Alopecia – hair loss; autoimmune & other reasons

Male pattern baldness, thinning at the forehead scalp line, can have genetic reasons and can be more likely when autoimmunity is a factor. The hair follicles become dysfunctional due to autoimmune changes. Malnutrition of adequate protein, trace minerals, and B vitamins, methylated forms, may also be involved, and also essential fatty acids and phospholipids play a role.

Nutrients that play a role in hair growth or other growth and energy pathways:

  • Methyl folate, methyl B12, choline, other B vitamins,
  • Magnesium, especially Epsom salt soaks, which provides sulfate also,
  • Trace minerals including boron, silicon, manganese, molybdenum, copper, and especially zinc, and inadequate Iodine in ratio to excess halides (bromide, fluoride, chloride), is likely involved,
  • Nrf2 promoting foods (page G10)/herbals, especially sulfur containing foods like onions and cruciferous vegetables. Herbs and Spices adds more of the Nrf2 promoting phytonutrients in addition to trace minerals and other vitamins. See page G10. Nrf2 Promoting Foods, on the site: effectivecare.info.
  • p53 promoting foods is a similar list with some more specific herbals.
  • Fennel seeds or fennel oil, seem to particularly help hair growth, and other
  • Phospholipid rich foods also can help build strong flexible membranes which are needed for strong hair or healthy cells: seeds, nuts, whole grains, cumin, coriander, cardamom,
  • Protein adequacy – hair is made of protein,
  • Omega 3, EPA/DHA, is also involved in having strong flexible membranes,
  • Moderate carb, higher fat from coconut & olive oil & pumpkin seeds/blanched almonds, can help reduce inflammation.

Low stomach acid may be factor in low B vitamin level. 2 spoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon juice with a meal can help low stomach acidity & increase B vitamin intake. It is similar type of acidity.

Fennel seeds or Fennel oil (how to make it yourself link)

Fennel seeds – eat them and are used in a scalp and hair oil by making your own or buying some Make your own, link: How to make Saunf – Fennel Oil and use for Hair Growth Benefits; Prevents Hair Loss Cleanses Scalp. (herzindagi.com)

Fennel Seed Oil product page, *unaffiliated: Fennel Seed Oil Benefits.

  • Free radicals are detrimental to the hair. Without enough antioxidants in the body, free radicals can cause oxidative stress, which impedes hair growth and causes thinning. Fennel seeds are packed with antioxidants, as well as nutrients like pantothenic acid, iron, molybdenum, copper, folate, iron, and niacin that stimulate hair growth.” (simplyorganicbeauty.com)

Magnesium, protein & phospholipids are needed for reducing oxidative stress whether it is from fear, worry, physical work or exercise, or from an infection or chronic illness. Volatile chemicals from new vinyl furnishings or smoke or smog may also increase inflammation. Poor sleep quality, bright lights in the evening, or EMF exposure anytime, may be increasing low level chronic inflammation. https://twitter.com/deNutrients/status/1508741284281950211?t=1bZp3cy352Op2cH0H64-Gg&s=19…

This site http://Transcendingsquare.com has my main magnesium blogs: To have optimal magnesium needs protein and phospholipids too (Food sources and supplement types of magnesium and food sources of phospholipids and the basic protein minimal requirements for a healthy diet. We can not have electrically active ions of magnesium present in excess, or other ions.

Protein transport proteins carry magnesium and other trace minerals and may be shared. So too much of one type can cause a deficiency of another type of trace mineral – as seen with the interaction between high intakes of zinc leading to low copper, or high intakes of copper leading to low zinc. (to-have-optimal-magnesium-needs-protein-and-phospholipids-too/)

A personal success story – low oxolates, gluten free, moderate carb Paleo approach:

Carla Coulson shares about her own strategies that helped with her autoimmune and alopecia hair loss symptoms – she uses a Paleo approach which may be a higher protein balance than I tend to recommend (Moderate carb calorie diet: 30% carb/45-50% fat/20-25% protein). Lower carbohydrate intake and adequate protein is likely helpful for reducing inflammation and improving mitochondrial health and cytokine balance.

Cutting out gluten and going on a low oxalate diet were also important steps she says in the article: Cutting out gluten and going on a low oxalate diet were also important steps she says in the article: Auto-immune – going, going, almost gone! CarlaCoulson.com.

Immune Cell – cytokines and myokines

Cytokines or myokines (like cytokines but formed by muscle cells during activity) are inflammatory signals made in response to physical or emotional stress and they cause junior immune cells to differentiate into more specialized types. The types vary to respond to different types of pathogens, or other needs.

Excessive numbers of active immune cells may be created during an infection or stressful time of life from the increased amounts of inflammatory cytokines, or for people with very strenuous physical work or exercise as more myokines form with increased muscle activity. Having an excess of myokines from muscle overwork, or excess cytokines from EMF exposure, infection, or a really stressful day, can lead to more junior immune cells converting into whatever active form the specific type of cytokine or myokine causes.

This increase in immune cells may lead to more risk of antibodies forming against food proteins that also resemble one of our own proteins. These antibodies then attach to our tissue and our own immune cells then attack one of our own cells. This leads to autoimmune damage to cells and tissues that have a lot of that type of protein. The gluten protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and other grains is similar thyroid tissue and can be a factor in autoimmune thyroid disease. Molecular mimicry – dietary molecules mimicking a body protein can cause the immune antibodies to be formed against the body protein.

