Is L-tryptophan effective for anxiety management. How safe are L-tryptophan supplements. What are the natural food sources of L-tryptophan. Can L-tryptophan improve sleep quality. Are there potential side effects of L-tryptophan supplementation.

Understanding L-Tryptophan: The Essential Amino Acid

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, most notably in the production of serotonin. This chemical messenger in the brain significantly influences mood regulation, anxiety levels, and overall feelings of happiness. As an essential amino acid, L-tryptophan cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained through diet or supplementation.

The connection between L-tryptophan and serotonin production has sparked interest in its potential therapeutic applications, particularly for conditions such as anxiety and sleep disorders. While research is ongoing, preliminary evidence suggests that L-tryptophan supplementation may offer benefits for certain individuals.

The Serotonin Connection

Serotonin, often referred to as the “feel-good” neurotransmitter, is synthesized from L-tryptophan through a series of biochemical reactions. This neurotransmitter is present in various parts of the body, including the brain, where it plays a vital role in regulating mood, anxiety, and feelings of well-being. The relationship between L-tryptophan intake and serotonin levels has led researchers to investigate its potential as a natural approach to managing mood disorders.

L-Tryptophan and Anxiety: Examining the Evidence

The potential of L-tryptophan in managing anxiety has been the subject of several studies, with some promising results emerging. A small study involving 25 young adults found that increasing dietary L-tryptophan intake led to positive changes in mood and a reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression. This suggests that dietary modifications to include more L-tryptophan-rich foods could potentially benefit individuals struggling with anxiety.

Furthermore, a 2016 review highlighted a possible connection between low L-tryptophan levels and symptoms of depression and anxiety in rodents. While animal studies cannot be directly translated to human outcomes, they provide valuable insights for further research. The review also noted that individuals with risk factors for developing depression might be more likely to benefit from increased tryptophan levels.

Mechanisms of Action

The anxiolytic effects of L-tryptophan are believed to stem from its role as a precursor to serotonin. By increasing the availability of L-tryptophan, it is theorized that the brain can produce more serotonin, potentially leading to improved mood regulation and reduced anxiety. However, the exact mechanisms by which L-tryptophan influences anxiety levels are still being investigated.

Sleep Enhancement: L-Tryptophan’s Sedative Properties

Beyond its potential effects on anxiety, L-tryptophan has been studied for its possible sleep-enhancing properties. A 2016 study focusing on young individuals undergoing drug detoxification found that while L-tryptophan had minimal impact on mental symptoms associated with the detox process, it was effective in improving sleep quality during this challenging period.

This finding is particularly interesting as sleep disturbances often accompany anxiety disorders, creating a potential dual benefit for those struggling with both anxiety and sleep issues. However, researchers emphasize the need for additional studies to conclusively determine the efficacy of L-tryptophan for sleep enhancement.

Comparing L-Tryptophan to Other Sleep Aids

When considering L-tryptophan for sleep improvement, it’s natural to compare it to other popular sleep aids, such as melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the body to regulate the sleep-wake cycle. While both L-tryptophan and melatonin can be taken as supplements, they work through different mechanisms.

• L-tryptophan acts as a precursor to serotonin, which can then be converted to melatonin
• Melatonin supplements directly provide the sleep-regulating hormone
• L-tryptophan may offer additional mood-regulating benefits beyond sleep improvement
• Individual responses to each supplement can vary, making personal experimentation under medical supervision advisable

Additional Health Benefits of L-Tryptophan

While anxiety and sleep improvement are the most commonly discussed benefits of L-tryptophan, research has uncovered potential advantages in other areas of health as well.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) and PMS

An older study suggested that L-tryptophan might help alleviate pain associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The research also found that individuals with limited or no L-tryptophan in their diets experienced worse symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This indicates that maintaining adequate L-tryptophan levels could potentially offer relief for women experiencing menstrual-related discomfort.

Pain Tolerance

A 2017 study explored the relationship between L-tryptophan levels and pain tolerance. The findings revealed that higher levels of this amino acid were associated with improved pain management. This suggests that L-tryptophan might play a role in modulating pain perception, opening up potential avenues for pain management strategies.

Safety Considerations and Potential Side Effects

When consumed as part of a regular diet, L-tryptophan is generally considered safe. However, when taken in supplement form, some individuals may experience minor side effects. It’s crucial to be aware of these potential effects and to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.

