There has been a recent breakthrough in the use of amino acid therapy based on the work of Marty Hinz, MD. The work of Dr. Hinz and his associates can provide a key piece of information for people that are not finding relief from symptoms related to neurotransmitter dysfunction using the typical Three Phase Model approach. Based on the research of Dr. Hinz, this represents about 6-8% of people using amino acid therapy under the guidance of a trained health care professional.

Background

Symptoms related to neurotransmitter imbalance are related to (a) impedance in post-synaptic electrical flow and/or (b) severe glutathione collapse. Based on the work of Marty Hinz, MD, there are two distinct patterns of neurotransmitter dysfunction: those that need significant amounts of both serotonin and dopamine precursors (called the Three Phase Model) and those that need predominantly dopamine support (Dopamine Dominant).

In order to differentiate those that are dopamine dominant versus those that need to follow the Three Phase Model to achieve proper neurotransmitter function, a simple challenge test is employed called a dopamine challenge.

Dopamine Dominance / Dopamine Dominant and the Dopamine Challenge

The dopamine challenge is used to identify those that require significant dopamine support – those that are dopamine dominant. At the far end of the dopamine dominant spectrum are those that suffer from Parkinson’s disease. At the other end of the spectrum are those that are dopamine dominant, but do not exhibit any symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Somewhere in the middle lie those with restless leg syndrome (RLS).

Those that are dopamine dominant require a marked increase in synaptic dopamine that overrides and dominates the transport of serotonin at the OCT2 transporters. Dopamine dominance changes the role of serotonin at the OCT2 transporter completely; for those that are dopamine dominant, the administration of 5-HTP is used solely to resolve any nausea issues that may occur with the administration of L-dopa and/or L-tyrosine and to prevent the depletion of serotonin stores related to the administration of L-dopa.

The Dopamine Challenge should only be utilized by health care professionals trained in the proper use of amino acid therapy. When properly used, the Dopamine Challenge can differentiate those that are dopamine dominant versus those that need to follow the Three Phase Model in two weeks, with no testing required.