Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Amino acids are sometimes used as adjunct therapies in the management of anxiety disorders, primarily based on their roles as precursors to neurotransmitters involved in mood regulation. The most commonly studied amino acids for anxiety support are tryptophan (a precursor to serotonin), tyrosine (a precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine), and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that can be taken as a supplement. Some clinical studies suggest that supplementation with these amino acids may help modulate neurotransmitter levels and, in turn, reduce symptoms of anxiety. For example, tryptophan supplementation has shown modest effects in reducing anxiety in some small trials, particularly in people with low dietary intake. Similarly, GABA supplements have demonstrated mild anxiolytic effects in limited human and animal studies. However, the overall quality and size of the evidence base are limited, and larger, well-controlled trials are lacking. Furthermore, the effectiveness of oral GABA is questioned due to its limited ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. While the theoretical basis for using specific amino acids in anxiety is strong given their biochemical roles, robust clinical validation is currently insufficient. Therefore, the use of amino acids for anxiety disorders is supported by some scientific rationale and preliminary evidence, but it is not considered a first-line or well-validated treatment.

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