¤ Aphanizomenon flos-aquae (AFA) is a blue-green alga used for over twenty years as a nutritional supplement. This AFA extract, obtained using a specific, proprietary extraction process, contains significant levels of phenylethylamine (PEA). ¤ PEA is an endogenous (produced naturally) neuroamine – sometimes called a neurohormone – that is responsible for producing pleasurable feelings and mental acuity. Much greater amounts of PEA are produced in the brains of people in love, or in those experiencing intense happiness. Plain chocolate is one of the best dietary sources of PEA – though not nearly as good as AFA extract – which might explain the passion and enthusiasm shown by chocoholics! Brain PEA concentrations are also much higher in long-distance runners – a possible explanation for the anti-depressant effect of endurance exercise. Significantly, PEA is actually absent in individuals suffering from depression. ¤ Taken orally, PEA crosses the blood-brain barrier easily, and is rapidly available in the brain where it acts by increasing concentrations of dopamine (responsible for the feeling of well-being) and norepinephrine (a natural stimulant). Like Prozac®, PEA has been shown to relieve depression in 60% of patients but, unlike Prozac®, it has no contra-indications or side-effects. It improves mood faster than amphetamines and is non-addictive (Sabbelli H et al, J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 1996, 8, 2, 168-71). PEA works within just a few hours or days and is a natural, physiological treatment for depression. It is also particularly suitable in cases of manic depression for which another very effective supplement, SAMe (see on Supersmart.com), is not recommended.
¤ It has been shown that a daily 10 mg dose of PEA relieves symptoms of depression. PEA at these levels is also being studied for its effects on appetite-suppression (a result of its modulation effects on dopamine) and as a treatment for attention-deficit disorder. A daily dose of 3 to 5 mg of PEA is effective for increasing attention and elevating mood (for this, see Phytomind on supersmart.com, a formulation with lower amounts of PEA combined with several synergistic phytonutrients). PEA can also be used by healthy individuals who wish to improve their intellectual performance, sensitivity, libido and feelings of sensuality.