ADD-HOLISTIC Mailing List - Russell L. Blaylock, MD

Russell L. Blaylock, MD

Presentation + Questions & Answers
For ADD-Holistic Discussion Group
http://www.HolisticMed.Com/add/

Date: Sun, 30 Aug 1998 22:57:34 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mark Gold
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: ADD Introduction of Visiting Expert

Hi!

It is an honor to introduce our next Visiting Expert, Russell L. Blaylock, MD. He is both an very experienced clinician and one of the world's most knowledgable experts on one of the categories of toxic substances I referred to in my last post. Here is Dr. Blaylock's bio:

I am a board certified neurosurgeon engaged in a private neurosurgical practice for the past 21 years. During this time I have had a strong interest in nutritional treatment of neurological disorders and in the biochemical basis of diseases of the nervous system. ADD and ADHD have been a part of my interest because of the relationship to the excitotoxic process. In 1994 I wrote a book on this subject, Excitotoxins, The Taste That Kills, and revised and updated it in 1998. I have written and illustrated three chapters in medical textbooks and a patient care booklet on multiple sclerosis. In addition I have published several papers in peer reviewed journals on a variety of subjects from the pathology and treatment of pituitary tumors to immunothearpy of brain tumors. I have appeared on the 700 Club approximately 7 times, Life Style Magazine once, and 30 plus syndicated radio programs discussing the book. While I do not treat ADD in my practice, I have given advice to a number of mothers and have found that a significant number improve and some quite dramatically.

I want to add that Dr. Blaylock's book, "Excitotoxins, The Taste That Kills" is one of the best and most-readable sources of information (for the public and practitioners) on excitotoxins (which play a large role in many neurological disorders). I learned quite a bit from his book as well as from his articles on the nutritional treatment of such disorders.

Dr. Blaylock's opening post should be sometimes on Monday.

Best Wishes,
- Mark
mgold@holisticmed.com
Holistic Healing Web Page
http://www.HolisticMed.com/

Date: Tue, 1 Sep 1998 18:36:30 -0500
To: add-holistic@mlists.net
From: "Russell Blaylock, M.D."
Subject: Post

My interest in ADD and ADHD arose from my studies on the process of excitotoxicity. Excitotoxicity is a neurological phenomenon associated with certain amino acids that produce a delayed degeneration of particular neurons when exposure occurs outside the cell. This process has been proposed as the central event in many neurological disorders, including strokes, head injury, migraines, hypoglycemia, ischemia/hypoxia as well as causing toxicity directly. We know that several of these excitotoxins play a vital role in brain development, primarily glutamate and aspartate. It must be appreciated that glutamate is the most abundant neurotransmitter in the brain. But, elaborate steps are taken to assure that extracellular concentrations of this substance remain only for a very short time ( milliseconds) and in very low concentrations.

During brain development, there are wide physiological fluctuation in glutamate brain levels. This series of events plays a vital role in brain development. Too much or too little glutamate can result in abnormal development of the brain. For example, high concentration of glutamate in utero can cause neuron death in special brain areas and even abnormal formation of brain pathways. That is, the brain is mis-wired. This can result in anything from mild learning difficulties to severe neuroendocrine, behavioral and learning deficits. There is some evidence, for example, that abnormally low concentrations of glutamate at critical times can result in schizophrenia. Some neuroscientist are suggesting that such conditions as ADD, ADHD and autism may be cause by such glutamate abnormalities.

Clinically, we know that many such children will significantly improve when taken off foods containing excitotoxins, such as MSG ( and its many disguised forms) and aspartame. It appears that several neurotransmitters are abnormally functioning in ADD, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, histamine, and acetylcholine. Almost a decade ago, it was found that feeding pregnant animals MSG produced a form of learning difficulty similar to ADD. The offspring had normal simple learning but showed profound defects in complex learning. In a followup study of these offspring, it was found that they had an 80% reduction in frontal lobe acetylcholine levels and a 50% reduction in norepinephrine. The latter plays a vital role in attention and ability to focus. We also know that dopamine plays a vital role in performance and memory. Serotonin deficiency appears to play a vital role in violent and antisocial behavior.

It is also of interest that a significant number of these children are reactive hypoglycemics. We know that hypoglycemia not only precipitates the release of glutamate in the brain, but that magnifies the toxic effect of all excitotoxins. Unfortunately, many food have excitotoxins added to them as taste enhancers.

The approach to this disorder requires first, the removal of all food borne excitotoxins. This must be done as early as possible. The longer and more intense the exposure the more likely permanent damage will develop. Manipulating the various neurotransmitters by nutritional means is the next step. This involves several avenues of approach. Each step requires patience. Other methods, such as biofeedback, can be helpful during this period. Remember, biofeedback can alter brain chemistry. We still have much to learn about this disorder. You should also be aware that every child is different. Treatment has to be tailored to each individual case.