In the case of spike lodged in a receptor, the numerous immune cells may make autoimmune antibodies against that type of receptors. Video https://odysee.com/@BacktoBasics:e/99-Etappensiege-Original—Dr.-Sherri-Tenpenny:d

The risk of antibodies forming against food proteins is also more likely if leaky bowel membranes are a problem – leaky in the sense that larger size proteins can slip through gaps between cells (called tight junctions). The mucus or jelly like glycocalyx layer that coats our mucus membranes and intestinal lining, helps close that gap between cells. Eating more foods like okra, or slippery elm powder in tea, can help add to the fibrous structure of the glycocalyx.

As a bonus for eating more fiber rich foods, including the gooey ones (mucilaginous starches – can attract and hold water kind of like a sponge), the hair follicle is also supported. The glycocalyx, extracellular matrix (semi-solid fluid environment surrounding our cells), and the hair follicle which grows and supports our individual hairs, are all made in part with proteoglycans. (4)

  • The proteoglycans are part of membrane cell,
  • they are part of the glycocalyx and the extracellular matrix,
  • they are compound by carbohydrates and sulfated amino acids
  • that confers negative charges able to attract water and form gels that resist mechanical forces in the connective tissue,
  • as well as function as a semipermeable and selective membrane to various cationic molecules [positive charged ions or other larger molecules with a positive charge],
  • its direct and indirect interaction with membrane receptors and growth factors regulates several transcription ways involved in the development of multiple pro-oncogenic processes.” (4)

Sulfur containing produce can help promote Nrf2 and provide bioavailable sulfur compounds for our proteoglycan needs. Baths, foot or hand-soaks with Epsom salt, magnesium sulfate, would also help.

Nrf2 is the short name for a gene and the protein it encodes. It helps promote the activation of genes that make antioxidants and promote growth and repair. Sulfarophane is another sulfur containing phytonutrient found in broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables. It is also an Nrf2 promoter. Any of the Nrf2 promoting molecules also tend to be inhibitors of inflammatory pathways as there are circadian cycle proteins that are shared. Simplified example: An assembly line might make one product on the night shift and another on the day shift using the same machine – so the two products can not be made at exactly same time – because the machine is busy.

The membrane control of the positively charged cationic molecules is an important function of proteoglycans and their presence in hair follicles might help explain why radiation poisoning causes hair to fall out. Proteoglycan replacement therapy was found helpful for reducing hair loss in male or female pattern balding. (5)

Research shows that bioactive proteoglycans, e.g., versican and decorin, can actively trigger follicular phase shift by their anagen-inducing, anagen-maintaining, and immunoregulatory properties. This emerging insight has led to the recognition of “dysregulated proteoglycan metabolism” as a plausible causal or mediating pathology in hair growth disorders in both men and women. In support of this, declined expression of proteoglycans has been reported in cases of anagen shortening and follicular miniaturisation.

To facilitate scientific communication, we propose designating this pathology “follicular hypoglycania (FHG),” which results from an impaired ability of follicular cells to replenish and maintain a minimum relative concentration of key proteoglycans during anagen. Lasting FHG may advance to structural decay, called proteoglycan follicular atrophy (PFA). This process is suggested to be an integral pathogenetic factor in pattern hair loss (PHL) and telogen effluvium (TE).” (5)

Low carb diets or moderate low (30% calories from carbohydrates) can help fight inflammation.

Higher carbohydrate diets, such as the standard American diet, cause the body to use B vitamins and magnesium in greater amounts which can lead to deficiency, and store excess carbohydrates as fats throughout the body or excess fructose is converted into fats stored in the liver. When the body is busy making and storing fats in adipose/fat cells, then it can’t be doing other things like growing hair.

Our body needs us to be efficiency experts for it and our microbiome and part of that efficiency is detox and moisture. The glycocalyx or extracellular matrix or our hair follicles can not work well if to dry. We are about 60-70% water and it helps move nutrients to cells and take away toxins. Thick congestion that makes it hard to breathe is glycocalyx that is too dry while a drippy nose with allergy season thin watery mucus is too wet. Health generally is a balance. Drinking plenty of water and moving regularly can use our motion to help the blood vessels circulate nutrients to all of our cells and our lymphatic system to remove toxins.

Disclaimer: This information is being provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of Fair Use and is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please seek a functional health practitioner for individual health guidance.