Common Side Effects

According to research, some of the more common but typically mild side effects of L-tryptophan supplementation include:

• Nausea
• Tremors
• Sleepiness (particularly in those not taking it for sleep disorders)
• Dizziness

These side effects are generally not severe and often subside as the body adjusts to the supplement. However, if any adverse reactions persist or worsen, it’s important to discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

Serotonin Syndrome: A Rare but Serious Concern

While uncommon, there is a risk of developing serotonin syndrome when L-tryptophan supplements are taken in combination with medications that affect serotonin levels, such as certain antidepressants. Serotonin syndrome occurs when there is an excess of serotonin in the body and can lead to severe symptoms.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:

• Coma
• Involuntary twitching or jerking
• Delirium
• Hyperthermia (dangerously high body temperature)

Due to this potential risk, it’s crucial to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting L-tryptophan supplementation.

Natural Sources of L-Tryptophan in Diet

While L-tryptophan supplements are available, incorporating foods rich in this essential amino acid into your diet is a natural and generally safe way to increase your intake. Many common foods contain L-tryptophan, making it relatively easy to boost your levels through dietary choices.

L-Tryptophan-Rich Foods

Some excellent food sources of L-tryptophan include:

• Turkey
• Tuna
• Nuts and seeds
• Bananas
• Dairy products
• Red meats
• Shellfish
• Soy products

It’s important to note that the amount of L-tryptophan present in food is unlikely to have significant immediate effects on sleep or mood. However, consistently including these foods in your diet can help maintain healthy L-tryptophan levels over time.

Combining L-Tryptophan-Rich Foods with Carbohydrates

Some nutritionists suggest that combining L-tryptophan-rich foods with carbohydrates may enhance its absorption and effectiveness. Carbohydrates trigger insulin release, which can help transport L-tryptophan across the blood-brain barrier more efficiently. This combination could potentially optimize the mood and sleep-regulating effects of L-tryptophan.

Alternative Approaches to Anxiety and Sleep Management

While L-tryptophan supplementation or dietary changes may offer benefits for anxiety and sleep issues, it’s important to consider a holistic approach to managing these conditions. Several non-pharmacological strategies can complement or even replace the need for supplements in some cases.

Natural Sleep Aids and Practices

For those struggling with sleep issues, consider implementing these natural sleep-promoting practices:

• Drinking warm milk before bedtime (which contains L-tryptophan)
• Ensuring the bedroom is cool and dark
• Engaging in regular exercise during the day
• Establishing a consistent sleep schedule
• Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation
• Limiting screen time before bed

Anxiety Management Techniques

For anxiety management, consider incorporating these evidence-based strategies:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Mindfulness meditation
• Regular physical exercise
• Stress-reduction techniques like progressive muscle relaxation
• Maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients, including L-tryptophan
• Limiting caffeine and alcohol intake

These approaches can be used in conjunction with or as alternatives to L-tryptophan supplementation, depending on individual needs and preferences.

The Importance of Professional Guidance

While the potential benefits of L-tryptophan for anxiety and sleep disorders are intriguing, it’s crucial to approach any new supplement or significant dietary change with caution and under professional guidance. Healthcare providers can offer personalized advice based on an individual’s specific health conditions, medication regimens, and overall wellness goals.

Consulting with Healthcare Professionals

Before starting L-tryptophan supplementation or making major changes to your diet to increase L-tryptophan intake, consider the following steps:

1. Schedule a consultation with your primary care physician or a registered dietitian
2. Discuss your symptoms and health concerns in detail
3. Provide a complete list of all medications and supplements you’re currently taking
4. Ask about potential interactions between L-tryptophan and your current medications
5. Inquire about appropriate dosages if supplementation is recommended
6. Discuss alternative or complementary approaches to managing your symptoms

Remember, what works for one person may not be suitable for another. A healthcare professional can help you navigate the complexities of supplement use and ensure that your approach to managing anxiety or sleep issues is both safe and effective.

Monitoring and Adjusting Treatment

If you do begin L-tryptophan supplementation or increase your dietary intake, it’s important to monitor your progress and any potential side effects. Keep a journal of your symptoms, sleep patterns, and any changes you notice. Regular check-ins with your healthcare provider can help you adjust your approach as needed and ensure that you’re on the right track towards improved well-being.

Are they safe, and do they work?

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that performs many functions in the body, including the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that affects mood.

Although some evidence suggests that L-tryptophan may help with certain conditions, such as anxiety or sleep disorders, additional research is necessary to prove whether or not taking L-tryptophan supplements is effective.