Date: Wed, 2 Sep 1998 22:44:49 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mark Gold
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: ADD Question for Dr. Blaylock

Dr. Blaylock,
Thank you very much for your opening post! I have a couple of questions.

You mention ischemia/hypoxia as causing excitotoxicity. Besides the fetus being exposed to to food-borne excitotoxins, are there any other events that can lead to the fetus being exposed to high levels of excitotoxins? One lady recently mentioned that the cord was wrapped around the fetus' neck. Would that cause hypoxia and potentially lead to excitotoxicity?
Are there certain nutrients/supplements that you recommend for persons who have suffered from traumatic brain injury, hypoxia, and other events that lead to excitotoxicty? I believe you said that your suggestions are individualized. But are there any important nutrients or supplements that are common to these cases?
If someone (a child for example) is exposed to an excitotoxin, will they have some immediate symptom which signifies that it is causing damage?

I believe that Dr. Blaylock lists various forms of food-borne excitotoxins in his book (for those who are interested).

Thanks.

Best Wishes,
- Mark

From: FJBCIII@aol.com
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998 16:11:07 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD Opening Post from Dr. Russell Blaylock

In a message dated 98-09-02 22:49:17 EDT, you write:
<< The approach to this disorder requires first, the removal of all food borne excitotoxins. This must be done as early as possible. >>

Dr. Blaylock

If possible , could you list a more indepth list of food borne excitotoxins for us viewers in the list ?, thanks ...

Aloha
Frank

Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998 19:39:02 -0500
To: add-holistic@mlists.net
From: "Russell Blaylock, M.D."
Subject: ADD excitotoxins

Thanks for the questions.

Concerning the person who inquired about the baby having the unbilical cord wrapped around its neck, and the relationship to hypoxia induced excitotoxicity. If the cord was indeed compressing the carotid arteries or interfering with breathing then sufficient hypoxia/ischemia to the baby's brain could occur and produce a rise in brain glutamate and aspartate levels. This is a natural response to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) and reduced blood supply ( ischemia). The degree of damage would depend on the severity of the hypoxia/ischemia episode and its duration. We know that the fetal brain is especially sensitive to excitotoxic injury. And, as I stated in the post, excitotoxin excess during these critical developmental stages can result in destruction of groups of brain cells ( called nuclei) and alter how the brain's pathways would form.

The former would cause damage to such critical areas as the arcuate nuclei ( most sensitive), supraoptic nuclei and paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus. This can result in endocrine problems later in life. It is interesting that thyroid problems have been seen in cases of ADD with increased frequency. In fact, hypothalamic axis disorders are seen in 50% of such children. This could present as problems with reproduction later in life, thyroid problems, adrenal problems, or weight problems, as well as behavioral difficulties. Obesity is one of the most common defects seen with excitotoxin hypothalamic damage. It is ironic that we are seeing a significant rise in childhood obesity and ADD.

Abnormal pathway development means that the connections ( that number in the trillions) between neurons would be altered. Minor alterations may cause little problems, but major alterations could result in severe learning difficulty, episodic outburst of violence, emotional dyscontrol and attention problems. In my book I have a whole chapter on the effects of excitotoxins on brain development. As I stated in my post, experimentally it has been shown that fetal exposure to maternal glutamate ( as MSG) resulted in profound changes in brain neurotransmitters that persisted until adulthood. It has also been shown that early postnatal exposure to glutamate can result in a 56% rise in brain free radical levels over several years.
As for nutritional ways to prevent excitotoxicity, there are several principles that have shown benefit. We know, for example, that low energy supply to neurons greatly magnifies excitotoxicity. An example of this would be hypoglycemia, which can be very common in newborns and toddlers. For example, poor dietary intake during illness, or with prolonged diarrhea, aspirin consumption, and sensitivity to certain amino acids, such as leucine sensitivity, can all cause hypoglycemia. This can not only magnify excitotoxicity but can cause the brain to release its stores of glutamate as well.

Second, low magnesium also magnifies excitotoxicity. This can occur with vomiting, poor dietary intake of prolong diarrhoea. Magnesium supplementation protects the brain from excitotoxic damage.

Here is a short list of supplements shown to protect against excitotoxicity:
1. acetyl- L- carnitine
2. Phosphotidylserine
3. Vitamin C, E, and the carotonoids ( beta carotene, lycopene, alpha carotene, etc)
4. Coenzyme Q10
5. N-acetyl-l-cysteine ( NAC)
6. magnesium
7. methylcobalamin ( Vitamin B12)
8. pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacinamide
9. grape seed extract ( and other flavonoids)
10. Zinc
11. Juice plus+ is a well compounded formula with high concentrations of flavonoids, vitamins and minerals.
The dose depends on size and weight of the child or age of adult.