Reference List

  1. Haslam IS, Jadkauskaite L, Szabó IL, Staege S, Hesebeck-Brinckmann J, Jenkins G, Bhogal RK, Lim FL, Farjo N, Farjo B, Bíró T, Schäfer M, Paus R. Oxidative Damage Control in a Human (Mini-) Organ: Nrf2 Activation Protects against Oxidative Stress-Induced Hair Growth Inhibition. J Invest Dermatol. 2017 Feb;137(2):295-304. doi: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.08.035. Epub 2016 Oct 1. PMID: 27702566. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27702566/
  2. Pham CT, Romero K, Almohanna HM, Griggs J, Ahmed A, Tosti A. The Role of Diet as an Adjuvant Treatment in Scarring and Nonscarring Alopecia. Skin Appendage Disord. 2020;6(2):88-96. doi:10.1159/000504786 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7109385/
  3. European Medicines Agency. 2008. Assessment Report on Foeniculum Vulgare Miller. Available: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/assessment-report-foeniculum-vulgare-miller_en.pdf
  4. Sánchez-álvarez, I. & Ponce-Olivera, R.M.. (2017). Role of proteoglycans in the hair follicle. Dermatologia Revista Mexicana. 61. 474-486. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/322852013_Role_of_proteoglycans_in_the_hair_follicle
  5. Wadstein, Jan & Thom, Erling & Gadzhigoroeva, Aida. (2020). Integral Roles of Specific Proteoglycans in Hair Growth and Hair Loss: Mechanisms behind the Bioactivity of Proteoglycan Replacement Therapy with Nourkrin® with Marilex® in Pattern Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium. Dermatology Research and Practice. 2020. 1-17. 10.1155/2020/8125081. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/341166634_Integral_Roles_of_Specific_Proteoglycans_in_Hair_Growth_and_Hair_Loss_Mechanisms_behind_the_Bioactivity_of_Proteoglycan_Replacement_Therapy_with_NourkrinR_with_MarilexR_in_Pattern_Hair_Loss_and_Teloge

Vak Spike vs Viral Spike and Exosomes

#EarlyTreatmentWorks – prevention regularly is best bet as early means first 3-5-7 days of first symptoms ~a cold, not let it get a week later & you went to work throughout. Increasing dosing frequency rather than megadosing at once->24/7 protection ~ 3-4 x~8 hrs or 6 hrs apart

Basic treatment info and dosing guidance here: Short List Dosing Details ranges with selfcare guidance. Also on jenniferdepew.com, page Nutrients and page Cofactors.

Questions I was asked: How Bad Is The Sp!ke? – (@_nikolakii_)

How bad is the actual virus vs how bad is the vaccine?

