Insights & Discussion
Recent revelations of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey expand its health benefits.
The identification of L-DOPA, dopamine, 5-hydroxytryptophan, tryptamine, serotonin, N-acetylserotonin, melatonin, 2-hydroxymelatonin, AFMK, AMK, and vitamin D3 derivatives in honey aligns with their presence in insects and plants. Serotonin and melatonin, integral to tryptophan metabolism, serve diverse roles as hormones, neurotransmitters, and antioxidants. Dopamine and tryptamine, essential neurotransmitters, have broad significance across species. The detection of these molecules in honey, a widely consumed health-promoting substance, enhances its beneficial effects on human health.
The findings highlight the multifaceted composition of honey, encompassing compounds with recognized roles in neurotransmission, antioxidant activity, and hormonal regulation. The presence of these molecules not only broadens honey's spectrum of health benefits for humans but also implies their significance in the intricate physiology of social insects, influencing bee development and colony functions. The co-detection of these compounds with vitamin D3 derivatives further underscores the interconnectedness of honey with insect and plant biology, shedding light on potential synergies that contribute to the diverse positive effects of honey on human health.
Discover Related Insights
We determined the concentration of 20(OH)D3 in honey to be 0.26 µg/g, corresponding to approximately 10 IU/g.
2020 Molecules Detection of 7-Dehydrocholesterol and Vitamin D3 Derivatives in Honey Kim TK, Atigadda V, Brzeminski P, Fabisiak A, Tang EKY, Tuckey RC, et al.
Experimental Study 20(OH)D3 Honey Vitamin D
Using an LC-MS assay utilizing 20(OH)D3-d3 as internal standard, we determined the concentration of 20(OH)D3 in honey to be 0.26 µg/g, corresponding to approximately 10 IU/g based on the conversion for vitamin D3 (400 IU = 10 µg). While this may seem relatively low, it must be noted that 20(OH)D3, unlike vitamin D3, is an activated form of the vitamin. It is non-calcemic but exerts many of the other activities of 1,25(OH)2D3 seen in cell culture and in animal studies, with comparable potency. Thus, while the amount of 20(OH)D3 in honey is relatively low, it could potentially be of physiological significance.
Honey contains 20(S)-Hydroxyvitamin D3 (20(OH)D3) and its derivatives, including 20(OH)-7DHC, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)2D3, indicating their production in bees and suggesting potential health implications.
2020 Molecules Detection of 7-Dehydrocholesterol and Vitamin D3 Derivatives in Honey Kim TK, Atigadda V, Brzeminski P, Fabisiak A, Tang EKY, Tuckey RC, et al.
Experimental Study 20(OH)D3 Honey Vitamin D
This study explores the presence of vitamin D3 derivatives in honey, emphasizing the detection of 20(OH)D3 and related compounds. Analysis using LC-MS revealed distinct peaks corresponding to these derivatives, implying their production in bees during the summer in Alabama.
The identification of 20(OH)D3, 20(OH)-7DHC, 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)2D3 in honey suggests their synthesis within bees, highlighting potential biochemistry and photochemistry processes. This finding opens avenues for understanding the health-related implications of these compounds in honey.
Serotonin function, influenced by vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, plays a critical role in neuropsychiatric disorders and certain behavioral functions.
2015 The FASEB Journal Vitamin D and the omega‐3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior Patrick RP, Ames BN
Review Article ADHD Bipolar Disorder Impulsive Behaviour
The paper synthesizes prior research into serotonin's role in managing various brain functions and behaviours, and how its dysfunction is commonly seen in conditions like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. The researchers then put forward potential mechanisms showing the influence of vitamin D and the marine omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, on serotonin synthesis, release, and function in the brain. Serotonin in the brain is synthesized from tryptophan by tryptophan hydroxylase 2, a process that is activated by a vitamin D hormone.
Possible mechanisms proposed include eicosapentaenoic acid increasing serotonin release from presynaptic neurons by lowering E2 series prostaglandins, and docosahexaenoic acid affecting serotonin receptor action by increasing cell membrane fluidity in postsynaptic neurons. The study posits that suboptimal levels of vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, in combination with genetic factors at key developmental stages, could lead to dysfunctional serotonin activation and function – a possible underlying mechanism behind neuropsychiatric disorders and depression. The paper suggests that optimizing vitamin D and marine omega-3 fatty acid intake could potentially curtail and modulate the severity of brain dysfunction.