Supplements to avoid:
- cysteine
- glutathione (converted to cysteine in brain )
- glycine
- aspartate
- aspartame
N-acetyl-L-cysteine is safe because it is converted to cysteine within the neuron, where it is then converted to glutathione. Cystine is also safe.
As for a list of excitotoxin names in food, the major ones are:
- hydrolyzed vegetable protein
- vegetable protein
- textured protein
- hydrolyzed soy protein ( or any other processed protein)
- natural flavoring
- sodium or calcium caseinate
- yeast extract ( autolyzed yeast extract)
- monosodium glutamate ( or potasium glutamate)
- aspartame, NutraSweet, equal
- accent
- malt flavoring or extract
- broth
- bouillon
- stock
There are more, so see book. The food industry changes the names all the time.

From: FJBCIII@aol.com
Date: Thu, 3 Sep 1998 23:41:18 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD excitotoxins

In a message dated 98-09-03 21:39:20 EDT, you write:
<< As for a list of excitotoxin names in food, the major ones are:

Hi i am not sure why protein is listed as excitotoxins...
I take up to 40 grams a day Organic Brown Rice protein (processed with enzymes) and i find that i have good assimulation of it with no adverse stimulation of my condition, in fact , it really does the opposite ... but ,whey , Soy and a milk and egg protein give me the undesired effect .. could you elaborate more on Proteins and processed and their effects .....

Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1998 13:29:37 -0500
To: add-holistic@mlists.net
From: "Russell Blaylock, M.D."
Subject: ADD Processed proteins

Concerning the question about hydrolyzed protein products. First, you must keep in mind that in most cases the food processing companies are adding processed proteins for the specific purpose of taste enhancement, not nutrition. Therefore, they choose sources that are known to have high contents of taste enhancing excitatory amino acids- such as glutamate, aspartate, and cysteine. Soy, whey, and milk proteins meet those criteria. By hydrolyzing them or treating them with protease enzymes, they can concentrate these amino acids.

Organic brown rice, probably has rather low concentrations of these three excitotoxins, and this is why you are able to tolerate it better than soy, whey or milk protein. But, you should also be aware that " feeling" better is a rather poor way to judge toxicity. Amphetamines, cocaine and other neurostimulant drugs can also produce a sense of euphoria or well being, yet they are quite neurotoxic. Also, many of the toxic effects of excitotoxins are quite subtle, so that those being affected may notice little outward effects for years. But, this subtle damage can, over a long period of time, produce serious neurological disorders. Take for example thyroid deficits induced by glutamate exposure. One may feel tired, cold intolerant and develop many subtle symptoms that they, as well as their physicians, would never connect to excitotoxin exposure. The same is true of behavioral problems, learning difficulties, episodic violence, etc. Yet, throughout this period of development they may feel " fine".

Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is the most dangerous of the protein products because it contain three powerful excitotoxins as well as carcinogenic substances. Its use is growing every day. Chicken is painted with it and even injected with it. A new program is calling for the spraying of vegetable crops with MSG. So, the use of excitotoxins is growing very rapidly.

From: FJBCIII@aol.com
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1998 18:37:37 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD Processed proteins

What would be suggested for protein nourishment? lets say for a developing 7 month old ( genetically predispositioned to ADHD )that isnt able to breast feed (momie is dried up) and Similac is full of sugar and whey....

also what choices do we have to avoid these excitotoxins in diet for protein resources?

Thanks for you answers
Aloha Frank

From: FJBCIII@aol.com
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1998 18:43:08 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD Processed proteins

In a message dated 98-09-04 15:27:35 EDT, you write:

<< Organic brown rice, probably has rather low concentrations of these three excitotoxins, and this is why you are able to tolerate it better than soy, whey or milk protein. >>

where would you suggest that i get my protein from ?

The Organic Brown rice protein has notheing added to it for flavor , it is very bland ..

From: Cpperwmn@aol.com
Date: Fri, 4 Sep 1998 19:45:22 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD Processed proteins

In a message dated 9/4/98 12:27:35 PM Pacific Daylight Time, russell@mail.misnet.com writes:

<< Its use is growing every day. Chicken is painted with it and even injected with it. A new program is calling for the spraying of vegetable crops with MSG. So, the use of excitotoxins is growing very rapidly. >>

I don't doubt this for a moment! But, what is the purpose of painting a chicken, or spraying the crops with MSG? (Is that how the giant gets 'tender' young peas?) How does it enhance (?) the chicken? Does the MSG double as a bug repellant, or such?
Copper

Date: Fri, 04 Sep 1998 19:00:06 -0700
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
From: Amy
Subject: ADD Processed proteins

At 01:29 PM 9/4/98 -0500, Blaylock wrote:
>Hydrolyzed vegetable protein is the most dangerous of the protein products
>because it contain three powerful excitotoxins as well as carcinogenic
>substances. Its use is growing every day. Chicken is painted with it and
>even injected with it. A new program is calling for the spraying of
>vegetable crops with MSG. So, the use of excitotoxins is growing very rapidly.

