PEA stands for Beta-phenylethylamine and is an excitatory neurotransmitter made from phenylalanine and it modulates neuron voltage potentials to favor glutamate activity and neurotransmitter firing.
Neurotransmitters are divided into two basic categories:
- Excitatory neurotransmitters stimulate the brain and body.
- Inhibitory neurotransmitters calm the brain and body.
Just as levels of individual neurotransmitters are important in maintaining optimum health, so is the proper balance between your excitatory and inhibitory systems.
PEA promotes energy, elevates mood, regulates attention, aggression, and serves as a biomarker for ADHD.
One of the biochemical abnormalities resulting from phenylketonuria, the absence of the enzyme that helps to synthesize phenylalanine into tyrosine, is an increased production of PEA. This can cause an elevated level of PEA in the urine.
PEA is the only neurotransmitter that crosses the blood brain barrier freely and bidirectionally.
References:
- β-phenylethylamine, a small molecule with a large impact. [L]
- Neurochemical correlates of attention deficit disorder. [L]
- Phenylethylamine, a possible link to the antidepressant effects of exercise? [L]
- Fluctuating high urinary phenylethylamine excretion rates in some bipolar affective disorder patients. [L]
- Phenylethylamine and schizophrenia. Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry [L]
- Urinary phenylethylamine and cortisol levels in the early puerperium. [L]
- Phenylethylamine metabolism in Tourette's syndrome [L]
- Phenylethylamine excretion in depression [L]
Low PEA is associated with ADHD [L, L] or thinking clearly, and in depression/low mood. [L]
Furthermore PEA can be low due to:
- Autism
- Bulimia nervosa
- Inattentiveness
- Memory issues
- Parkinson’s disease
- Tourette syndrome [L]
- Weight control difficulties
Possible treatment options - always consult your doctor first:
- PEA
- Phenylalanine
- Vitamin B6
Food Sources:
- Beans
- Chocolate
- Cocoa nibs
- Natto
- Peas
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- High levels are observed in individuals experiencing "mind racing", sleep difficulties, anxiety, and schizophrenia. [L]
- Increased levels have been found in patients with psychopathic symptoms.
Furthermore PEA can be high due to:
- Amphetamine
- Bipolar disorder [L]
- Exercise [L]
- Postpartum period (=six week period after childbirth) [L]
Possible treatment options - always consult your doctor first:
High PEA can be addressed by supplementing with SAMe, vitamin B2, copper with zinc, or nutritional lithium.
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