L-Dopa

L-dopa (L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) is a non-essential amino acid that can be found in some foods and herbs, and it's also made inside the human body by using another amino acid, L-tyrosine. L-dopa's most important function is that it acts as a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine and other important neurotransmitters.*

A neurotransmitter is a natural, biological chemical that helps transmit nerve signals in the body.

The most common natural source of L-dopa is a bean plant called Mucuna Pruriens, or velvet bean. Most supplemental forms of L-dopa are extracted from Mucuna Pruriens.

L-dopa is found in some foods and herbs, and most supplement products that contain L-dopa are made from the extract of the velvet bean, which is usually referred to as Mucuna Pruriens. This plant has been used since ancient times in traditional health methods in India.

L-dopa is a popular supplement because it's been suggested that when L-dopa is in the blood stream it then enters the brain and is converted to dopamine, a very important neurotransmitter.* Dopamine is thought to be involved in mental process like voluntary muscular movement, motivation, reward system, sexual gratification, sleep, mood, attention, working memory, and learning.

L-dopa is starting to be used in many different kinds of supplements from muscle building products to sleep support.* That's because some research suggests that L-dopa may help support:

• Lean muscle growth*
• Normal hormone levels in men and women*
• Sexual health*
• Sense of well-being and overall healthy mood*
• Mind and memory function*

Now you're thinking you might add L-dopa to your supplement stack - but here are some things to think about: Who can take it? Answer: Men and women 18 years and older - or talk to a physician about your situation.

What kind of product should you buy? Answer: First, L-dopa is not sold often as a standalone supplement, but you can buy Mucuna extract, and the active supplement in Mucuna products is L-dopa.