Optimal Focus † FAQ'sUpdated 4 hours ago

Is there a relationship between Acetylcholine and MTHFR?

Yes.

MTHFR and acetylcholine are associated due to the folate/choline relationship.

Folate and choline are used heavily as methyl donors within the methylation pathway. If the body does not have enough folate, it will use choline instead. Thus, low folate reduces the amount of choline. If the body does not have enough choline, it will use folate instead. Thus, low choline reduces the amount of folate. However, not all things requiring folate can use choline, and not all things requiring choline can use folate.

MTHFR is an enzyme that provides the folate used in the methylation pathway. If the MTHFR enzyme does not provide the methylation pathway sufficient folate, then the methylation pathway requires more choline.

Those with significant MTHFR genetic variations are more susceptible to low choline. Individuals with the following MTHFR genetic variations may benefit from Optimal Focus†

homozygous MTHFR C677T
compound heterozygous MTHFR C677T and MTHFR A1298
homozygous MTHFR A1298C

Those with any of the above MTHFR genetic variations are especially susceptible to low choline if they don’t:

eat meat or leafy green vegetables, or
supplement with folate or choline†.

Optimal Focus† offers two types of highly bioavailable choline, AlphaSize® Alpha GPC and citicoline. †

Sources:

What is the relationship between acetylcholine and serotonin?

Higher levels of acetylcholine may disrupt serotonin. Studies show that higher acetylcholine levels are found in people struggling with symptoms of low mood. Studies have also shown that higher acetylcholine levels are found in people with healthy moods. Researchers don’t know why this happens.

During the pilot testing of Optimal Focus†, 2 out of 10 individuals experienced low mood after many consecutive days of using it. Dr. Lynch suspects it may be due to them having a Fast MAO dirty gene. When Dr. Lynch suggested Serotonin Nutrients to support a healthy mood, they noticed their mood felt positive.

Dr. Lynch was one of the subjects who experiences low mood after taking Optimal Focus† for many consecutive days. He finds that Serotonin Nutrients supports a healthy mood. The other subject also reported positive mood after using Serotonin Nutrients.

Have you been experiencing mood imbalances after taking Optimal Focus † ? This can happen when levels of acetylcholine become higher than the levels of serotonin.

If you need to support a healthy mood, consider Serotonin Nutrients. Serotonin Nutrients contains the precursor directly used by your brain to make serotonin. This is important because making serotonin from food requires multiple enzymatic steps. These many steps are often interrupted by many lifestyle and dietary choices. Serotonin Nutrients also contains key ingredients which support synapse passage and receptor signaling which supports positive feelings.†

Suggested use of Optimal Focus † s is 1 to 3 capsules as needed to support healthy learning, focus, memory and cognition. On days you do not need support in these areas, do not use Optimal Focus.†

Suggested use of Serotonin Nutrients is 1 capsule as needed to support a healthy mood. On days you do not need to support a healthy mood, ie. your mood is great, do not use Serotonin Nutrients.†

Using the combination of Optimal Focus† and Serotonin Nutrients is ok to do as long as you need support in both areas and note the Warnings of use on both labels. As always, use as directed by your healthcare professional.

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3587265/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3703589/

Is Optimal Focus† recommended for methyl-sensitive types?

Methyl-sensitive people tend to have higher catecholamines (stress neurotransmitters ie. sympathetic types) and higher histamine than those who are not methyl sensitive.

Optimal Focus† is way more comprehensive than just choline. There isn't that much choline actually in Optimal Focus†. It's more about all the ingredients working together.

Optimal Focus supports acetylcholine which is a calming type of neurotransmitter. It's a major parasympathetic neurotransmitter.†

Those who have difficulty focusing may have high histamine or high catecholamines. These types of individuals may do very well with Optimal Focus † as it supports a calm, healthy type of focus.†

There are some more stimulating types of focus supplements. Supporting dopamine levels would be an example of a more stimulating type of focus supplement. Some individuals really need additional dopamine support as it may tend to be low for various reasons.

Optimal Focus† is not a stimulating type of focus supplement.

Stimulating types of focus supplements are not recommended for methyl-sensitive people.

In short, Optimal Focus † is recommended for those who tend toward methyl sensitivity.†

Learn more about Optimal Focus † here:
https://www.seekinghealth.com/products/optimal-focus-90-capsules

Sources:
https://www.pharmacologyeducation.org/pharmacology/cholinergic-system

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557825/

Are there certain SNPs that tell me if Optimal Focus† is right for me or not?

Currently, Dr. Lynch is not sure what SNPs may indicate a need for Optimal Focus† or not.

The reason is that common SNPs like COMT and MAOA are so epigenetically malleable.

Those who are Fast MAOA are at risk for low mood while taking Optimal Focus. They will need support with Serotonin Nutrients first in order to support healthy mood. Once a healthy mood is supported, then Optimal Focus† may be added.†

Those who are a Fast COMT are likely needing more Tyrosine and an energizing type of focus. These folks likely also do well with Active B12 with L-5MTHF Lozenges or Hydroxo B12 with Folinic Acid Lozenges.†

Those who are a Slow COMT type may benefit with Optimal Focus as their mind may seek calming support. However, I've seen negative responses in some folks who say they are Slow COMT.†

Dr. Lynch is a compound hetero MTHFR, Fast COMT type and Fast MAOA type and does very well with Optimal Focus† - so SNPs is not a good indicator. He does notice that he needs to support periodically with Serotonin Nutrients.†

Balancing acetylcholine and serotonin levels is important for mood.

