Focus Formula Question
Question Details
I’ve purchased your Focus Formula for my daughter 6 and
believe it really helps her. During my neuro studies I learned more about the
critical learning period and how the body shuts down that phase by releasing
large amounts of Acetylcholine. I’m wondering if you could clarify for me what
the likeness is between Phosphatidyl Choline and Acetylcholine. I’m also
interested in what measure is considered too much by your company. I really
love your product and appreciate learning more. Thanks. Lisa
Lisa, I am not sure the information you have is entirety
correct. Let's review some information about acetylcoholine and its role
in memory and learning from a Neuro textbook.
"Acetylcholine enhances the activity of various cortical neurons, causing
suppression of membrane potassium currents and thereby causing depolarization
and suppression of adaptation. This could certainly enhance memory function.
However, many studies show that, along with suppressing adaptation of neurons,
acetylcholine also suppresses synaptic transmission. If acetylcholine is
important for new learning, why would it suppress synaptic transmission? This
paradoxical combination of effects was clarified when it was found that the
suppression of synaptic transmission is selective for intrinsic synapses
(connections between cortical neurons), but not for afferent synapses
(connections arising from outside the cortex)."
Basically, they figured out that by shutting down synaptic transmission for
intrinsic synapses the brain would not be interfered with by previously stored
information while it was trying to learn new information and patterns. Acetylcholine's role in suppressing synaptic transmissions works to create a brain state that is the most condusive to learning.
Phosphatidyl Choline is the most abundant phospholipid in cells. These
phospholipids provide the main structure of cell membranes and play a crucial role
in inter and intra-cellular communication. Most choline in the body is
stored as phosphatidyl choline and can be used to manufacture
acetylcholine. Upper limits of phosphatidly choline supplementation are
not known and appear to play no part in shutting down of the learning
process. More likely, phosphatidyl choline contributes to the balance of activation and
suppression of synaptic transmission needed for learning by assuring adequate avialablity of acetylcholine.
Back to all Questions
View More by Dr. Kevin Passero
|
Lead Medical Director
As a certified and fully trained Naturopathic Doctor, Passero has trained and preceptored with some of the nation's leading doctors in the field of natural medicine, working under the guidance of MD’s, Chiropractors, Naturopaths and Acupuncturists. Furthermore, he is currently the Vice President of the Maryland Association of Naturopathic Physicians.
View Profile
|
The products and the claims made about specific products on Vitabase.com have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration
and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease. The information provided by Vitabase is for informational purposes only and is not
intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging.
You should not use the information on Vitabase.com for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment.
You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or
suspect you might have a health problem. Neither Vitabase nor Dr Passero will be liable for negative outcomes of supplements that are taken as a result of
information given on Vitabase.com.