What? Why? How? How can we be going backwards? Who is behind all these additions to our foods? ACKKKKKKKKKKKKKK

Love,

Amy

Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 16:42:08 -0500
To: add-holistic@mlists.net
From: "Russell Blaylock, M.D."
Subject: ADD excitotoxins and proteins

Several questions addressed the topic of processed proteins. It appears that many do not quite understand the process. First, it is well known that certain amino acids ( the building blocks of proteins) act by stimulating certain neurons to the point that they will die ( excitotoxicity). It has been observed that these amino acids ( primarily glutamate, aspartate and cysteine) can greatly magnify the pleasant taste of foods. Following a conference in 1945, involving most of the major food processors, glutamate, in the form MSG, was added to numerous foods, especially soups and packaged food products. Since that time many other forms of high glutamate additives have been discovered, including casinate and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Some foods, including toddler foods, will contain two or even four such taste enhancing excitotoxic amino acids.

Recently, several of the poultry processing houses, have either dipped, painted or injected such excitotoxin taste additives in their chicken meat and turkey meat products. You can read it on the package yourself if you are in doubt. The purpose is to enhance the taste of the chicken, etc.

It has been demonstrated over and over in numerous neuroscientific studies that infants are significantly more sensitive to such food borne excitotoxins than are adults. In fact, babies are 4X more sensitive than adults. Why they have decided to begin spraying vegetable crops with MSG is beyond me, but it too is a fact.

We also know that the toxic effects of excitotoxins are dose dependent, and that subtoxic doses, given over a course of time, are additive to the point of being fully toxic as would be a single dose. What this means is, that over the course of a day, one is exposed to multiple sources of excitotoxin food additives and that these are fully toxic to the nervous system, especially in the fetus and newborn.

As far as who is behind these practices - The food processors ( Campbell's, Libby, Oscar Mayer, etc) and the company who sells these additives, the Ajinomoto company. We are talking about billions of dollars. Campbell's Soup Company adds multiple forms of excitotoxin additives to each can of their soup. Check the label.

I get the impression that several of you are skeptic to the point of anger. That is unfortunate, since you are denying reality. In my book, I list all references documenting what I am saying. Since writing the book, mountains of new evidence confirms what I, and neuroscientists, have been saying. These referenced articles are all from peer reviewed articles.

For those of you who are still interested. It becomes obvious that the Feingold diet has two properties that make it perfect for improving children with ADD. First, it is a diet that would be used to correct reactive hypoglycemia. Second, it removes "junk" food , which also happens to be very high in excitotoxin food additives. There is no question that several of the food dyes are also neurotoxic. But, I feel that the former two reasons given are why the diet has such a high degree of success.

As for episodic violence and emotional dyscontrol, we know that first, it is the limbic system that plays such a vital role in emotional elaboration. Second, it has been demonstrated that excitatory amino acids are the major neurotransmitters in this system and that microinjection of MSG into the hypothalamus can result is explosive violence. Further, it is known that excitotoxin excess can alter other neurotransmitters, as stated earlier, and that one of these is serotonin, a neurotransmitter suspected to be deficient in ADD cases exhibiting emotional dyscontrol.

Finally, as for the question- What should we use as a source of protein? I suggest whole proteins- especially those low in fats. The advantage of using whole proteins is that when the GI tract breaks them down, it does so slowly, so that the glutamate and other excitatory amino acids are released slowly, allowing them to be metabolized by the liver and muscles. Free excitatory amino acids, on the other hand, flood the system, causing drastic rises in blood glutamate levels. This is especially so with liquid forms of amino acids, or when excitotoxins are added to liquid foods (e.g. Gravies). Enzymes, or the hydrolyzation process, releases the free amino acids- concentrating the taste enhancing excitotoxic amino acids. This is the only reason they are added to foods. But, the same process occurs if you consume free amino acids or hydrolyzed vegetable protein, or enzyme treated protein.

NutraSweet contains two amino acids and a neurotoxin- methanol. One of the amino acids is an excitotoxin- aspartate, and the other is a recognized neurotoxin ( phenylalanine). With time, especially when exposed to heat, aspartame breaks down into a substance called diketopiperzine. This class of substances are known to be significantly carcinogenic. Experimental studies have shown that aspartame feeding, at all dose levels, increased tumor formation in multiple organs, including brain, ovaries, testies, uterus, breast, and pancreas. Also, separate studies have shown that aspartame is a moderately powerful genotoxin ( gene toxin).

