ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Monoamine precursor

Okay kiddo, have you ever heard of something called "happy chemicals" in our brain that make us feel good? These chemicals are called monoamines and they include things like dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.

Now, monoamine precursors are like building blocks that our body uses to make these happy chemicals. Just like how we need Legos to build a Lego castle, our body needs these precursor molecules to build the happy chemicals in our brain.

For example, one precursor molecule called L-tyrosine is used to build dopamine and norepinephrine. And another precursor molecule called L-tryptophan is used to build serotonin.

So basically, these precursor molecules are really important because without them, our body wouldn't be able to make the happy chemicals that make us feel good. And when we feel good, we are happier, more focused and better able to handle things in life!