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Serotonin and central nervous system fatigue: nutritional considerations
J M Davis1, N L Alderson, R S Welsh
1Department of Exercise Science, School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|August 2, 2000
Summary
Central fatigue, often linked to brain serotonin (5-HT), may be influenced by nutrition. Carbohydrate or BCAA intake might reduce 5-HT and improve endurance, though evidence is still developing.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Neuroscience
- Nutritional Science
Background:
- Fatigue involves both the central nervous system (CNS) and muscles.
- Central fatigue, or the reduced ability to activate muscles, is common in daily activities.
- The neurotransmitter serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] is implicated in mood, sleep, and potentially fatigue.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of nutrition in central fatigue.
- To investigate the link between brain serotonin (5-HT) and exercise-induced fatigue.
- To examine the potential of nutritional strategies to mitigate central fatigue.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing theories and data on central fatigue mechanisms.
- Focus on the impact of serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] metabolism on fatigue.
- Analysis of nutritional interventions, specifically carbohydrate (CHO) and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake.
Main Results:
- Increased brain serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] is associated with greater physical and mental fatigue during endurance exercise.
- Nutritional strategies like carbohydrate (CHO) or branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) intake may help reduce serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] levels.
- Evidence for the performance-enhancing benefits of CHO and BCAA in relation to central fatigue is currently limited.
Conclusions:
- Central fatigue mechanisms are complex and involve the CNS.
- Brain serotonin [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)] plays a significant role in central fatigue.
- While theoretically promising, the practical benefits of carbohydrate (CHO) and branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) for central fatigue require further investigation.