Fat type is also vital for brain development. It has been shown that the fatty acids DHA and arachidonic acid play a critical role in brain development. Human breast milk is higher in DHA than is cow's milk, and formula, until recently, contained no DHA. The mother's diet plays a critical role in DHA levels in her breast milk. Dieting, poor nutrition or poor selection of fats can lead to significant lowering of DHA and arachidonic acid in breast milk, as well as in the placental fat transfer. Formula is also deficient in taurine, which is necessary to reduce the toxicity of the excitotoxin- cysteine.

Most have now heard that prenatal vitamins containing vitamins B6, folate and B12 can reduce neural defects in newborns drastically. It is now known that it is homocysteine that is the culprit, the same chemical connected to heart attacks and strokes. Interestingly, homocysteine is an excitotoxin. This group of vitamins lower homocysteine levels.

Exposure to caffeine during pregnancy, even in relatively small doses, can have a significant deleterious effects on brain development. Certain metals can also affect brain function and development, such as mercury, lead, and manganese. Much research is being done in this area.

For a more complete discussion of all of these areas I suggest you read my book, Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills. And finally, what would I suggest for a 7 month old who cannot get mother's milk? I would suggest either commercial human breast milk or goats milk. Human milk has significantly lower glutamic acid levels than cow's milk.

From: FJBCIII@aol.com
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 20:05:27 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD excitotoxins and proteins

In a message dated 98-09-05 18:40:03 EDT, you write:

<< I get the impression that several of you are skeptic to the point of anger. That is unfortunate, since you are denying reality. In my book, I list all references documenting what I am saying. Since writing the book, mountains of new evidence confirms what I, and neuroscientist, have been saying. These referenced articles are all from peer reviewed articles. >>

I have no anger in my post , just curiousity to learning more about Excitotoxins and what they are in my diet ..and others (Who dont participate on this list yet ) who are curious to know more about it ...Please continue on , dont take an offensive position we are here to share ..... Excitotoxins is information that is new to most of us here and we are very curious about analysing what we now eat to see how to eliminate and maximise our health optimaly ...

aloha from Hawaii
Frank

From: FJBCIII@aol.com
Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 20:08:56 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD excitotoxins and proteins

In a message dated 98-09-05 18:40:03 EDT, you write:

<< commercial human breast milk >>

anyone know where to get a commercial human breast milk ?, they havent heard of it out here in Hawaii ( kind of behind the times in isolation )

Date: Sat, 5 Sep 1998 20:20:52 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mark Gold
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re ADD excitotoxins

Dr. Blaylock,

Thank you very much for your detailed and comprehensive answers. I'm learning alot. I have a couple of short questions about one of your posts:

> Here is a short list of supplements shown to protect against
> excitotoxicity:
> 1. acetyl- L- carnitine
> 2. Phosphotidylserine
> 3. Vitamin C, E, and the carotonoids ( beta carotene, lycopene, alpha
> carotene, etc)
> 4. Coenzyme Q10
> 5. N-acetyl-l-cysteine ( NAC)
> 6. magnesium
> 7. methylcobalamin ( Vitamin B12)
> 8. pyridoxine, thiamine, riboflavin, niacinamide
> 9. grape seed extract ( and other flavonoids)
> 10. Zinc
> 11. Juice plus+ is a well compounded formula with high concentrations of
> flavonoids, vitamins and minerals.
> The dose depends on size and weight of the child or age of adult.

Are you saying that Juice plus+ provides most (or all?) of the nutrients mentioned in 1-10 above? Where is Juice plus+ sold, at health food stores or through mail order?
For persons with ADD, do you usually recommend all of the supplements mentioned above? Or are there one or two of them that you feel are particularly important and recommend starting with them?

Thanks again!

Best Wishes,
- Mark
mgold@holisticmed.com
Holistic Healing Web Page
http://www.HolisticMed.com/

From: randy1@ibm.net
Date: Sat, 05 Sep 1998 20:23:21 -0500
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD excitotoxins and proteins

Dr. Blaylock, isn't phenylalanine one of the precursors of dopamine (via hydroxylation to tyrosine) and norepinephrine (via dopamine and DOPA - "dihydroxyphenylalanine"), which are also neurotransmitters thought to be deficient (by some including Hallowell and Ratey) in ADD?

I understand that phenylalanine is certainly toxic in some cases, such as phenylketonuria, but is it truly toxic to all people?

Russell Blaylock, M.D. wrote:

> Several questions addressed the topic of processed proteins. It appears
> that many do not quite understand the process. First, it is well known that
> certain amino acids ( the building blocks of proteins) act by stimulating
> certain neurons to the point that they will die ( excitotoxicity)...

> ...Further, it is known that excitotoxin excess can alter other
> neurotransmitters, as stated earlier, and that one of these is serotonin, a
> neurotransmitter suspected to be
> deficient in ADD cases exhibiting emotional dyscontrol.
> ...
> ...NutraSweet contains two amino acids and a neurotoxin- methanol. One of the
>
> amino acids is an excitotoxin- aspartate, and the other is a recognized
> neurotoxin ( phenylalanine).