  1. The actual virus is not that bad except for the chimeric spike added to it. Those who get infected and are unvaccinated without comorbidities have an approximately 99 percent recovery rate. 
    • However the lingering LongCovid rate is more significant and frequently disabling. People have had difficulty getting help or answers.
    • Autoimmune antibodies against receptors that spike was lodged in may have been formed leading to self destruction of whatever protein or receptor type it was when antibodies against it were created by the person’s immune cells.
    • Allergy like or other excess histamine symptoms might result from overactive mast cells. Over production of retinoic acid, the active form of vitamin A, might also lead to symptoms of mast cell overactivity. The dietary solutions can help a lot but are big changes – avoid all vitamin A foods and rich carotenoid sources of fruits and vegetables – seriously, but can help prevent long term liver and kidney damage and neurologic symptoms. Histamine producing or containing foods also need to be avoided, again, it can help a lot though.
    • Fatigue from anemia of chronic inflammation is likely, and elevated ferritin levels with fairly normal to low hemoglobin level might be lab results. Iron chelator herbs can help fairly quickly, then continue. Artemisinin is the one I used, am and pm for a few months and then once a day for a year or more.
      1. Now I have been using Wormwood in tea with some better tasting medicinal herbs & (small piece or a couple) pomegranate and (can be several larger pieces, is mild and fruity) mango peel. Sweet Wormwood is less bitter and no thujone which can be a seizure risk if too much is consumed. I add thyme to balance the GABA effects from the Wormwood/thujone, fennel seed adds flavor, and dandelion leaf & root for anti-prion help.
    • Nerve tingling or pain in fingers and toes or pain, turning to reddening and swollen is a hypoxia of the tissue problem. Gentle exercise helps keep circulation going.
      1. Epsom salt soaks help with a well absorbed form of magnesium and sulfate, both beneficial for cardiovascular and tissue health.
      2. An imbalance of cannabinoids is present due to the inflammation, so CBD alone would make the imbalance worse. THC products would help provide the type that is needed, and it helps reduce the hypoxia.
      3. Thiamine, B1, is also needed in amounts greater than available in food when there is inflammation and it can help hypoxia at the higher doses, 300 mg or more, seek guidance for larger amounts. Other Bs should also be taken in to provide balance – Bs are a team, work together within the mitochondria and in other functions. Niacin and other info in this: Spike Summary Spreadsheet, Telomerase, Circadian Cycle and Nrf2, (and niacin, also a link at the end to a post focused on niacin & melatonin).
      4. Malnutrition in general is a risk factor for demyelination nerve damaging conditions. Low CoQ10 is also a risk factor. G12. Demyelination.
  2. The vaccines are worse in a variety of ways with the most basic being that the spike used in all the brands of injections was modified, supposedly to be better, but it has worse health effects as it is on the surface of the human cells – it would not be there in an infection, only on the virus, or within a cell being formed to make virus with. Virus hijack the cell machinery for replication of it instead of normal functions. See last post: Adaptive Immunity, ADE, and Antibodies.
    1. The modified spike is a worse nicotinic acetyl choline receptor blocker – the gene sequence has a section like snake venom toxin which causes paralytic effects by inhibiting cholinergic messaging (acetylcholine is a brain neurotransmitter it also activates choline receptors). Blocking nAChR receptors – would lead to the hearing and vision problems, excessive menstrual bleeding, colitis, miscarriage, myocarditis. The cholinergic blocking #nAChRs can cause sperm motility issues and the excessive menstrual symptoms may indicate risk of female infertility/early menopause.
      • Nicotine activates function and would protect-block- the nicotinic acetylcholine receptors from spike protein. Choline might work too, but for me, I needed nicotine to resolve my colitis-like symptoms.
    2. Exhaled breathe or sweat from vaccinated people may contain free S1 subunit of spike proteins and can spread passively to non-vaccinated people. Exosomes, membrane packets with spike on the surface, may also carry the genetic directions within.
      • Exosomes are similar to pheromones and act as messengers within the body from one part to another but also can be exuded to share with the outer world too. There has to be a matching surface marker for another person’s cells to accept the exosome or pheromone, or on a cell within a person if it was acting as a messenger between different areas of the body.
    3. The spike affects ACE2 in a way that leads to pneumonia-like edema of lung tissue
      • Citrus peel or pomegranate peel can help. The Citrus Peel is more effective for clearing congestion and opening airways. The Pomegranate peel helps protect ACE2 receptors. G13. Pomegranate. G14. Citrus Peel.
    4. The vaccines increases the risk of fungal infections, other viral infections or flare up of Herpes or shingles, and cancer risk.
      • Dectin-1 receptors protect against fungal infections and spike blocks them, eating mushrooms or Nutritional Yeast Flakes would activate them instead, lodging and protecting them from being available to spike protein. *this is spike specific and to prevent fungal infections, rather than being a standard treatment for fungal infections – which might include a recommendation to avoid eating mushrooms.
      • CD8+ T killer cells are reduced in number and lymphocyte count might be low on a lab test. CD8 cells help fight virus and cancer cells.
    5. Cancer risk is also increased by inhibition of the Toll Like Receptors. (2)
      • Magnesium and methyl donor B vitamins, Nrf2 promoting phytonutrients, pomegranate and citrus peel, and most of the other things mentioned, also would be protective against cancer risks.
      • Reducing sugar and total carbohydrates helps Covid infection or cancer risk.
      • Reducing glutamate seasonings would also reduce cancer risk. Those are also usually histamine problem foods – may need to kick them out of the diet anyway – headaches may be a symptom if that is a problem.
    6. The vaccines contain prion like sections, so misfolding protein conditions may be a risk Parkinson’s disease ( clumps called Lewy Bodies, 1), Alzheimer’s & CJD/Mad Cow Disease.
      • Delphinidin (black beans, black sesame seeds or rice, Blue Lotus or Blue Butterfly Pea flowers) and pomegranate peel, dandelion leaf or root and/or pine needle tea may reduce this risk.
      • Avoiding organophosphate pesticide and glyphosate herbicide residue may also help reduce risk.
    7. The jab increases toxicity of bacteria endotoxin LPS & SEB. Spike has a SEB like endotoxin sequence. Both endotoxins increase inflammation.
    8. Rapid aging –  damage repair of DNA is inhibited, affecting immune cell differentiation in addition to increased risk for cancer and mitochondrial disorders such as Parkinson’s Disease.
      • Methyl donor B vitamins, folate and hydroxy or methyl B12 and choline may help.
      • Nrf2 promoting foods and phytonutrients may help. (G10. Nrf2 Promoting Foods)
    9. Inflammation is increased in many ways by the spike destruction of tissue, changes to receptor function, the bacterial endotoxin SEB and LPS from negative species of the microbiome. 
      • Nrf2 promotors would help reduce inflammation; vitamin C and alpha lipoic acid, other mitochondria support and high dose niacin/melatonin protocol could also.
    10. SARS-CoV-2 can infect bacteria, so again, a healthy microbiome is critical in a number of ways. Beneficial, zinc fed, species also help colon health and reduce infection risk with butyrate production. Butyrate can activate the niacin receptor and can also help reduce inflammation and increase removal of cellular crud, like free spike protein, by white blood cells with endolysomes, see earlier link for an image. Spike Summary Spreadsheet, Telomerase, Circadian Cycle and Nrf2
      • Vegetables and high fiber grains, beans, nuts, seeds, can help the microbiome flourish along with zinc and iron – though avoiding iron rich foods is helpful for other inflammatory issues mentioned in the first section in the discussion of LongCovid.
    11. TRP channel disruption – at the ankyrin repeat domains.
      •  Risk to hair cells in hearing and the vestibular system (sense of balance and steady tracking of vision – following the bird in the sky).
      • Epsom salt soaks, for a well absorbed topical source is needed as TRP channels in the GI tract are needed to absorb magnesium ions and spike disrupts them.
    12. Others – this document has an earlier version and other sections, including one on exosomes topic, references for that are included: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1tnhDPY59_NXG5dcCHVsIicgR5W_hDCSoJ9j9QIlwtrY/edit?usp=sharing 

The increased risk of autoimmune antibodies forming against receptors the spike is lodged in on the cells means that there can be a life long autoimmune attack on those receptors afterwards. If anti-phospholipid antibodies formed, then the person’s own immune cells would be led to attack and remove endocannabinoids, – phospholipid molecules. And symptoms of the numb fingers and toes may involve endocannabinoid disruption during LongCovid. See: Cannabinoids & blood vessels – and LongCovid. Anti-phospholipid antibodies could by breaking down even more endocannabinoids than the inflammation had caused.

