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Amino acid

L-Dopa

L-DOPA, or levodopa, is an amino acid that the brain converts to dopamine. Combined with carbidopa, it is a medicine for Parkinson symptoms.

Also listed as Levodopa, L-3, 4-dihydroxyphenylalanine

CognitionLongevityStress & Mood

Effects that require medical oversight

Levodopa/carbidopa can cause sudden sleep, hallucinations and impulse-control problems. Iron products and some medicines can interact. Abrupt withdrawal can cause a serious syndrome, so prescribed treatment changes need medical supervision. 1

A plant source still has drug effects

RIVM warns that Mucuna supplements can deliver medicinal amounts of levodopa and cause gastrointestinal, movement or psychiatric effects. It could not establish a safe supplement dose and advises avoiding these products during pregnancy or breastfeeding and with liver or kidney problems. Medicine users should discuss them with a doctor or pharmacist. 2

For information, not individual medical advice. Ingredient studies do not establish the effectiveness of these products.

Sources