Neurotransmitters

The catecholamines dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline are synthesised in the adrenal medulla, nerve cells and neural cells. The starting substance for catecholamine synthesis is the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine is synthesised into dopamine, noradrenaline and adrenaline via various reaction steps. A deficiency in the involved enzymes/cofactors (e.g. vitamin B6, magnesium and copper) leads to impaired biosynthesis of stress hormones and negatively affects the human body. Each catecholamine has its own individual effect. While adrenaline increases blood pressure and heart rate, norepinephrine inhibits the further release of adrenaline and only affects the blood pressure, not the heart rate. Dopamine promotes the force of the heart’s contractions and its excitability. In addition, dopamine deficiency leads to muscular weakness and loss of motivation.