See Membranes & Inflammation for more about tissue damage in inflammation and what may help.

Boosters every 3-six months may keep the person in an autoimmune-like flair up all of the time practically as the vaccine spike is formed on human cells, so immune cells may be attacking the person’s own cells and causing massive dysfunction and tissue damage which might be seen as skin rash or bruising. See the last post: Adaptive Immunity, ADE, and Antibodies.

More treatment info and dosing guidance here: Short List Dosing Details ranges with selfcare guidance. Also on jenniferdepew.com, page Nutrients and page Cofactors.

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.

Reference List

  1. Tracking the spread of Parkinson’s proteins from gut to brain. July 23, 2019, nih.gov, https://www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/tracking-spread-parkinsons-proteins-gut-brain
  2. Manik, M, Singh, RK. Role of toll-like receptors in modulation of cytokine storm signaling in SARS-CoV-2-induced COVID-19. J Med Virol. 2021; 1- 9. doi:10.1002/jmv.27405 https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jmv.27405

Reference list needs a little help. – this has quite a bit of background info and reference list: Spike protein risks & aids – summary page

https://ijvtpr.com/index.php/IJVTPR/article/view/23

Niacin may help prevent or treat migraines.

Niacin may help prevent migraines or tension-type headaches when taken daily based on a review of nine articles about niacin use and migraines or tension-type headaches. It may also help end a migraine that is occurring with the cooling effect that follows the skin-reddening niacin flush.

  • The treatment of migraines and tension-type headaches with intravenous and oral niacin (nicotinic acid): systematic review of the literature. (1)

Chronic tension-type headaches are also associated with cerebrospinal pressure or intracranial venous pressure (or both) [26]. In fact, tension-type headaches are more similar to migraine headaches than they are dissimilar, in that they seem to progress into migraine headaches due to an escalating pathophysiological process [27].” (1)

Niacin may also help reduce a migraine that is occurring, with a 500 mg dose taken to cause the niacin flush.

Regarding one of the articles reviewed: “In this [self] report, Hall describes the use of niacin for his migraine headaches remarking that the migraines resolved when intense flushing occurred.” (1)

The vasodilation in the skin that causes the warm feeling and reddening of the skin is followed by a vasoconstriction and cooling effect on the body and brain. Older research confirmed vasoconstriction in the brain occurs as well as in the peripheral blood vessels, however current research is needed. (1)

From the Discussion section (1) : “When taken intravenously or orally, niacin causes cutaneous flushing that might abort the acute symptoms of migraine by vasodilating the intracranial vessels, thus preventing the subsequent vasoconstriction of the extracranial vessels.

There is evidence that niacin is an effective peripheral vasodilator, but its ability to influence central mechanisms (i.e., cerebral blood flow and cranial hemodynamics) involved in migraine headaches have not been well studied. Niacin causes peripheral vasodilation and cutaneous flushing by inducing the production of prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) in the skin, leading to a marked increase of its metabolite, 9α, 11β-PGF2, in the plasma [22].

When niacin is administered orally in amounts of 500 mg or topically via a 6-inch patch of 10-1 M aqueous methylnicotinate on the forearm, PGD2 is markedly released in the skin and its metabolite appears in high amounts in the plasma [2223]. It is not known if PGD2 causes vasodilation of the intracranial arteries, but niacin’s ability to abort acute migraine headaches suggests that this might be what is occurring.

Old reports cited by Bicknell and Prescott [24], demonstrate that niacin does indeed cause vasodilation of the cerebral and spinal vessels, and that intravenous administration increases the rate of intracranial blood flow in human beings for 20–60 minutes without any significant change in blood pressure. Unfortunately, there have not been more recent reports examining the effects that niacin has upon cerebral blood flow in human subjects.” (1)

Niacin (B3) is needed for Mitochondrial function…

…so are riboflavin (B2), other B vitamins; many trace minerals including magnesium; amino acid derived creatine and cysteine; and the internally made antioxidants CoQ10, glutathione and alpha-lipoic acid.

Niacin helps mitochondria function to burn glucose for energy use or to release as heat (such as in brown fat). Riboflavin and coenzyme Q10 and other nutrients are also used by the mitochondria. (1)

A deficit of mitochondrial energy metabolism may play a role in the pathogenesis of migraine. Since niacin improves mitochondrial energy metabolism by increasing substrate availability to complex I, it might also be an effective agent for migraine prevention.” (1)

Citric Acid Cycle – used for aerobic glycolysis of glucose by the many many Mitochondria within all of our cells.

Graphic (via Dmitry Kats, PhD, @NiacinisHealth) shows the many nutrients that are used in the Citric Acid Cycle by mitochondria when they are metabolizing glucose aerobically, with oxygen, as typical of their normal function. Anaerobic glycolysis, fermentation of glucose or glutamate without oxygen, by mitochondria is associated with cancerous cells.
Nutrients include: B1 (thiamin), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate), Mg++ (magnesium), Mn++ (manganese), K+ (potassium), zinc, iron, copper, sulfate, CoQ10, carnitine, cysteine, glutathione, Lipoic acid.