This article examines the safety and efficacy of L-tryptophan supplements.

L-tryptophan, or tryptophan, is an essential amino acid that plays a part in creating serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone present in various parts of the body, including the brain. The serotonin in the brain helps regulate a person’s mood, anxiety, and levels of happiness.

L-tryptophan is also available as a supplement.

Because L-tryptophan plays a role in the production of serotonin in the brain, some experts suspect that it may help with conditions such as anxiety and sleep disorders. There is some evidence to support its use for these purposes.

Anxiety

In one small study of 25 young adults, the researchers found that changing the diets of the participants to include more L-tryptophan created positive changes in their mood. It also reduced symptoms of anxiety and depression.

In a 2016 review, the researchers found that there may be a connection between low levels of L-tryptophan and depression and anxiety symptoms in rodents.

In humans, the authors noted that those most likely affected are people with risk factors for developing depression. It is possible that at risk populations may benefit from increased tryptophan levels.

Sleep

In a 2016 study of young people undergoing drug detox, the researchers found that the participants saw minimal or no improvements in mental symptoms associated with their detox process.

However, they did note that L-tryptophan was effective in helping the participants sleep during the detox process. The researchers also noted that additional studies are necessary to prove how effective it may actually be.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

According to an older study, L-tryptophan may help alleviate pain associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The study also found that people who had limited amounts or none of the amino acid in their diets had worse symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Pain tolerance

In a 2017 study, the researchers examined how L-tryptophan levels affect a person’s tolerance for pain. The study found that higher levels of this amino acid made pain more manageable.

L-tryptophan is safe when a person consumes it as part of their regular diet. When consuming it in supplement form, a person may experience minor side effects.

According to one study, some common but mild side effects include:

• nausea
• tremor
• sleepiness (in those not taking it for sleep disorders)
• dizziness

Although this is not common, a person may experience serotonin syndrome if they take multiple medications for depression or anxiety at the same time.

Though rare, serotonin syndrome is most likely to occur when a person takes an L-tryptophan supplement with medications that alter serotonin levels, such as antidepressants.

Symptoms of serotonin syndrome may include:

• coma
• involuntary twitching or jerking
• delirium
• hyperthermia

In 1989, researchers temporarily linked tryptophan supplements to eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS). EMS causes symptoms such as debilitating muscle pain and a high peripheral eosinophil count. The cause of EMS turned out to be a bad batch and not the result of the supplement itself.

It is also important to note that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) do not currently regulate supplements.

However, there are several different independent testing agencies that do look at supplements for purity and potency. People should look for supplements that have certification from third party evaluators to help minimize their risk of exposure to bad products or ineffectiveness.

L-tryptophan is naturally present in many foods. Some food sources include:

• turkey
• tuna
• nuts
• seeds
• bananas
• dairy products
• red meat
• shellfish
• soy products

It is not likely that the amount of the nutrient present in food will have any positive or negative effects on a person’s sleep or mood.

Melatonin is another supplement that people may use to help ease insomnia or sleep disorders. Melatonin is a hormone that the body releases to stimulate sleep in the evening and waking in the morning.

A person can also try non-supplement-related sleep aids. Some steps that may help facilitate a better night of sleep include:

• drinking warm milk
• ensuring that the bedroom is cool and dark
• exercising during the day

People should talk to their doctor if they have other conditions that they were considering using L-tryptophan for to get advice on possible treatments.

People should talk to their doctor before starting any supplement. In particular, people who take antidepressants should talk to their doctor before taking L-tryptophan supplements.

People should stop taking the supplement and talk to their doctor if they notice any unusual symptoms after taking it.

L-tryptophan may be an effective sleep aid and may also help with other conditions, such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, or PMS.

However, the supplement may not be for everyone, and it may not be helpful for all conditions. People should talk to their doctor before starting a new supplement, and they should stop using it if they experience any side effects.

More research is necessary to determine whether or not L-tryptophan is safe and effective in easing any of these conditions.

A systematic review of the effect of L-tryptophan supplementation on mood and emotional functioning

. 2021;18(3):316-333.

doi: 10. 1080/19390211.2020.1746725.

Epub 2020 Apr 10.

Asako M Kikuchi 
¹
, Aya Tanabe 
¹
, Yoshihiro Iwahori 
^1
 
2

Affiliations

Affiliations

• ¹ LLC Okutoeru, 4-18-21-314, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
• ² Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Business Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, Japan.

