Dopamine
Tyrosine → L-DOPA → dopamine — motivation, focus, reward neurotransmitter
Dopamine is the molecule of pursuit — it drives motivation, focus, reward learning, and movement. Synthesis starts with the amino acid L-tyrosine (from protein) and proceeds through L-DOPA (the precursor used in Parkinson's treatment). Iron is the cofactor for tyrosine hydroxylase, the rate-limiting enzyme — which is why iron-deficient people frequently report apathy and low motivation even before anemia shows up on a CBC. Vitamin B6 catalyzes the final decarboxylation step.
The load-bearing nutrients — if these are deficient, this pathway slows down. Click any to see daily targets, food sources, and supplements that supply it.
Nutrients that contribute to this pathway but aren’t the single load-bearing inputs.
Pathways that share a load-bearing cofactor with this one.