Category Archives: Brain

Glycine and Glutamate Bind to the N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor

Posted on October 20, 2023 by Robert Barrington

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is present in the central nervous system where it has an excitatory effect on neuronal activity. A number of ligands exist for the NMDA receptor, and two of these include glutamate and glycine. Glutamate can bind … Continue reading →

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Shilajit: Cognitive Effects

Posted on September 29, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Shilajit, also known as salajit, shilajatu, mimie, or mummiyo is a black powder that excudes from rocks in high mountain regions. A number of organic substances in shilajit have been identified including the compound called fulvic acid, which may give … Continue reading →

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Branched Chain Amino Acids and Brain Function

Posted on September 27, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Branched chain amino acids are amino acids with a structure that contains a branch. In this regard they are structurally unique amongst the amino acids. Branched chain amino acids are found in high concentrations in skeletal muscle and their main … Continue reading →

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Lysine as a Glutamate Precursor

Posted on August 10, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Lysine is an essential amino acid in human nutrition. Lysine has a number of roles in human physiology and this may include a role in the central nervous system. One role that may relate to lysine is as a precursor … Continue reading →

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Glycine Supplements Increase Creatine Stored

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Glycine has been used to treat schizophrenia effectively as oral glycine is able to improve glutamate neurotransmission in the brain, suggesting that glycine is able to enter the brain across the blood brain barrier, and here have an effect on … Continue reading →

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Acetyl-L-Carnitine in the Treatment of Depression

Posted on July 11, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) has a number of functions in human nutrition and metabolism. Perhaps its most well known role is the transport of fatty acids into the mitochondrial membranes for energy production. Another less well known role, that may be related … Continue reading →

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L-Carnitine for Cognition

Posted on June 9, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Evidence from cell culture studies shows that L-carnitine and acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) have neuroprotective effects. This is also supported by evidence from animal studies, for example using rats. The mechanism of action may involve neuroprotection through a decrease in neurotoxicity as … Continue reading →

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Brain Food: The Basics

Posted on June 2, 2023 by Robert Barrington

There are many supplements touted as being beneficial for the brain. However, while many of these many have good research supporting their use, many forget the basics when it comes to feeding the brain. The primary fuel used by the … Continue reading →

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Selenium and Brain Function

Posted on May 9, 2023 by Robert Barrington

Selenium is an essential trace mineral needed by the cells of the body for a number of functions. In particular, selenium forms part of the enzyme glutathione peroxidase, and in this role is required for antioxidant protection. Evidence suggests that … Continue reading →

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The Psychology of Food

Posted on November 10, 2022 by Robert Barrington

Nutrition is an interesting subject because it is so wide ranging and contains so many different sciences. The psychological aspects of food are intertwined with the physiological because the mind is greatly involved in food selection and food preference. For … Continue reading →

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