Date: Sun, 06 Sep 1998 10:29:00 -0600
From: John Dommisse
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD excitotoxins and proteins

Dear Dr Blaylock,
I thank you for participating in this mailing-list: I believe you have made a very valuable contribution to world awareness of excitotoxins, and I think this knowledge is especially applicable to ADHD. However, I think you go a bit overboard on occasion. 'Randy' has already asked you about your statements on phenylalanine, an important amino-acid precursor of dopamine and noradrenaline in the brain. I have founf the combination of DL-PA and 5H-Tryptophan, both in high doses, to be as effective as any antidepressant medication and usually w/o any side-effects. Except for mild over-stimulation in a small minority of patients who were anxious to begin with, i have not seen any negative effects of phenylalanine.

The other element you mentioned in a negative context that I would take issue with is 'manganese' in fetal brain development. Everyone knows that anything in excess, especially minerals, is harmful but what evidence do you have that manganese, in which far more patients are deficient than toxic - I do blood-levels of all these substances on every patient - has ever caused a problem in fetal development, and how would anyone know if it did, in the absence of accurate measuremnt of this mineral in any fluid or tissue in the pregnant woman or developing fetus?

I look forward to your response, and I hope you are having a pleasant long weekend.

John

Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1998 13:55:37 -0500
To: add-holistic@mlists.net
From: "Russell Blaylock, M.D."
Subject: ADD answers to questions

Thanks for the interesting questions:

To Randy, concerning his questions about phenylalanine as a precursor of the catecholamines- dopamine, epinephrine and nor-epinephrine. It is true that dopamine( an integral neurotransmitter of the mesocortical dopaminergic system) and norepinephrine ( vital to the locus ceruleus-cortical system) are reduced in ADD. But, the danger of aspartame goes beyond this. Remember, its two other constituents, methanol and aspartate. Aspartate and the other exicitotoxins may be the cause of the decreased norepinephrine and dopamine in the first place. The real danger is the consumption of these products before the baby is born - while in utero. This is a very vulnerable period because of the rapid growth and internal development of the baby's brain.
I have known numerous mothers and fathers, who have noticed consistently that their children, especially with ADHD, are considerably worse when they are exposed to NutraSweet or MSG products. Conversely, they get much better when they avoid them. It is also known that phenylanine can not only precipitate seizures, but also that it can produce long-lasting behavioral abnormalities in experimental animals ( Schlock RL and Kloper FD. 168: 147-151, 1967) It has also been shown that high concentrations of aspartame can cause delay in developmental milestones and decreased brain weights.( Brunner RL, et al. Neurobehavioral Toxicology 1: 79-86, 1979)

Interestingly, phenylalanine has been shown to be a unique amino acid in that it is actually concentrated by the placenta on the fetal side. This means that when the mother consumes phenylalanine ( as in NutraSweet) the phenylalanine levels are significantly higher in the fetus than in the mother. This can have toxic effects on neurodevelopment. You must remember, just because the brain utilizes a particular substance as a neurotransmitter, it is not safe in all concentrations. Dopamine, for example, is carefully regulated by the striatal brain system. When levels are too high, it is degraded into 6-hydroxydopamine, an excitotoxin that is 6X more potent than glutamate. In this state it undergoes autoxidation, producing H202, which then, in the presence of free iron, generates the very powerful hydroxyl free radical.

One of the ways stress damages the nervous system is via this system. ( Stress can dramatically increase free radical production within the brain.) It plays a vital role in neurodegeneration and subsequent development of Parkinson's disease. Many of these neurodegenerative diseases appear to begin their development long before their clinical presentation, perhaps even childhood or young adulthood.

As for the question about manganese, yes it has been shown to effect neurodevelopment. Manganese toxicity ( very high levels) in adults are known to produce a disorder very similar to Parkinson's disease. There is some evidence that in some cases of ADD there is an excess of tissue manganese. Studies are very early, but I would avoid over- supplementing with manganese. As for the other neurotransmitters, as you will remember from my original post, I mentioned serotonin as one of the deficient transmitters in ADD associated with violent outburst. And, there is some indication that supplementation with its precursor, 5-HTP can ameliorate some of this violent dyscontrol. The same is true of adults as well. But, you should be aware that one of the metabolic breakdown products of serotonin is quinolinic acid, a powerful excitotoxin. In fact, accumulation of this excitotoxin is associated with AIDS dementia as well as other serious neurological disorders. Also, as I stated, excitotoxins can also trigger intense violent outburst. With low serotonin levels, one would expect an exaggerated violent outburst effect. Can, phenylalamine supplementation improve the symptoms of ADD? It's possible, but the dosage should be carefully titrated.

