Synopsis

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

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation and anxiety. The rationale for using L-tryptophan in anxiety disorders is largely based on its role in serotonin synthesis. Several small clinical trials and experimental studies have investigated the effects of L-tryptophan supplementation on anxiety and mood. Some early studies from the 1970s and 1980s suggested that increasing tryptophan intake could have mild anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects, likely due to enhanced serotonin production in the brain. More recent research has shown modest benefits, with some studies indicating that tryptophan supplementation may reduce anxiety in specific populations or experimental settings. However, the overall quality of evidence is limited by small sample sizes, short study durations, and methodological weaknesses.

Systematic reviews and meta-analyses generally conclude that while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some supportive data, the clinical evidence is not robust or consistent enough to firmly recommend L-tryptophan for anxiety disorders. Most major psychiatric guidelines do not include L-tryptophan as a standard treatment. Furthermore, safety concerns (such as the risk of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with contaminated supplements in the past) have limited its widespread use. In summary, L-tryptophan has some scientific rationale and limited clinical evidence supporting its use for anxiety, but it is not a first-line or well-validated treatment.

More about L-tryptophan
More about Anxiety Disorders

Other ingredients used for Anxiety Disorders

Other health conditions supported by L-tryptophan

Products containing L-tryptophan

Designs For Health Amino Acid Supreme™
Thorne Amino Complex Berry
Thorne Amino Complex Lemon
Pure Encapsulations Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations Amino Replete
Metagenics BioPure Protein® Powder
Pure Encapsulations Cognitive Aminos
Pure Encapsulations Essential Aminos
Klean Athlete Klean Essential Aminos + HMB®
Klean Athlete Klean Isolate ™
Pure Encapsulations L-Tryptophan
Pure Encapsulations L-Tryptophan
Douglas Laboratories L-Tryptophan
Douglas Laboratories Muscle Protect™ with HMB®
Metagenics Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
Metagenics Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
Thorne RecoveryPro NSF
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla