Evidence supporting the use of: Tryptophan
For the health condition: Anxiety Disorders

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

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

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter implicated in mood regulation. The rationale for its use in anxiety disorders stems from the fact that serotonin imbalances are associated with various psychiatric conditions, including anxiety. Several small clinical trials and experimental studies have examined the effects of tryptophan supplementation on anxiety symptoms. Some studies suggest that tryptophan depletion can increase anxiety or worsen mood in susceptible individuals, while supplementation may have mild anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) effects. However, the evidence is inconsistent and often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and methodological issues.

A 2020 systematic review found some support for tryptophan supplementation in improving mood and reducing symptoms of anxiety, but concluded that the quality of evidence is low and that more rigorous, large-scale studies are needed. The FDA has not approved tryptophan as a treatment for anxiety disorders, and major psychiatric guidelines do not recommend it as a first-line or adjunct therapy. Overall, while there is a scientific rationale and preliminary evidence supporting tryptophan's use for anxiety, the current evidence is limited and does not justify its widespread use for this indication.

More about Tryptophan
More about Anxiety Disorders

Products containing Tryptophan

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.