WHAT IS SEROTONIN?

 Serotonin is a chemical nerve cells produce.

It sends signals between your nerve cells.
Serotonin is found mostly in the digestive
system, although it’s also in blood platelets
and throughout the central nervous system.
 Serotonin is made from the essential amino
acid tryptophan. This amino acid must enter
your body through your diet and is
commonly found in foods such as nuts,
cheese, and red meat. Tryptophan deficiency
can lead to lower serotonin levels. This can
result in mood disorders, such as anxiety or
depression.
SEROTONIN AND ITS BASICS

 Serotonin is a chemical that has a wide variety of

functions in the human body
 It is called the happy chemical because it
contributes to well being and happiness
 The chemical name for serotonin is 5-
hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT, it is mainly found in
the brain bowels and blood platelets
 It is believed to help regulate mood and social
behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory
and function.
 There may be a link between serotonin and
depression, but it is unclear whether low
serotonin causes depression or if it is the other
way around
Chemical composition

 Serotonin’s chemical formula is

C₁₀H₁₂N₂O .
 It is made from the essential amino acid
tryptophan which enters our body
through foods such as cheese nuts and
red meat
 Tryptophan is converted into serotonin
in the following process
SOURCES OF
SEROTONIN
Synthetic SOURCES
1.Medications
Several common antidepressant medications
directly increase serotonin levels in the brain.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
(SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant medication
that prevents serotonin from reabsorption in the
brain. By doing this, these drugs increase the levels
of serotonin available to receptors.
Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine
(Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). These drugs are
effective for increasing serotonin and can treat
symptoms of depression.
NATURAL SOURCES
1. Salmon
Salmon is a rich source of tryptophan, which is important for
producing serotonin.
2. Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds are natural sources of tryptophan and protein, as
well as an adequate salmon replacement for those who prefer a
vegetarian diet.
3. Turkey and Poultry
Turkey and poultry are also full of tryptophan and good sources
of protein.
4. Eggs
Eggs are packed with protein and a favorite staple of athletes and
bodybuilders.
5. Milk and Cheese
Cheese and milk are excellent sources of tryptophan and as an
added bonus they are rich in calcium for healthy bones and teeth.
FUNCTIONS

 As a neurotransmitter, serotonin relays

signals between nerve cells, or neurons,
regulating their intensity.
 It is believed to play a key role in the
central nervous system (CNS) and in the
general functioning of the body, and
especially the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.
Studies have found links between serotonin
and bone metabolism, breast milk
production, liver regeneration, and cell
division.
 Serotonin influences most brain cells both
directly and indirectly.
What Does Serotonin Regulate?

Serotonin is known to be involved in many bodily functions, ranging

from regulating mood to digesting food.
Digestion:
Serotonin contributes to normal bowel function and reduces your
appetite as you eat to help you know when you're full. The
neurotransmitter also plays a protective role in the gut.
BLOOD PLATELETS:
When a blood vessel gets damaged platelets arrive blocking the
breakage and release serotonin which stops or reduces the loss of
blood.
Sleep:
The exact nature of serotonin's role in sleep has been debated by
researchers, but it's believed to influence when, how much, and how
well you sleep. Serotonin does not regulate these tasks alone other
neurotransmitters like dopamine also play a key role, etc.
Causes of deficiency in serotonin

Researchers aren’t sure about the exact causes of

serotonin deficiency. Some people may simply produce
less than others.

Other potential causes include:

 Having fewer serotonin receptors
 Having serotonin receptors that don’t effectively
receive serotonin
 Serotonin breaking down or being absorbed to
soon.
 Low levels of L-tryptophan, vitamin D, vitamin B-6,
or omega-3 fatty acids, which your body needs in
order to produce serotonin
Disadvantages of Decrease of serotonin levels:

Low levels of serotonin have been linked with:

 Mild to severe depression
 Low mood
 Poor memory
They may also lead to the following symptoms:
 Craving for sweet or starchy foods
 Insomnia, fatigue
 Low self-esteem/feelings of worthlessness
 Aggression
 Anxiety, fear
How is it treated?

 Selective serotonin reuptake

inhibitors (SSRIs) are approved to
treat depression.
 They are the most commonly known
as antidepressants. Examples
include fluoxetine citalopram and
sertraline etc..
 Normally, once a neurotransmitter
has transmitted it is reabsorbed
back .
 But SSRIs prevent the serotonin
from being reabsorbed, leading to
higher levels of serotonin in the
synapses.
What does more levels of serotonin cause ?

Over intake of pills that increase serotonin can lead to another

condition of more levels of serotonin called as serotonin syndrome.

What is serotonin syndrome?

Serotonin syndrome occurs when someone has excess of
the neurotransmitter serotonin in their nervous system

side effects of serotonin syndrome

 Because serotonin is produced primarily in the gastrointestinal
tract, digestive problems like nausea and diarrhea are common.
 A person experiencing serotonin syndrome may also be
confused, dizzy, or disoriented.
 In severe cases, an individual may develop hallucinations and
seizures.
 Serious cases of serotonin syndrome can be fatal if left untreated.
However, serotonin syndrome is usually very treatable. Recovery
often occurs within 24 hours of seeking medical help.
THANK YOU