B vitamins are very important and we need them in balance because they work as a team. Niacin might not help as much if there is significant lack of the other B vitamins or some of the minerals, amino acids or antioxidants needed for the Citric Acid Cycle to function. The nutrients mentioned as cofactors for the chemical reactions in the above graphic include:

  • B vitamins: B1 (thiamin) (3) , B2 (riboflavin) (4), B3 (niacin) (8, 10), B5 (pantothenic acid) (5), B6 (pyridoxine) (6, 7), B7 (biotin), B9 (folate) (9),
  • Minerals (17): Mg++ (magnesium) (11, 12, 13), Mn++ (manganese), K+ (potassium) (13), zinc (14, 15), iron (16), copper, sulfate,
  • Amino acids: carnitine (derived from lysine), cysteine,
  • Antioxidants: CoQ10, glutathione, alpha-Lipoic acid (ALA).

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.

Reference List

  1. Prousky, J., Seely, D. The treatment of migraines and tension-type headaches with intravenous and oral niacin (nicotinic acid): systematic review of the literature. Nutr J4, 3 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1186/1475-2891-4-3 https://nutritionj.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2891-4-3
  2. Dmitry Kats, PhD, @NiacinisHealth Citric Acid Cycle graphic
  3. Thiamin: people with anorexia or alcoholism are more at risk for vitamin B1 deficiency. Aug 21, 2013 https://transcendingsquare.com/2013/08/21/thiamin/
  4. Riboflavin – Vitamin B2, May 23, 2018, https://transcendingsquare.com/2018/05/23/riboflavin-vitamin-b2/
  5. Pantothenic Acid – vitamin B5, May 24, 2018 https://transcendingsquare.com/2018/05/24/pantothenic-acid-vitamin-b5/
  6. Vitamin B6, https://transcendingsquare.com/2013/08/21/vitamin-b6-2/
  7. Pyroluria, anxiety and deficiency of B6 and zinc, most recent update, 4/9/2017 https://transcendingsquare.com/2014/09/22/pyroluria-anxiety-and-deficiency-of-b6-and-zinc/
  8. Niacin, & early treatment in general for SARS-CoV-2 is sensible, reduces hospitalization and mortality rate. https://transcendingsquare.com/2021/01/22/niacin-early-treatment-in-general-for-sars-cov-2-is-sensible-reduces-hospitalization-and-mortality-rate/
  9. Folate is essential and Folic Acid is commonly available. Aug 21, 2013, https://transcendingsquare.com/2013/08/21/folate-and-folic-acid-2/
  10. Niacin, Aug 21, 2013, https://transcendingsquare.com/2013/08/21/niacin/
  11. To have optimal Magnesium needs Protein and Phospholipids too. July 20, 2018, https://transcendingsquare.com/2018/07/20/to-have-optimal-magnesium-needs-protein-and-phospholipids-too/
  12. Magnesium – essential for eighty percent of our body’s chemistry. July 1, 2019, https://transcendingsquare.com/2019/07/01/magnesium-essential-for-eighty-percent-of-our-bodys-chemistry/
  13. Electrolytes are essential, magnesium helps protect brain cells. Feb 10, 2011, https://transcendingsquare.com/2011/02/10/electrolytes-r-us-magnesium-saves-brain-cells/
  14. Zinc, https://jenniferdepew.com/zinc
  15. Zinc and the immune system, https://www.peace-is-happy.org/post/zinc-and-the-immune-system
  16. Iron and anemia of chronic inflammation. https://www.peace-is-happy.org/post/iron-and-anemia-of-chronic-inflammation
  17. Trace Minerals – It’s Teamwork. https://www.peace-is-happy.org/post/trace-minerals-it-s-teamwork

Glycine – good for our extracellular matrix & for immune protection against viral infection.

The extracellular matrix is very important for our immune defense as white blood cells actively patrol the areas surrounding cells for pathogens to remove, such as virus. Deficiency of glycine may be involved for patients with more severe COVID-19. “Glycine intake as nutritional supplement was very effective against virus infections.” (1)

Glycine is an amino acid and is important in the structure of protein chains because it is small in size and can allow folding of the long chain into a three dimensional shape. (See post: Glyphosate & COVID19) It is important within proteins (such as collagen) that help stabilize the gooey gelatin like fluid that supports the areas within our cells and surrounding our cells. There can be a thicker layer immediately surrounding cells which is called a glycocalyx, a term also used to describe the gel coating that surrounds bacteria.

Biofilms formed by an alginate-overproducing strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa have a complex structural architecture that allows them to more resist tobramycin than biofilms formed by an isogenic nonmucoid strain. This suggests that an altered structure of biofilms cause increased resistance of pathogens against antibiotics.182 ” (9)

It helps protect our cells from bacteria, virus and other pathogens. A stronger extracellular matrix, made possible with daily supplements of 10 grams of glycine, was found to help protect against viral infection. (1)

Glycine is used often in the assembly of collagen proteins. The small glycine molecules help stabilize the triple helix shape of the long column like folded protein. The long sturdy fiber like proteins help add stability and structure to the three dimensional woven mesh of the fluid gelatin like extracellular matrix or cytoplasm within cells.

