For many people, the neurotransmitter dopamine is a key factor in success when optimizing mental function. Having steady levels of dopamine in the right areas of the brain is important for maintaining motivation, attention span and supporting the ability to learn.
Read more about the Uridine Stack here: http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
3. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
The Growing Epidemic of Dopamine
Imbalance
• A localized deficiency in dopamine is believed to cause problems
such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, unipolar
depression and even persistent anxiety. On the other hand, an
excess of dopamine can lead to severe mood disturbances such
as bipolar disorder.
• Many pharmaceutical drugs exist to treat disorders caused by
dopamine imbalance, including the common
brands Adderall (amphetamine salts) and Ritalin (Methylphenidate).
Standard medications can be beneficial in the short term, but they
introduce side effectssuch as increased blood pressure, over-
stimulation and withdrawal upon cessation. Plus, these drugs mainly
serve to mask the symptoms of the disorders and are not designed
to correct the underlying source of the problem.
4. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
A Proposed Treatment Using Uridine and
DHA Supplements
• Thankfully, recent studies into a common group of
organic substances have revealed a method of
correcting dopamine imbalance in the long term.
All of this research has led to the creation of a
nootropic stack with the important genetic
factor uridine at its core. The members of the
stack are necessary but interchangeable, meaning
many different supplements could be used for a
particular role in synergy.
5. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
• The basic requirements for this
officially unnamed stack (I call it
the uridine stack) are as follows:
• Uridine in a bioavailable form (the
various forms are covered later)
• DHA or decosahexaenoic acid, an
omega-3 fatty acid
• A choline source
• Highly absorbable B vitamins,
especially B12 (cobalamin) and
B9 (folate)
6. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
• The bioavailable uridine (1) is absolutely necessary for the stack as it
serves as the core. Given the research evidence, DHA (2) should also be
considered mandatory in order to see benefits from taking the stack.
• The choline and B vitamins (3, 4) are highly recommended but not
absolutely required, as they may increase effectiveness in some individuals
but not all. Another possible add-on to the stack is magnesium, which can
aid with anxiety and memory function.
• As mentioned, all four of the base components can be satisfied according to
personal preferences.
• Much of the information contained in this article regarding ingredients and
dosing comes from a major thread on Longecity.org, the same place in
which the famous CILTEP stack originated.
7. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Components of the Uridine Stack
• Uridine
• Uridine is a major component of RNA and a promoter of DNA repair and cell
growth. When combined with other members of its eponymous stack,
uridine can stabilize dopamine activity at the receptor level as well as
encourage healthy levels of nerve growth activity.
• By itself, uridine cannot be taken as a supplement. It must be ingested as
one of two compounded forms in order to cross over into the bloodstream in
high enough amounts.
• The first form is uridine monophosphate (or UMP), which is generally less
expensive and can be taken either orally or sublingually. UMP taken
sublingually is seven to ten times more potent than taken orally, although
some users report a slight burning sensation when taking it in this manner.
The standard oral dosage is 250mg.
8. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
• The second form of bioavailable uridine is triacetyluridine (or TAU),
which is approximately four to seven times more potent than UMP
taken orally. TAU is lipid-soluble, meaning it can only be
administered orally and not under the tongue. However, the benefit
to this is that TAU absorbs without a problem with food in the
stomach, as opposed to UMP where this is questionable. The
standard dosage is between 25-50mg.
• Both forms of uridine can be bought online in the form of powder
and sometimes in pre-filled into capsules. A few websites where
they can be found
are smartpowders.com,superiornutraceuticals.com and of
course amazon.com. Jarrow formulas also make capsuled UMP,
which can be found in supplement stores outside the web.
9. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
DHA (docosahexaenoic acid)
• Those taking fish oil may be
familiar with DHA because it is
one of two major omega-3 fatty
acids, which are the desired parts
of the oil. DHA is needed in order
to create and maintain myelin
sheaths on nerve cells, which
greatly help in propagating
impulses efficiently.