As to FJBCIII's question on tuna fish and tofu, Tuna has two drawbacks. Most canned tuna has HVP ( hydrolyzed vegetable protein) added, and tuna is notorious for its high mercury levels. Tofu has elevated glutamate levels, so I wouldn't get in the habit of eating it regularly or in large quantities.

In closing, excitotoxins are occupying center stage in many neurological disorders and I am convinced that the dramatic increases in many of these neurological disorders, such as Alzheimer's dementia, Parkinson's, ALS and neurodevelopmental disorders are related to the massive amounts of excitotoxins being added to foods.

I thank you for your very interesting questions and for inviting me to participate.

Russell L. Blaylock, M.D.

From: YCaryl@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1998 20:27:45 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: Re: ADD excitotoxins and proteins

Dr. Blaylock, you have really stretched my understanding. I knew nothing about excitotoxins. I am finding wonderful relief from depression with l- tyrosene. The kind I bought (TwinLabs) has B6 and C in it. Does l-tyrosene help reverse the effects of excitotoxins?

Caryl Wattman

From: MarkDGold@aol.com
Date: Sun, 6 Sep 1998 23:38:19 EDT
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD and Excitotoxins

Hi!

I'm at a different email address today. But I thought I would provide add a little bit of information to Dr. Blaylock's comments about the neurotoxicity of phenylalanine in pregnency. This is from a draft review I wrote several years ago.

- Mark
mgold@holisticmed.com

Here are the thoughts of two experts who testified before the U.S. Congress in 1987 (Elsas 1987; Pardridge 1987):

Levy (1994) found that plasma phenylalanine levels of around 400 umol/L in patients with mild hyperphenylalaninaemia were associated with a slightly lower birth measurements and offspring IQ than lower plasma phenylalanine measurements. However, Levy (1994) did not found any additional fetal loss, congenital heart disease or severe non-cardiac anomalies when compared to the control group. Smith (1995) pointed out that for every 100 umol/L rise in plasma phenylalanine levels, there is a clinically important change. Levy (1995) concurred that there is not a threshold level at 400 umol/L plasma phenylalanine.

Date: Mon, 07 Sep 1998 11:06:11 -0600
From: John Dommisse
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: ADD answers to Mn & PA questions

Dr Blaylock,
I agreed that any mineral in excess can be toxic but I found it strange that you singled out manganese together with mercury and lead as particularly prone to cause toxicity. I do manganese - and other mineral, vitamin, amino-acid, multiple hormone, and other levels - on virtually every patient I see, repeatedly, and have thus measured manganese levels in the blood literally thousands of times. I am aware that parkinsonism is supposed to be the effect of this toxicity. Yet, among all these levels, I can count the high ones on one or two hands, while the deficiencies - of which the effects are depression, anxity, fatigue, memory-problems and glucose-intolerance - can be counted in the hundreds or thousands. So just wanted to balance your statement with what I think is a much-more-prevalent problem with manganese - its deficiency. Similarly, I believe the talk of iron-overload is greatly overblown and there are still far more people with iron deficiency than its excess. If one measures both the serum iron and the ferritin level, and realises that a high ferritin level can be caused by conditions other than excessive iron storage, one doesn't diagnose too many cases of iron-overload and they are almost all in men, not women.

On phenylalanine: Could you clarify whether you are against the use of aspartame (including its phenylalanine content) or are you against the use of phenylalanine (on its own) as a prescription for depression, ADHD, etc.? I prescribe 500-1500mg (depending on size of pt, and other factors) of DL-PA after brkfst and lunch daily in these conditions - if their PA level is low in a blood-test. I then re-test. The PA level has never gone above the normal range in these patients, on these doses.

Thanks for your input.

John

Date: Mon, 7 Sep 1998 11:40:13 -0500
To: mgold@holisticmed.com
From: "Russell Blaylock, M.D."
Subject: answers

As far as the supplements found to be most useful:

in general, the most often used with success include:

DMAE ( increases brain acetylcholine levels)
phosphotidylserine ( a glutamate blocker)
DHA ( Very critical role in brain development)
zinc ( plays a critical role in brain development)
magnesium ( Most important neuroprotectant known)
multi-"B" vitamins
methylcobalamin ( also glutamate blocker)

As for Juice plus+, it is a product developed by NSA and sold as a multilevel marketing product, but it is one of the best compounded products I have seen in along time. It consist of a concentrated form of 17 fruits and vegetables, plus enzymes. The most important usefulness for this product is the high concentration of flavonoids. It is suspected that one of the problems in ADD is an excess of histamine in the brain. In the brain, histamine acts as a neurotransmitter. Several of the flavonoids act as antihistamines, but in a way different than drugs, since there is no drowseness. I have spoken to several mothers who have had thier childen on juice plus+ and have reported significant improvement.

