life – high dose of 1000 mg GABA per tablet
Naturally occurring messenger substance – GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in natural balancing processes
naturally produced in the body – formed from glutamic acid and a proven component of daily balance

Content: 0.146 Kilogramm (€150.00* / 1 Kilogramm)

€21.90* €29.90* (26.76% saved)

GABA 500 mg (120 caps)

For relaxed moments in everyday life – high dose of 500 mg GABA per capsule
Naturally occurring messenger substance – GABA is an inhibitory neurotransmitter involved in natural balancing processes
Naturally produced in the body – formed from glutamic acid and a proven component of daily balance

Content: 0.0732 Kilogramm (€217.21* / 1 Kilogramm)

€15.90*

L-tryptophan 1000 mg (120 tablets)

High-dose natural L-tryptophan
Essential component of a protein-rich diet – versatile
Ideal for active days and relaxed evenings – natural and conscious supplementation

Content: 0.1454 Kilogramm (€171.25* / 1 Kilogramm)

€24.90*

L-tryptophan 500 mg (60 caps)

500 mg pure L-tryptophan per capsule – targeted supplement for everyday use
Essential component of a protein-rich diet – versatile
Ideal for active days and relaxed evenings – natural and conscious supplement

Content: 0.037 Kilogramm (€348.65* / 1 Kilogramm)

€12.90*

L-tryptophan 500 mg (90 caps)

500 mg pure L-tryptophan per capsule – targeted supplement for everyday use
Essential component of a protein-rich diet – versatile
Ideal for active days and relaxed evenings – natural and conscious supplement

Content: 0.055 Kilogramm (€325.45* / 1 Kilogramm)

€17.90*

NADH 20 mg (60 caps)

PANMOL® NADH – patented & stably microencapsulated
20 mg per capsule – your companion during demanding phases
For an active start to the day – natural & without additives

Content: 0.0297 Kilogramm (€939.39* / 1 Kilogramm)

€27.90*

No action without neurotransmitters!

Information processing in the brain depends on networks of nerve cells communicating with each other via synapses and receptors. But how exactly do the cells communicate with each other?

And why does chocolate make you happy?

Find out more about neurotransmitters here.

What are neurotransmitters?

Transmitters are chemical substances produced by the body that play a significant role in the transmission of information between neurons in the nervous system. They are released at the ends of nerve cells, known as synapses, and enable communication between different nerve cells or between nerve cells and target cells such as muscle or gland cells via receptors.

There are many different types of these messenger substances, each of which fulfils specific modes of action in the nervous system. These include well-known neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, acetylcholine, noradrenaline, GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) and glutamate. Each of these neurotransmitters plays a unique role in the regulation of mood, memory, sleep, learning, movement coordination and many other important processes in the body [1,2].

What is the function of neurotransmitters?

They enable and regulate communication between neurons in the nervous system and play a central role in the transmission of impulses via the respective receptors [1,2,3]:

Signal transmission at synapses: Transmitters are released at the ends of nerve cells, the so-called synapses. There, they enable the transmission of signals from one neuron to the next via receptors. When an electrical signal (action potential) travels along a neuron and reaches the synapse, this triggers the release of transmitter substances. These diffuse across the synaptic cleft and bind to specific receptors on the surface of the downstream neuron or target cell.

Modulation of neuronal activity: Neurotransmitters influence the excitability of neurons and the strength of synaptic transmission. Some neurotransmitters have an excitatory effect and promote the activity of neurons, while others have an inhibitory effect by reducing or inhibiting neuronal activity. By fine-tuning neuronal activity, they contribute to the regulation of processes such as movement, perception, memory, emotions and many other important functions.

Regulation of mood and behaviour: Certain transmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline, are closely linked to the regulation of mood, emotions and behaviour. An imbalance of these can cause mental disorders such as depression, anxiety and schizophrenia.

Coordination of movement and muscle contraction: The neurotransmitter acetylcholine plays a crucial role in the transmission of signals via the receptors between nerves and muscles, which enables the coordination of movements and the control of muscle contractions.

Overall, transmitters are crucial for the proper functioning of the nervous system and the body as a whole. They enable the complex communication and regulation that is essential for the functioning of the brain and the entire organism.

What is the effect of neurotransmitters?

The effect of neuronal messengers is extremely diverse and depends on various factors, including the type of transmitter, the receptors involved, the brain regions affected and the underlying neurochemical balance. In general, their effects can be divided into two main categories [1]:

Excitatory effect: Excitatory neurotransmitters increase the probability that a neuron will generate and transmit an action potential. Examples of excitatory neurotransmitters are glutamate and acetylcholine.

Inhibitory effect: Inhibitory neurotransmitters, on the other hand, reduce the probability that a neuron will generate and transmit an action potential. Examples of inhibitory neurotransmitters are gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine and serotonin.

GABA is widely distributed throughout the brain and plays a central role in the regulation of many different processes, including the modulation of anxiety, stress responses, sleep, movement control and more. Serotonin is also known for its role as a modulator of mood and the sleep-wake cycle.

Find out what role phenylalanine plays in this here.

What are the most important neurotransmitters?