• Because of this, supplementing
DHA can greatly aid in the
creation of new nerve connections
and ensure that existing ones stay
healthy.
10. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
• Getting DHA as a supplement is rather easy, as fish oil typically
suffices for this purpose. However, it is generally recommended to
get a formulation with a higher ratio of DHA to EPA, as high as 4:1.
This is because DHA is more important than EPA for nerve
maintenance, yet you don’t want to take unnecessary amounts of
fish oil and waste money.
• Fish oil is available in almost all grocery stores and on the internet,
and is perhaps the most popular supplement taken. A general
recommendation for dosage is between 500mg and a gram of DHA.
• Vegetarians can opt for flaxseed oil as a source of DHA/omega-3 if
needed.
11. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
• Choline
• Choline is a nutrient that is required to build cell membranes and produce
the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. In the uridine stack, choline
supplementation helps in the maintenance of nerve cells, similar to what the
DHA does. Additionally, choline is thought to have a balancing effect on
dopamine systems of the brain, as it counteracts high levels of the
neurotransmitter.
• There are many forms of choline available on the market, all with their own
pros and cons. Users on the main uridine Longecity thread mention alpha-
gpc at the start, but any type will do. Interestingly, CDP-choline (or
citicoline) has an additional effect relevant to the purpose of the stack. In
the process of breakdown, one of the metabolites is in fact uridine! This is
perhaps one of the reasons why CDP-choline is such an effective
supplement, as noted byour recent take on it.
12. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
• A quick breakdown of available choline sources for
the stack, from least to most potent: Soy Lecithin,
Choline Bitartrate, Choline Citrate, Alpha GPC,
and CDP-Choline.
• Another possible additive is Acetyl L-Carnitine (or
ALCAR), which aids in acetylcholine production
and could serve as an alternative to other choline
supplements for those who are sensitive to the
typical options.
13. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
• B Vitamins
• Because one of the main effects of uridine involves DNA repair, the B vitamin folic acid or
folate is used up more quickly since it is required for the process. If you don’t get enough
folate in your everyday diet, supplementation may be needed in order to see the full
benefits of the uridine stack.
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is also involved in DNA maintenance and may require
supplementation. If you choose to take vitamins, it’s best to go with forms that are more
bioavailable, so you can rest assured that the nutrients are absorbed properly.
• Methylfolate and methylcobalamin are the active forms of folate and B12, which are
superior to “inactive form” supplements that are far more common. They are not common
supplements in stores, although the online sellers Jarrow Formulas and Swanson
Vitaminscarry these high potency methylated nutrients.
14. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
How the Uridine Stack Works
• The uridine stack works through two main mechanisms to provide therapeutic and
nootropic effects.
• The chemical uridine promotes the creation of new dopamine receptors in the brain, an
effect which is more pronounced in brains with fewer dopamine receptors. This is done by
activating the D1 and D2 receptor signaling cascade, which stabilizes spikes of dopamine
activity that would normally “burn out” receptors and reduce their effective number.
Modulation also increases the rate of new receptor formation in areas where they are less
dense, effectively increasing the number and density of dopamine receptors. Choline –
particularly CDP-choline – also has the potential to increase dopamine receptor density.
• The stack as a whole supports growth of neural tissue and the protective phospholipid
material around it. Having a well-connected and healthy set of dendritic pathways in the
brain can improve both mood and cognition, because functionality is optimized or restored.
15. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Uridine research
• Some of the details surrounding the mechanisms of the stack come from clinical trials and
animal research, which show positive feedback for the combination in a variety of
applications.
• Dopamine Balance
• In a study done at Rutgers University, researchers measured rats’ performance on
behavioral tests after being given cocaine or amphetamines. In an experimental group that
was also given uridine, the rats reacted much more sensitively to the illicit dopamine-
stimulating drugs, demonstrating that the population of dopamine receptors was
denser. Another observation with the uridine group was that amphetamines did not raise
striatal dopamine levels as much as with the placebo group, because of the balancing
effect provided by modulation.
