If you need a new mood-boosting strategy, you should know that our IV Lounge in Toronto can tailor an IV drip with amino acids. But what does this have to do with mood? Well, these nutrients could help in the management of mental health concerns, such as depression.  

Nutrient deficiencies can contribute to forming poor mental health. In the U.S. alone, it’s been shown that patients struggling with mental illnesses tend to lack omega-3 fatty acids, as well as certain vitamins and minerals; upping these nutrient levels with supplements has led to positive effects in studies. Findings have also posited that amino acids may be beneficial for mood, as they can transform into neurotransmitters in the body. Thus, amino acids may contribute to managing anxiety, ADHD, substance overindulgences, bipolar, depression, and other mental health conditions. 

This article from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre highlights: 

• • A recap of what amino acids do in the human body;
  • How these nutrients are linked to depression, anxiety, etc.;
  • The types of IV therapy treatments offered by our clinical practice. 

Quick Recap: What Are Amino Acids?

We simply cannot live without proteins. These molecules are needed for every function in the human body, from blood cell formation to optimizing the health of bones. 

Proteins are made out of elongated chains of amino acids, which are molecules that serve as protein building blocks. These building blocks have a wide range of bodily tasks, such as: 

• • Strengthening immune health
  • Breaking down food to support digestion
  • Optimizing skin health, hair and nail growth
  • Producing hormones and neurotransmitters
  • Repairing tissue damage from injuries or extreme physical exertion 

Amino acids are commonly taken to support sports-related health goals, such as enhancing athletic performance and muscle recovery. But due to their wide-ranging beneficial effects, amino acids could also be valuable for mood support.

How Do These Nutrients Affect Mental Health?

Labs have validated that mood disorders and neurotransmitter dysfunctions can be linked. Some amino acids actually act as precursors for key neurotransmitters, so their supplementation may potentially aid brain function and mood. In fact, “A single meal, depending on its protein and carbohydrate content, can rapidly influence the uptake of amino acids into the brain and directly modify their conversion to neurotransmitters,” explains the Handbook of Behavior, Food and Nutrition.

Here’s a brief list of amino acids that have shown to positively affect mental health: 

• • L-theanine: Psychology Today reports, “The amino acid L-theanine, a natural constituent of green tea, reduces anxiety by increasing alpha activity and increasing synthesis of the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA.” (Note: GABA helps promote calming effects.)
  • Glutamic acid: Chronic stress can hinder the functioning of glutamic acid in the body, which can negatively affect neuroplasticity. Supplementing with this may help replenish this amino acid to help lessen stress and support cognitive function. 
  • Tyrosine: This nutrient converts to norepinephrine and dopamine. Dopamine produces pleasurable feelings and optimizes mood and sleep. Norepinephrine acts as a hormone and neurotransmitter that impacts your flight-or-flight response to stress. 
  • Branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs): A study from Nutrition Journal found that boosting the intake of BCAAs was related to reducing anxiety and depression. BCAAs include leucine, isoleucine, and valine; though mandatory for our health, they cannot be synthesized by the human body. Hence, we must source BCAAs from food and supplements.

Suggested reading: About stress-induced inflammation: A learning guide from our IV therapy Toronto lounge

How can amino acids affect your wellness journey? To find out, please discuss this with your functional healthcare provider. Before taking any new oral or IV supplements, formal health advice should be sought to avoid medication interactions. In our IV Lounge, we can test nutrient levels, including your personal amounts of amino acids, to explore the source of your symptoms (i.e. brain fog, poor energy levels, high oxidative stress). Then, your treatment plan can be personalized with lifestyle modifications, oral supplementation, intravenous nutritional solutions, and more. 

A comprehensive approach to wellness may be strategic for physical and mental symptoms – experience the perks of custom health care today. 

Why Choose the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre’s IV Lounge

Our functional medicine clinic is available to replenish your body with nutrients! IV drip therapies are suitable for patients with an aversion to pills and for those struggling with their absorption of nutrients (malabsorption). Here are some reasons to opt into our IV Lounge’s vitamin drips:  

• • We have an experienced team of functional medicine providers: In 2012, we opened the first IV Lounge in Toronto. We’ve expanded to offer several personalized therapies under one roof, including Western and naturopathic medicine, psychotherapy, complementary nutrient therapy, and more. 
  • Consultations aim to improve your health education: When patients understand how their therapies work and the significance of healthy living, they tend to adhere to their treatments. 
  • Our IV therapy drips are blended on-site: We blend drip therapies on the spot so that you’re guaranteed a fresh drip for each IV therapy session. None of our vitamin infusions contain preservatives – only natural ingredients.