Glycine is utilized to synthesize serine, sarcosine, purines, creatine, heme group, glutathione, and collagen. Glycine is a major quantitative component of collagen. In addition, the role of glycine maintaining collagen structure is critical, as glycine residues are required to stabilize the triple helix of the collagen molecule.

The collagen fibers can be chemically stained for viewing on microscope slides. In an image here (7, 8) the collagen fibers are greenish and surround the cells that each have a brownish-black nucleus in the middle.

Extracellular matrix – our glycocalyx – our jelly lining.

We need a healthy extracellular matrix that is not too sticky and dehydrated to prevent easy flow of fluid and cells and not too watery as some solid support is needed. We are almost 70% water but it doesn’t seem like it. Magnesium is also essential for the structure of the gelatin like matrix within and surrounding cells. Each atom of magnesium can hold 18 molecules of water in an electrically stabilized cloud of water surrounding the magnesium atom. Sulfates are also essential for the stability of the matrix structure. Monosaccharides, single molecules of sugars, are also an important part of the glycocalyx on cell surfaces. Different types of monosaccarides are combined into surface glycoproteins that tell the immune system information about the cell – whether friend or foe.

Many of the extracellular proteins, such as sialic acid, also carry a negative electrical charge so there is a slight magnetic like repelling against other cells. This is critically important for holding vessel walls open – the negative charge surrounding the interior repels the other wall from collapsing inward. Some food additive emulsifiers may be too effective and also may emulsify our intestinal lining and cause bowel troubles such as diarrhea and discomfort. Gumbo file is a very healthy emulsifier from nature -powdered sassafras leaves – used by indigenous Americans.

Cells encounter surrounding surfaces first through their glycocalyx and therefore it may substantially contribute to crucial physiological and pathophysiological processes. The glycocalyx is a carbohydrate-enriched sugar coating that covers the surface of many cells, including cancer cells, presumably greatly influencing cellular interactions with their environment at the molecular scale. Its components are glycolipids, glycoproteins and glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). Glycocalyx contains large amounts of chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate, heparan sulfate, sialic acid, and hyaluronic acid, all negatively charged at neutral pH21.” (4)

The amino acid Glycine – available in supplements as Dimethylglycine (DMG) and Trimethylglycine (TMG).

Glycine is available as a bulk powder available from protein supplement companies focused on the weight lifting industry. Betaine is the more common name for Trimethylglycine (TMG), it and Dimethylglycine (DMG) are available as supplements in tablets or powders. It may be helpful to have both as they are used for different purposes and are not exactly equivalent. DMG can cross the blood brain barrier so it is helpful when the calming inhibitory effects of glycine are needed within the brain. (2)

Dimethylglycine (DMG) is an amino acid found naturally in plant and animal cells and in many foods such as beans, cereal grains, and liver. It is used to improve energy, boost the immune system, and to manage seizures and autism. There are some positive reports of DMG efficacy on the immune system.” (3)

DMG may be helpful for people with seizure risk – it was found to help some patients but not showing conclusively positive results overall. Some patients may have a genetic difference and need an external supply. (3)

People with a BHMT gene allele (like myself) would need an external source of DMG as the BHMT enzyme is needed to breakdown betaine to DMG. You can see the chemical steps in a graphic here: (6). From a previous post: “DMG has been found helpful in ADHD, autism, allergies, alcoholism, drug addiction, and chronic fatigue syndrome among other chronic issues.” See #3. BHMT in this post: Methylation Cycle Defects – in me – genetic screening “for research purposes only” A more recent post goes into further detail about the BHMT enzyme’s role in the production and breakdown of endocannabinoids. Cannabinoids are made with the BHMT gene (and others).

I have a double BHMT gene allele – I need an external source of DMG and methionine and it helped my mood immensely. It helps me feel more cheerful as well as more energetic. I take about a half teaspoon of each once or twice a day. A teaspoon at a time was too much energetic, seemed to cause a racing heart rate. The total amount a person needs per day may be more than that. Capsules would be giving a smaller amount, I didn’t notice much effect at all from taking a little tablet supplement and the price was significantly larger. A half teaspoon of a powder is about 2.5 grams, a tablet is usually about 500 milligrams, 0.5 grams.

I am not taking enough DMG and I hadn’t realized TMG might be helpful too – what I also hadn’t realized is TMG is betaine – so I should be taking the DMG form, I get betaine from food and I don’t do well with too much of a good source (quinoa). We need about 10 grams of glycine per day from dietary sources, yet the typical diet only provides two grams. “Glycine produced by human metabolism is much lower than the cell’s needs giving a general glycine deficiency of 10 g/day in humans.” (1)

People who took ten grams of glycine per day as a supplement had fewer viral infections than the control group. (1) “Glycine intake at the afore-mentioned dose prevents the spread of viruses by strengthening the extracellular matrix barriers against their advance. ” (1)

Nutritional supplement, 10 g/day, Glycine, promotes young strong collagen, compared to old weak collagen formed from an un-supplemented diet (~2 gr/day) and our own metabolic pathways (~3 gr/day). Graphic from: “Glycine can prevent and fight virus invasiveness by reinforcing the extracellular matrix” (Meléndez-Hevia, et al., 2021) (1)

Gee, I do want “young, strong collagen” (see above image, (1)) , so I will have my glycine drink four times a day. Breaktime, be right back. I will be so cheerful it may be hard to recognize me. 🙂

  • My “Cheerful Juice” drink reminds me of red wine without the alcohol, ~ 10 oz water, 1/2 teaspoon DMG, 1/2 tsp methionine; a little of my coffee sweetener mix: Stevia, powdered cardamom, sage and oregano; 2 ounces pomegranate juice. If I had taurine and creatine on hand I would try adding that too, but amino acids are acidic. The beverage is tart and I sip it slowly.