Acetylcholine (ACh): Acetylcholine is an important neurotransmitter in the central and peripheral nervous system. It plays a key role in the transmission of signals at the synapses between neurons and muscles, which enables movement coordination and muscle contraction. It is also involved in cognitive processes such as learning and memory [1].

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA): GABA is one of the most important neurotransmitters with an inhibitory effect in the central nervous system. It influences neuronal activity and contributes to the regulation of anxiety, stress reactions, sleep and movement coordination. GABA is synthesised in many areas of the brain. These neurones release GABA at synapses where it interacts with receptors on the postsynaptic neurones. GABA is an essential component of neurochemical balance in the brain and plays a significant role in maintaining neuronal functioning and health [1,4].

Glutamate: Glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain and plays a central role in synaptic plasticity, learning and memory as well as in the regulation of movement and sensory functions via synaptic receptors. Although glutamate plays a crucial role in normal brain function, an imbalance or excessive activation of glutamate receptors can cause neuronal damage. For example, excessive activity of glutamate can lead to cell death (neurotoxicity), which can play a role in various neurological diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury and neurodegenerative diseases [1].

Dopamine: Dopamine is associated with reward, motivation, movement coordination and numerous other tasks. It plays a crucial role in the regulation of emotions and the processing of reward signals in the brain. Dysfunctions in the dopaminergic system have been linked to various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, depression and addiction [1,5].

Serotonin: This transmitter is associated with the regulation of mood, sleep-wake cycle, appetite, anxiety and many other functions. It also plays a role in the regulation of pain perception and inflammatory processes [1,6]. We have compiled tips and tricks for restful sleep for you in this article.

Noradrenaline (norepinephrine): Noradrenaline is a transmitter and hormone associated with the regulation of attention, alertness, mood and stress responses. It plays an important role in activating the fight-or-flight response system [1].

Which neurotransmitters are released when chocolate is consumed?

Eating chocolate can release various transmitters that help to influence mood and create pleasant sensations [7]:

Dopamine: Chocolate contains ingredients such as sugar and cocoa that can contribute to the release of dopamine. Dopamine is often associated with reward and pleasure, and an increase in dopamine levels can cause pleasurable sensations and an elevated mood.

Serotonin: Cocoa also contains precursor molecules for the production of this transmitter. Serotonin is associated with the regulation of mood, appetite and general well-being. One study suggests that eating chocolate at least makes you less unhappy [8].

Endorphins: Eating chocolate can stimulate the release of endorphins. Endorphins are the body's own opioids that can relieve pain and create a feeling of well-being. This could contribute to why chocolate is often considered a "comfort food".

Phenylethylamine: Chocolate also contains phenylethylamine, a substance also known as a 'love chemical' as it is associated with infatuation and romance. Phenylethylamine is believed to increase the release of dopamine in the brain.

What happens when neurotransmitters are missing?

The absence of certain transmitters in the brain and the non-occupation of the respective receptors can lead to a variety of neurological and psychological symptoms and disorders [1]:

Impaired signal transmission: A lack of a certain neurotransmitter can lead to impaired signal transmission between neurons via the receptors of the synapses. This can lead to reduced communication between different regions of the brain, which can cause various cognitive and behavioural symptoms.

Neurological symptoms: Some neurotransmitter deficiencies can cause specific neurological symptoms. For example, a dopamine deficiency can lead to movement disorders such as those seen in Parkinson's disease. A lack of acetylcholine can cause memory problems and cognitive impairment.

Psychological symptoms: Transmitters also play an important role in the regulation of mood and emotions. A lack of serotonin, dopamine or noradrenaline can cause mood disorders such as depression, anxiety or bipolar disorder. Find out here what role tyrosine plays in this.

Other symptoms: Some transmitters can also cause other symptoms and disorders, such as sleep disturbances, appetite changes, pain sensitivity and more.

Some neurotransmitter deficiencies can be caused by genetic predispositions, neurological diseases, certain medications or environmental factors.

Treatment of neurotransmitter deficiencies may include the administration of medications that increase neurotransmitter concentrations or enhance their effects across the brain's synapses. Other treatment approaches may include behavioural and lifestyle changes, psychotherapy or other interventions aimed at alleviating symptoms and improving brain function [1].

Sources

[1] https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/profi/neurologische-krankheiten/neurotransmission/neurotransmission

[2] https://www.dasgehirn.info/grundlagen/kommunikation-der-zellen/neurotransmitter-botenmolekuele-im-gehirn

[3] https://www.aerzteblatt.de/nachrichten/79306/Wie-die-Ausschuettung-von-Neurotransmittern-an-Synapsen-ablaeuft

[4] https://www.aerztezeitung.de/Medizin/Insomnie-Forscher-haben-den-Botenstoff-GABA-im-Fokus-361452.html

[5] https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/ueber-uns/news/detailseite/2016/news-im-august-2016/dopamin-weit-mehr-als-nur-der-botenstoff-des-gluecks/

[6] https://www.meduniwien.ac.at/web/ueber-uns/news/2024/news-im-februar-2024/genauer-mechanismus-bei-serotonin-transport-in-nervenzellen-erforscht-1/

[7] https://www.spektrum.de/frage/macht-schokolade-gluecklich/1256297

[8] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/da.22950