• A study done in France provided further evidence for uridine’s benefit for dopamine
levels. Scientists found that rats given uridine monophosphate had a higher rate of
potassium-mediated dopamine release, as well as an increased rate of neurite growth.
16. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Treating Mood Disorders
• The co-administration of uridine and omega-3 fatty acids may
be useful in treating depression, as confirmed
by research done on rats given a forced-swim test. Either
uridine or omega-3s improved the rats’ rate of mobility
(showing their want to live), and giving them both substances
reduced the dose size of each, displaying a synergistic effect.
• Triacetyluridine can be used to treat both depression and
bipolar disorder, according to results of a clinical study. Over
the course of six weeks, patients of both disorders showed
improvements on behavioral tests, meaning TAU could yield
both stabilizing and motivating effects.
17. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Improving Memory Function
• A nootropic formula developed at the Massachusetts Institute
of Technology was recently tested in several European
countries. The concoction – dubbed “souvenaid” – contains
uridine, DHA, and choline. Souvenaid was given to early-
stage Alzheimer’s disease patients to test its ability to improve
memory function (ie, avoid age-related memory loss).
• From a large sample size of 259 people, researchers found
that patients taking souvenaid performed better on memory
related tests, while those in the placebo group worsened.
According to MIT professor Richard Wurtman, the mixture
works by stimulating the formation of new synaptic pathways
in the brain.
19. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Treating Anemia
• Uridine’s benefits don’t stop at memory
enhancement. A Brazilian study showed that
uridine, when combined with vitamin B12 and
the additive cytidine, was effective for treating
symptoms of anemia. The experimental
group’s scores on psychological tests
improved significantly after a course of
treatment with the drug combination.
20. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Other Benefits Reported By
Users
• Besides results unveiled by clinical trials, uridine stacking has several other benefits
reported by users.
• The big and dandy uridine thread on Longecity has many users reporting an increase in
general motivation and a feeling of meeting their potential. The original poster (Mr. Happy)
had the following to say after using the stack for six weeks:
• The overall ‘effect’ is that you feel like yourself, but unimpeded – existing cognitive or
emotional issues disappear over a week or so and you start feeling and being awesome.
Your capacity to learn and retain information is noticably better. (Mr. Happy, Longecity)
• The online community at socialanxietysupport.com reports that the stack, or even uridine
by itself, helps improve levels of anxiety.
• Even the highly popular social forum Reddit touted uridine’s benefits in a
recent threadregarding the uridine stack, with a large user base reporting their findings.
21. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Note: delayed onset of action
• Because the actions of the uridine stack have a
restorative nature, effects may not be apparent right
away. Once nerve connections begin to replenish their
protective material and dopamine receptor levels
balance out, a significant difference in mood and
cognition can be felt.
• This can take between a few days and a few weeks to
happen, depending on dosage and quality of
materials. Many Longecity users reported quite
noticeable effects within a week’s time.
22. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Side Effects
• The uridine stack behaves like a true nootropic combination in that
there seem to be zeronegative side effects. Compared to the
massive list of side effects of most dopaminergic substances, this
truly seems miraculous. However, a few individuals have reported
emotional blunting when taking larger doses.
• This can be attributed to higher levels of dopamine being released,
overwhelming effects of other neurotransmitters such as serotonin.
Some people can be sensitive to higher doses of choline as well,
often generating a similar emotional drain when taking too much.
• A good idea is experimenting with the dosing (carefully and
observantly) in order to find the correct balance for you.
23. http://corpina.com/uridine-supplement-stacks-help-repair-dopamine-receptors/
Conclusion
• The combination of uridine with DHA, choline and B-
vitamins is a stack that is both highly customizable and
effective. It can heal the dopamine systems of the
brain and provide the precious raw materials needed
to develop new nervous connections.
• Plus, the ingredients are accessible and affordable
and side effects are a non-issue. Join the growing
movement of nootropics enthusiasts who enjoy the
benefits of the uridine stack.