People with a genetic problem with methylation may have problems making a variety of proteins, as well as people with a diet deficient in the methyl donating nutrients folate, B12, betaine, choline, and the amino acid methionine. “Studies that simulated methyl-deficient diets reported disturbances in energy metabolism and protein synthesis in the liver, fatty liver, or muscle disorders.” […] “Hypomethylation has a wide spectrum of effects that include genetic, epigenetic, and metabolic alterations.” (5) Someone with a genetic problem with methylation would need to take the bioactive, methylated form of B12 and folate. The standard supplement of folic acid and cyanocobalamin are unmethylated forms and would be not helpful for someone unable to remethylate them.

Summary – to fight virus well, we need a healthy extracellular matrix for white blood cells to be able to patrol easily — and to have that we need adequate glycine in our diet and the genetic ability to digest it to Dimethylglycine (DMG).

  • We also need to stay well hydrated, and to have adequate sulfate, magnesium, protein and ATP for magnesium storage, and a wide variety of monosaccharides to make surface glycoproteins that say and do the correct functions as cell surface immune markers.
  • Epsom salt soaks may be helpful as a topical source of magnesium and sulfate for people with poor intestinal absorption of magnesium, or sometimes there can be a genetic difference limiting intestinal absorption for the person’s whole life.
  • Fiber rich plant foods are also needed to support the extracellular matrix – similar to how gelatin is supported by fruit pectin fibers when making jams.
  • We can’t do much without B vitamins – they are the body’s energy providers, essential for our mitochondria. Lack can lead to mitochondria switching to anaerobic glycolysis which may be a risk for later transition to cancer. Methylated forms of folate and B12 are needed by people with certain gene differences. Niacin in a much higher dose than would be available from the diet can help reduce inflammation, (niacin post) and also help preserve tryptophan stores for use to make serotonin and melatonin (see last post).

Disclaimer: Opinions are my own and the information is provided for educational purposes within the guidelines of fair use. While I am a Registered Dietitian this information is not intended to provide individual health guidance. Please see a health professional for individual health care purposes.

Reference List

  1. Enrique Meléndez-Hevia, Patricia de Paz-Lugo, Guillermo Sánchez, Glycine can prevent and fight virus invasiveness by reinforcing the extracellular matrix. J Functional Foods, Vol 76, 2021, 104318, ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2020.104318. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464620305429
  2. Is TMG or DMG more effective?, davincilabs.com, https://blog.davincilabs.com/blog/is-tmg-or-dmg-more-effective
  3. Dimethylglycine: Purported Uses, mskcc.org https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/dimethylglycine
  4. Kanyo, N., Kovacs, K.D., Saftics, A. et al. Glycocalyx regulates the strength and kinetics of cancer cell adhesion revealed by biophysical models based on high resolution label-free optical data. Sci Rep10, 22422 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-80033-6 https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-80033-6
  5. Obeid R. The metabolic burden of methyl donor deficiency with focus on the betaine homocysteine methyltransferase pathway. Nutrients. 2013;5(9):3481-3495. Published 2013 Sep 9. doi:10.3390/nu5093481 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3798916/
  6. Glycine formation from betaine-trimethylglycine. image https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Glycine-formation-from-betaine-trimethylglycine-BHMT-betaine-homocysteine_fig5_320773132 from Adeva, María & Souto-Adeva, G. & Ameneiros-Rodríguez, E. & Fernández-Fernández, C. & Donapetry-García, C. & Domínguez-Montero, A.. (2018). Insulin resistance and glycine metabolism in humans. Amino Acids. 50. 10.1007/s00726-017-2508-0. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/320773132_Insulin_resistance_and_glycine_metabolism_in_humans
  7. Collagen Fiber, sciencedirect.com, https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/medicine-and-dentistry/collagen-fiber see,
  8. Michal Miko, Ivan Varga, Chapter 6 – Histologic Examination of Peripheral Nerves, Editor(s): RS Tubbs, E Rizk, MM. Shoja, M Loukas, N Barbaro, RJ Spinner, Nerves and Nerve Injuries, Academic Press, 2015, Pages 79-89, ISBN 9780124103900, https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-12-410390-0.00006-8. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124103900000068
  9. Baral B, Mozafari MR. Strategic Moves of “Superbugs” Against Available Chemical Scaffolds: Signaling, Regulation, and Challenges. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci. 2020;3(3):373-400. Published 2020 Apr 13. doi:10.1021/acsptsci.0c00005 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7296549/