This may be most helpful to determine who may, or may not, benefit from Optimal Focus†. Note that this list is ongoing and will change as more users report back their experiences.

Folks that are NOT suited for Optimal Focus†:

taking antidepressant medication. Optimal Focus may aggravate low mood.
pregnant
under 4 years old
taking ADHD medications. Optimal Focus + ADHD medications are too strong. It's one or the other. Do not stop ADHD medications without working with a health professional.
don't do well with choline supplements
have low mood

If one needs to support healthy focus and they have the above NOT suited for Optimal Focus list, consider†:

Active B12 with L-5-MTHF Lozenges
Hydroxo B12 with Folinic Acid Lozenges (if they don't do well with methylated nutrients like methylcobalamin or methylfolate)
a multivitamin is essential to set the foundation. Pick one that best suits you - like Optimal Man, or Multivitamin One. A plethora of nutrients are needed to support healthy focus.
hydration is very important for healthy focus so consider Optimal Electrolyte to support healthy hydration

Best telltale signs for folks who may find support from Optimal Focus are:†

interrupting a lot even though they don't want to
talking really fast and dominating the conversation
thinking many things or thinking one thing for a short amount of time and switching to another rapidly
nervous when competing at sports or needing to present on stage or some type of big thing that causes them to lock up vs perform.
no dreaming at night or at least cannot remember their dreams
feel worse from methylfolate or methylcobalamin

What to expect from Optimal Focus †

After swallowing 1-3 capsules of Optimal Focus †, expect to feel a growing effect within the first 10 minutes. This effect may feel like a healthy sense of clarity or focus. The effect is mild at first and continuously amplifies over time and peeks about 30 minutes in. Then, at about an hour to 90 minutes in, you may feel a second wave of healthy clarity and focus. It hits you and then evens out. The effects of Optimal Focus † appear to last on average about 6 to 8 hours with a very mild effect lasting until the following day.†

Typically, there is no change in mood, digestion, or energy levels. Optimal Focus † is not stimulating. In fact, it's more calming. The phrase of 'I'm feeling of calm, cool and collected' comes to mind.†

If one is already quite calm and they use Optimal Focus † , they may experience an additional sense of calm which may lead to low mood. If low mood is experienced a few days, or some extended period of time, after using taking Optimal Focus † , consider supporting a healthy mood with Serotonin Nutrients.†

Research shows that low mood may occur if the levels of acetylcholine are greater than the levels of serotonin. By using Serotonin Nutrients and Optimal Focus † , you are supporting a healthier ratio of the two. Use Serotonin Nutrients only when experiencing a low mood and wanting to support a positive mood.†

If low mood is experienced right away with Optimal Focus † , then it likely is not the right supplement for you. You may need Active B12 with L-5-MTHF Lozenges or the Hydroxo B12 with Folinic Acid Lozenges instead.†

If you want a smoother effect from Optimal Focus † , consider taking 1 capsule of Phosphatidyl Serine. For those who like the feeling that Optimal Focus † provides by itself, there is no need for Phosphatidyl Serine. For those who think that Optimal Focus † is too intense for them, then using Phosphatidyl Serine is recommended along with making sure you're using a lower amount of Optimal Focus.†

Remember, the Suggested use of 3 capsules is just recommended. You may find that 1 capsule works very well for you.

Optimal Focus † didn’t work for me. Why? What can I try instead?

Focus can be supported by many things - and some people need more support in one type of focus than the other.

Optimal Focus† works very quickly. If it's right for you, you will know.

Optimal Focus † supports healthy acetylcholine levels. Acetylcholine is a calming type of neurotransmitter†.

Some folks cannot focus because they're too stressed out or their brain is literally hyperactive, switching all over the place.

You all likely need more support in the norepinephrine and dopamine type of focus.

Consider Active B12 with L5MTHF Lozenges to support a more energized type of focus†.

Folks that are NOT suited for Optimal Focus†:

taking antidepressant medication. Optimal Focus may aggravate low mood.
pregnant
under 4 years old
taking ADHD medications. Optimal Focus + ADHD medications are too strong. It's one or the other. Do not stop ADHD medications without working with a health professional.
don't do well with choline supplements
have low mood

If one needs to support healthy focus and they have the above NOT suited for Optimal Focus list, consider†:

Active B12 with L-5-MTHF Lozenges
Hydroxo B12 with Folinic Acid Lozenges (if they don't do well with methylated nutrients like methylcobalamin or methylfolate)
a multivitamin is essential to set the foundation. Pick one that best suits you - like Optimal Man, or Multivitamin One. A plethora of nutrients are needed to support healthy focus.
hydration is very important for healthy focus so consider Optimal Electrolyte to support healthy hydration

Best telltale signs for folks who may find support from Optimal Focus are:†

interrupting a lot even though they don't want to
talking really fast and dominating the conversation
thinking many things or thinking one thing for a short amount of time and switching to another rapidly
nervous when competing at sports or needing to present on stage or some type of big thing that causes them to lock up vs perform.
no dreaming at night or at least cannot remember their dreams
feel worse from methylfolate or methylcobalamin

†These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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