At the Bauer Research Foundation (BRF), we are committed to promoting a 360 approach to human and animal health which includes supplementation with nutraceuticals.

Dr. Bauer, a biochemist with 30 years experience in health and science, has curated a list of supplements from Thorne based on evidence based science that help promote human and animal health.

This image illustrates four critical biochemical cycles connected to human health:

Methionine Cycle (Orange)
Folate Cycle (Gray)
Biopterin Cycle (Green)
Nitric Oxide Cycle (Blue)

Each cycle has its own set of processes, but they are interconnected and play essential roles in supporting various aspects of normal cellular function, such as DNA synthesis, neurotransmitter production, cardiovascular health, and neurological function.

Overview of the Four Cycles:

Methionine Cycle:
This cycle is centered around methionine, an essential amino acid obtained from dietary protein.
Methionine is converted to S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a crucial methyl donor involved in the methylation of DNA, proteins, neurotransmitters, and phospholipids.
After donating its methyl group, SAM becomes S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH), which is then converted to homocysteine.
Homocysteine can be recycled back into methionine with the help of vitamin B12 (through methionine synthase (MS)).
Proper regulation of this cycle is vital for cardiovascular health, as elevated levels of homocysteine are linked to cardiovascular disease.

Folate Cycle:
The folate cycle involves tetrahydrofolate (THF), which is derived from dietary folic acid.
THF is essential for transferring one-carbon units necessary for the synthesis of nucleotides (for DNA) and the proper function of the methionine cycle.
The enzyme methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) plays a key role in converting 5,10-methylene THF to 5-methyl THF, which is then used to convert homocysteine back into methionine.
Disruptions in the folate cycle, such as genetic variations in the MTHFR enzyme, can impair one-carbon metabolism, contributing to elevated homocysteine levels and various health issues, including neurodegenerative disorders.

Biopterin Cycle:
This cycle centers around tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), a cofactor necessary for the production of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and melatonin.
BH4 is also essential for the production of nitric oxide in the nitric oxide cycle (below).
Maintaining adequate levels of BH4 is crucial for neurological and cardiovascular function, as it supports proper neurotransmitter synthesis and reduces oxidative stress.

Nitric Oxide Cycle:
In this cycle, nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymes convert arginine into nitric oxide (NO), a critical molecule that regulates blood flow, vascular tone, and immune response.
Nitric oxide helps relax blood vessels, improving circulation and supporting cardiovascular health.
BH4 is an essential cofactor for nitric oxide production. Without sufficient BH4, NOS can produce harmful reactive oxygen species (superoxide) instead of NO, leading to oxidative stress and inflammation.
Nitric oxide is also involved in wound healing, neurotransmission, and immune defense.

Role of Nitric Oxide (NO) in Health:

Nitric oxide (NO) plays a pivotal role in several physiological processes:

Vascular Health: NO is a vasodilator, meaning it helps relax and widen blood vessels. This improves blood flow and reduces blood pressure, playing a key role in preventing cardiovascular diseases like hypertension, atherosclerosis, and stroke.

Neurotransmission: In the brain, nitric oxide acts as a signaling molecule, helping neurons communicate. It is involved in learning, memory, and regulation of sleep cycles.

Immune Response: NO is part of the body’s defense mechanism, particularly in the immune system, where it helps to kill or inhibit the growth of pathogens.

Wound Healing: NO also promotes tissue repair and regeneration by improving blood flow to the affected area, which accelerates the healing process.

Conclusion: The four cycles shown in the diagram—methionine, folate, biopterin, and nitric oxide—are interconnected and collectively influence critical aspects of health, from DNA repair and neurotransmitter production to cardiovascular function and immune response. Nitric oxide, in particular, is central to maintaining healthy blood circulation and protecting against oxidative stress, making it essential for overall health and longevity.

To promote one carbon metabolism to help those with a functional deficiency in vitamin B12 and/or MTHFR mutations, check out the Methylation Bundle.

Several studies have demonstrated anti-cancer activity of these nutraceuticals in addition to helping lessen unwanted side-effects of chemotherapy: Vitamin D-5000, Omega 3 with CoQ10, R-lipoic acid, Carnityl® Acetyl-L-Carnitine, Phytoprofen (bromelain, ginger, Boswellia), Meriva 500-SF (Certified for Sport), Boswellia Phytosome, melatonin, and Beta Alanine-SR.

Dr. Bauer also selected prenatal, youth, and healthy aging supplement bundles to promote health and well being for all ages. It's never too early nor too late to optimize one's health!

Visit our on-line dispensary for these products and more. All proceeds benefit the BRF!