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[brosci]

I saw this post on Reddit and would like to get others thoughts:

https://www.reddit.c...mage_the_heart/

 

Is it plausible that long-term daily use of high-potency Bacopa extracts could have issues related to serotonergic activity?

[gamesguru]

Interesting. I was just thinking today of the slight muscle cramping effects of Bacopa, and the potential relationship between serotonin and choline.

 

First thing to note in the rebuttal is that 5-HTP is only weakly associated with heart valve issues. So sure, it's probably best not to take it daily (in a purified form). But something which only indirectly up-regulates it should be fine. (Note that this is only a gut feeling, and a better stab at things would involve some concentration levels and orders-of-magnitude calculations).

 

Secondly he says that it must be taken 12 weeks in laboratory settings to achieve improvements, and that therefore "it's something you use for the long-term". True it's best to take it for 12 weeks at first, but in no way is a loading phase necessary, and in no way does this imply it's as difficult to maintain the improvements. Bacopa is somewhat cumulative and subtle, it's not like adderall. Of course if it starts giving you diarrhea and muscle aches, back off a bit. You could be saturated, or other supplements, such as calcium and magnesium, could be contributing to the side effects.

 

Bacopa should overall be a safe supplement for most people (not thyroid patients), but pay attention to your response as always and don't feel the need to take it daily!