Formulated with Clinically Proven Ingredients
These ingredients were chosen based on the scientific literature and are in the forms most usable for the brain to support focus, attention, and emotional balance.
The Research Behind Omega-3s
It’s been shown that individuals with a lack of focus and emotional balance are more likely to have low levels of certain omega-3 fatty acids. These omega-3s, DHA and EPA, are involved in many aspects of brain function including cell growth, neural signaling, and gene expression.
Animal studies indicated that omega-3 deficiency results in decreased neuron size and reduced dopamine and serotonin transmission with marked effects in the frontal cortex.
The imbalances in lipid metabolism that may occur are associated with increased oxidative stress, higher rates of lipid degradation, and decreased synthesis of phospholipids containing omega-3 fatty acids. Reduced levels of phospholipid-EPA and phospholipid-DHA affect membrane structure and function.
Omega™ promotes optimal neurotransmitter regulation by providing EPA and DHA in the lysophospholipid form the brain can readily use - Brain Ready™ Nutrition.
-
Tissue-Targeted™ EPA and DHA are omega-3 fatty acids conjugated to a phospholipid (PL).
EPA and DHA in this form, unlike fish oil, readily bypass the blood brain barrier and are absorbed by brain tissue through Lyso-phosphatidylcholine.
“Omega-3 fatty acids play a very important role during brain development, partly through their regulation of the serotonin system. Reduced intake of EPA and DHA during neurodevelopment results in decreased serotonin synthesis, storage, release, and receptor function.”
It has been reported that the developmental difficulties associated with a lack of focus and emotional balance have a neurological basis and might be related to low levels of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).
It has been proposed that EPA regulates serotonin release and that this omega-3 fatty acid modulates serotonin function through regulation of serotonin release in the presynaptic neuron.
It has also been proposed that DHA regulates serotonin receptor function and that omega-3 fatty acids modulate the serotonin system through DHA mediated regulation of serotonin receptor function, which depends on cell membrane fluidity. DHA is the most abundant fatty acid in the brain, making up 30% of the fatty acid content. Cell membrane fluidity depends on the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in the membrane and phospholipids, which increase membrane fluidity. DHA composition in the lipid membrane is necessary for adequate membrane fluidity (167–170).
-
L-methylfolate is the bioavailable form of folic acid and crosses the blood brain barrier. L-methylfolate regenerates tetrahydrobiopterin, which is essential for neurotransmitter formation. L-methylfolate is necessary for proper regulation of neurotransmitters, which supports mood, attention, and memory.
-
Riboflavin is a coenzyme used in the metabolism of dopamine and is a co-factor in the metabolism of essential fatty acids in brain lipids. Riboflavin derivatives also have direct antioxidant properties and increase endogenous antioxidant status as essential co-factors in the glutathione redox cycle.
-
“Vitamin B6 (pyridoxal 5’-phosphate) acts as a cofactor for the synthesis of gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonin and dopamine.” It has been reported that administration of Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, and folate “might contribute to the positive effects … given their role in the regulation of homocysteine metabolism, mood, and neurotransmitter synthesis.
-
Vitamin D3 regulates serotonin. An underlying mechanism has been reported that describes how Vitamin D3 hormone appears to control 900 genes and is a key regulator of brain serotonin synthesis. It has been reported that Vitamin D3 supplementation has been shown to support focus in children and adults.
-
Playing a significant role in modulating neurotransmitter synthesis and release in the brain, vitamin C acts as a cofactor conversion of dopamine to noradrenaline and regulation of catecholamine and acetylcholine release from synaptic vesicles.
-
An amino acid precursor to the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
-
Magnesium is a key nutrient that plays an important role in the formation of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. Supplementation with magnesium for at least 2 months has shown to reduce hyperactivity and aggressiveness, additionally, school attention improved.
-
Zinc is an essential co-factor in over 100 enzymes many of which are used for the creation of several neurotransmitters including dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin. Supplementation with zinc has been shown to improve symptoms of hyperactivity, inattentiveness, and oppositional behavior.
-
Iron is a cofactor for enzymes necessary for the synthesis and catabolism of the monoaminergic neurotransmitters. Iron deficiency is associated with a decrease in dopamine transporter expression.
Referenced Studies
All of our ingredients are based on the scientific literature. Learn more about the science behind Accentrate® products by viewing the referenced works.