Along with a combination of amino acids, including glutamic acid, we personalize IV therapy treatments with vitamin C, B vitamins (i.e. folic acid), alpha-lipoic acid, various trace minerals, and other key nutrients. Intramuscular injections with vitamin D, a powerful antioxidant called glutathione, and vitamin B6 can also be prescribed. These doses of nutrients are personalized with the principles of functional medicine; this means dosages are measured for biological needs (i.e. mineral deficiencies) and functional testing may be advised.

We aim to explore the source of your health issues with a patient-centered, collaborative approach to wellness. We believe in your potential to grasp optimal functioning! If you have questions about our clinical practice or want to update your therapeutic doses for your next IV drip, let us know. 

Intravenous therapy can be accessed in our Toronto IV Lounge today. Elevate your energy levels, cognition, skin health, and more with our natural ingredients – start now by contacting our integrative functional medicine clinic.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is designed for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. This information should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting a doctor. You should always consult with a health care practitioner before relying on any information in this article or on this website. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider because of information you have read from the Toronto Functional Medicine Centre website or other affiliate media. 

 

References

Dioguardi, F. S. (2011). Clinical use of amino acids as dietary supplement: Pros and cons. Journal of Cachexia, Sarcopenia and Muscle, 2(2), 75. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13539-011-0032-8

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Military Nutrition Research. The Role of Protein and Amino Acids in Sustaining and Enhancing Performance. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1999. 14, Amino Acid and Protein Requirements: Cognitive Performance, Stress, and Brain Function. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK224629/

Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Nutrition, Trauma, and the Brain; Erdman J, Oria M, Pillsbury L, editors. Nutrition and Traumatic Brain Injury: Improving Acute and Subacute Health Outcomes in Military Personnel. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2011. 8, Branched-Chain Amino Acids. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK209312/

Kofler, M., Schiefecker, A. J., Gaasch, M., Fuchs, D., Beer, R., Ferger, B., Rass, V., Hackl, W., Rhomberg, P., Pfausler, B., Thomé, C., Schmutzhard, E., & Helbok, R. (2019). A reduced concentration of brain interstitial amino acids is associated with depression in subarachnoid hemorrhage patients. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 1-10. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-39569-5

Koochakpoor, G., Salari-Moghaddam, A., Keshteli, A.H. et al. Dietary intake of branched-chain amino acids in relation to depression, anxiety and psychological distress. Nutr J 20, 11 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12937-021-00670-z

Lakhan SE, Vieira KF. Nutritional therapies for mental disorders. Nutr J. 2008 Jan 21;7:2. doi: 10.1186/1475-2891-7-2. PMID: 18208598; PMCID: PMC2248201.

Lopez MJ, Mohiuddin SS. Biochemistry, Essential Amino Acids. [Updated 2024 Apr 30]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557845/

Nasrallah, P., Haidar, E. A., Stephan, J. S., El Hayek, L., Karnib, N., Khalifeh, M., Barmo, N., Jabre, V., Houbeika, R., Ghanem, A., Nasser, J., Zeeni, N., Bassil, M., & Sleiman, S. F. (2019). Branched-chain amino acids mediate resilience to chronic social defeat stress by activating BDNF/TRKB signaling. Neurobiology of Stress, 11, 100170. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ynstr.2019.100170

National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. Recommended Dietary Allowances: 10th Edition. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1989. 6, Protein and Amino Acids. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234922/

Pal MM. Glutamate: The Master Neurotransmitter and Its Implications in Chronic Stress and Mood Disorders. Front Hum Neurosci. 2021 Oct 29;15:722323. doi: 10.3389/fnhum.2021.722323. PMID: 34776901; PMCID: PMC8586693.

Ren, W., Li, Y., Yin, Y., Blachier, F. (2013). Structure, Metabolism and Functions of Amino Acids: An Overview. In: Blachier, F., Wu, G., Yin, Y. (eds) Nutritional and Physiological Functions of Amino Acids in Pigs. Springer, Vienna. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7091-1328-8_7

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Umeda, K., Shindo, D., Somekawa, S., Nishitani, S., Sato, W., Toyoda, S., Karakawa, S., Kawasaki, M., Mine, T., & Suzuki, K. (2022). Effects of Five Amino Acids (Serine, Alanine, Glutamate, Aspartate, and Tyrosine) on Mental Health in Healthy Office Workers: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Exploratory Trial. Nutrients, 14(11), 2357. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14112357

“Using Amino Acids and Omega-3s to Treat Bipolar Disorder” from Psychology Today, posted June 15, 2018, viewed on February 17, 2025. 

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