To obtain the product you will have to contact a dealer. I do handle the product and my whole family takes it because of its powerful effect in reducing cancer and preventing neurodegeneration. If you have someone who is interested let me know and I can have the company either find them someone close or I will be glad to do it for them.

Date: Sun, 13 Sep 1998 12:54:52 -0400 (EDT)
From: Mark Gold
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: ADD Excitotoxins (Alternatives)

Hi!

I will have a few short posts before introducing the next honored Visiting Expert later tonight. Here's the first one. :-)

Dr. Blaylock mentioned a number of excitotoxins found in foods. One which he mentioned containing an excitotoxin was the artificial sweetener, aspartame. I wanted to suggest to people who are looking to switch to a healthier sweetener that they consider downloading the Healthier Sweetener Resource List I put together a while ago. It lists sweeteners which are generally safe and those to avoid because of toxicity/health concerns. The web address is:

http://www.holisticmed.com/sweet/

Best Wishes,
- Mark
mgold@holisticmed.com
Holistic Healing Web Page
http://www.HolisticMed.com/

From: owner-add-holistic@mLists.net
Date: Wed, 6 Jan 1999 09:38:15 -0700 (MST)
To: add-holistic@mLists.net
Subject: Re: Magnesium and ADD/ADHD

I forwarded that abstract about magnesium deficiency in ADHD children and significant improvement after supplementation to Dr. Russell Blaylock. (I also forwarded to him another abstract that he refers to.) I thought his comments would be of interest to the list:

Date: Wed, 30 Dec 1998 16:17:45 -0500
From: "Russell Blaylock, M.D."
Subject: Re: Magnesium and ADD/ADHD

>Ann Acad Med Stetin 1998;44:297-314
>The aim of my work was the answer to the following questions: how often does
>the deficiency of magnesium, copper, zinc, calcium, iron occur among
>hyperactive children in comparison with healthy children, deficiency of which
....

Thank you for passing the paper along.

It has been something that I suspected all along. A group working out of Covington, La that I work with asked me about excitotoxins and ADD and I suggested that they add magnesium supplimentation to their protecol. They have found it to be very helpful. As you know, magnesium acts by blocking the voltage gated NMDA receptor physiologically. Magnesium deficiency is very common because of poor diets and use of carbonated soft drinks. I have researched most of the papers concerned with magnesium and neurological function and have found it to be one of the most remarkable neuroprotectants. I use it on all of my surgical cases, especially with brain trauma, subarachnoid hemorrhages and strokes with great success. unfortunately, most neurosurgeons do not use it.

I also appreciate the abstract you sent me concerning formaldehyde formation from NutraSweet esposure. It was a very interesting paper, that demonstrates that formaldehyde formation from aspartame ingestion is very common and does indeed accumulate within the cell, reacting with cellular proteins ( mostly enzymes) and DNA ( both mitochondrial and nuclear). The fact that it accumulates with each dose, indicates grave consequences among those who consume diet drinks and foodstuffs on a daily basis.

I have also discovered that MSG excitotoxicity is greatly magnified in the presence of lead. This would have importance in children with ADD having elevated tissue lead levels. Likewise, recent studies have shown that MSG dramatically elevates free radical generation within all tissues, not just brain, and that it does so for a prolonged periods of time following even a single dose. The importance of this observation is that this would also raise the likelihood of cancer induction in several exposed tissues, including brain, by oncogene activation by said free radicals.

It is unfortunate that so few in the field of ADDand ADHD care giving understand the central importance of excitotoxins. Many of the treatment that I have seen relate back to excitotoxicity, despite other explinations being given. For example, the Feingold diet. Close adherence to the diet eleminates many excitotoxins from the diet. I suspect this is why it works so well. Remember, excitotoxins interplay with many neurotransmitters, stimulate free radical production, damage brain lipids, interact with many trace metals, and that elevated intake of excitotoxins is associated with eicosanoid injury to neurons, which would explain thier relationship to omega-3-fatty acids. These are very powerful substances and not only can they kill neurons, but they affect their physiology and even brain development itself.

[followup comments]

With the newer studies linking excitotoxicity with free radical generation, I think it will be very difficult for those selling these toxin to defend them as safe much longer. I am especially concerned because the free radical generation caused by excitotoxins is so prolonged. It must be related to all degenerative diseases, including cancer. In the case of aspartame, the effects of formaldehyde on cellular proteins and DNA ( oncogene activation and p53 tumor suppressor gene alteration) in conjunction with free radical generation would certainly lead to a high incidence of neuronal dysfunction. I think this is why I receive so many calls from young women who have developed brain tumors ( mostly astrocytomas) following prolonged use of NutraSweet.

Russell

Russell L. Blaylock, MD

Presentation + Questions & Answers For ADD-Holistic Discussion Group http://www.HolisticMed.Com/add/

Presentation + Questions & Answers
For ADD-Holistic Discussion Group
http://www.HolisticMed.Com/add/