How Does It Work?:
Sea Buddies Concentrate! † is a sugar-free formula designed to support healthy focus and attentiveness in children. The ingredients in this formula have been clinically studied to promote relaxation and support neurological health, healthy brain function, and healthy focus and attentiveness.†

Phosphatidylserine
Phosphatidylserine is a type of phospholipid that is a major building block of all cells. Different types of phospholipids make up the outer cell membrane, which separates each cell's interior from the exterior membrane.¹

Phosphatidylserine is the only specific phospholipid that is a key constituent of nerve cell synaptic membranes. Phosphatidylserine has been found to be involved in the production of neurotransmitters.† In studies, phosphatidylserine has been shown to support concentration and healthy brain function in children.^1,2† In one study, 75% of the children taking phosphatidylserine experienced an increased level of focus and attentiveness.¹†

Dimethylaminethanol (DMAE)
Dimethylaminethanol (DMAE) is a substrate for making phosphatidylcholine in the body. Phosphatidylcholine is the most abundant type of the phospholipid in the body, making up the outer membrane of every cell. Phosphatidylcholine is used as the bodyกฆs supply for choline, which is a component of the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.

In clinical studies, DMAE has been used with success in school aged children to support healthy focus, attentiveness, and promote relaxation without diminishing daytime alertness.^1-6†

Taurine
Taurine is an amino acid that acts as an inhibitory neuromodulator in the nervous system and muscle. This clinically studied amino acid supports overall neurological health in the central nervous system.⁷†

L-Theanine
Green tea consumption has been associated with health benefits for many years. Green tea also contains the amino acid L-theanine, which has been investigated for its ability to support relaxation.†

Although L-theanine's mechanism of action has not been fully elucidated, current research has focused on L-theanine's effect on brain transmitters and brain waves. Scientists believe that L-theanine supports the balance of various neurotransmitters.⁹† In a laboratory study, researchers found that L-theanine is able to cross the blood brain barrier to support the activity of certain neurotransmitters in the brain that promotes muscle relaxation and supports healthy focus and attentiveness.^8,9†

The human brain is constantly generating a weak electrical pulse called a brain wave. There are four different types of brain waves, which are classified according to frequency: alpha, beta, delta, and theta brain waves. Each brain wave is related to an individual mental condition.¹⁰ For example, delta brain waves indicate a mental condition of deep sleep, while theta waves indicate dozing sleep.¹⁰ Beta brain waves indicate a state of being awake and excited or anxious, while alpha waves indicate a state of relaxed wakefulness.¹⁰ Since the generation of alpha waves indicate a state of relaxed wakefulness, it is used as a measurement of relaxation.¹⁰

In a recent study, 50 female volunteers were divided into low stress and high stress groups. The brain activity of the volunteers was measured after the oral administration of 50-200 mg of L-theanine. Researchers specifically noted the activity of alpha-brain waves in each of the volunteers. The researchers found that within 30 minutes of the L-theanine administration, a significantly greater amount of alpha brain waves were generated in the L-theanine groups.⁸† This study's results showed that L-theanine supported relaxation by promoting the generation of alpha brain waves.⁸†

Although green tea contains caffeine, L-theanine does not. L-theanine safely promotes relaxation without causing the daytime sedation and grogginess that is associated with other relaxing agents. ^8,9†

N-acetylcysteine (NAC)
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a powerful antioxidant that been shown to be beneficial in supporting neurological health. ^11,12† NAC provides antioxidant support by protecting cells from free radical damage.† In addition, NAC enhances detoxification processes in the body.^11,12†

References:

1. Kidd PM. Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children: rationale for its integrative management. Alt Med Rev. 2000;5:402-28.
2. Kidd PM. A Review of Nutrients and Botanicals in the Integrative Management of Cognitive Dysfunction. Alt Med Rev. 1999;4:144-161.
3. Geller SR. Comparison of a tranquilizer and psychi energizer used in treatment of children with behavior disorders. JAMA. 1960;174:481-484.
4. Kugel RB. & Alexander T. The effect of a central nervous system stimulant (deanol) on behavior. Pediatrics. 1963;651-655.
5. Millichap JG. Drugs in management of minimal brain dysfunction. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1973;205:321-334.
6. Lewis JA, Young R. Deanol and methylphenidate in minimal brain dysfunction. Clin Pharmacol Ther. 1975;17:534-540.
7. Koleesnichenko LS, Kulinskii VI, Gorina AS. Amino Acids and their metabolites in blood and urine of children with minimal cerebral brain dysfunction. Vopr Med Khim. 1999; 45:58-64.
8. Yokogoshi H, Kobayashi M, Mochizuki M, Terahima T. Effect of theanine, r-glutamylethylamide, on brain monoamines and striatal dopamine release in conscious rats. Neurochemical Research. 1998;23: 667-73.
9. Juneja L, Chu D, Okubo T, Nagato Y, Yokogoshi H. L-theanine: a unique amino acid of green tea and its relaxation effect in humans. Trends in Food Science & Technology. 1999; 10: 199-204.
10. Neurobiology of Dreams: Electrical Activity. Brain & Mind: Electronic Magazine on Neuroscience. Available at: http://www.epub.org.br/cm/n02/mente/neurobiologia_i.htm. Accessed on September 6, 2002.
11. Ercal N. et al. A role for oxidative stress in suppressing serum immunoglobulin levels in lead-exposed Fisher 344 rats. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol. 2000;39:251-6.
12. Tandon S, Prasad S, Singh S. Chelation in metal intoxication: influence of cysteine or N-acetyl cysteine on the efficacy of 2,3-dimercaptopropane-1-sulphonate in the treatment of cadmium toxicity. J Appl Toxicol. 2002;22:67-71.