• PMID:

  32272859

• DOI:

  10.1080/19390211. 2020.1746725

Asako M Kikuchi et al.

J Diet Suppl.

2021.

. 2021;18(3):316-333.

doi: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1746725.

Epub 2020 Apr 10.

Authors

Asako M Kikuchi 
¹
, Aya Tanabe 
¹
, Yoshihiro Iwahori 
^1
 
2

Affiliations

• ¹ LLC Okutoeru, 4-18-21-314, Minamiaoyama, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
• ² Department of Pharmaceutical and Medical Business Sciences, Nihon Pharmaceutical University, Kitaadachi-gun, Saitama, Japan.

• PMID:

  32272859

• DOI:

  10.1080/19390211.2020.1746725

Abstract

L-tryptophan (TRP), one of the essential amino acids in humans, is a precursor of serotonin, and hence its intake is closely related to the suppression of depressed and anxious moods. We did a systematic review of RCTs to examine the effects of tryptophan intake on the mood of healthy adults by searching PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Ichu-shi according to PRISMA guidelines. As a result, 11 RCTs met the criteria and were accepted. Four RCTs showed the effects of tryptophan intake on negative feelings and happy feelings in healthy individuals, with significant differences between the treatment and the control groups. This suggests that TRP intake may be an effective approach to decrease anxiety and increase positive mood in healthy individuals. On the other hand, the effectiveness of TRP for aggressive feelings was not recognized. Reviewing these 11 RCTs, we concluded that taking 0.14-3 g of TRP per day in addition to the usual meal can be expected to improve the mood of healthy individuals. In order to estimate the optimum amount of TRP intake more accurately, further studies need to be conducted with more appropriate settings of intake period, intake frequency, and intake method.

Keywords:

L-tryptophan; depression; emotion; healthy adults; serotonin.

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How can tryptophan help manage stress?

Published: 10. 06.2019

We all experience stress from time to time. Tension situations arise at any age, regardless of the season and our mood. Stress is an integral part of the life of every person, which can have both positive and negative effects on the body. Let’s figure out what kind of stress is good for the nervous system, and which one is better not to joke and take action in time.

Types and stages of stress

There are various classifications of stress. So, from the point of view of influence on the nervous system, eustress and distress are distinguished.

• Eustress is a protective reaction that mobilizes the reserves of the nervous system, helps a person to effectively cope with life’s difficulties.

• Distress is a destructive mechanism that leads to hypermobilization of the body, entails a violation of self-regulation processes, preventing a person from adapting to stress factors in order to constructively resolve the situation.

Some researchers distinguish another type of stress – sustress or inadequate stress, which can also disrupt normal physiological functions, lead to pathological conditions ¹ .

Some authors divide stress into physiological and psychological. The first occurs against the background of physical overwork caused by heavy loads, the second – due to an unfavorable environment. Psychological stress is divided into emotional and informational.

As for the stages of stress, one of the popular classifications is the theory of the Canadian physician Hans Selye. According to his research, there are three stages of stress:

1. Stage of anxiety. At the first stage, the body’s defenses are mobilized. It adapts to changing environmental conditions. Thanks to the activation of all vital systems, memory, attention, perception, and thinking improve. The brain begins to offer various solutions to the problem, and the person copes with the situation.

2. Stage of resistance. The second stage is characterized by the launch of adaptation mechanisms. If the body gets used to the new conditions, all systems begin to work as usual. But if you can’t quickly adapt, and the resistance continues for a long time, the last stage of stress comes – exhaustion.

3. Stage of exhaustion. The third stage occurs after unsuccessful adaptation attempts. The physical and mental reserves of the body run out, and it begins to falter. The stage of exhaustion is divided into two stages: disorders and destruction.

• At the stage of the disorder, there is a decrease in working capacity, perception, thinking worsen, irritability, aggression appear. Decisions are made chaotically, signs of destructive behavior appear.

• At the stage of destruction, all mental processes are inhibited. A person falls into a stupor, withdraws into himself, or acts randomly, commits rash acts.

The exhaustion stage is dangerous for the development of various somatic pathologies. Chronic stress can lead to deterioration of the skin, hair, nails, disruption of the cardiovascular and immune systems, and the gastrointestinal tract ^2,3,4 .

How to support the body during stress?

Stress is different, and, of course, for each specific situation, you need to select individual methods of supporting the body. With a strong prolonged nervous tension, most likely, the help of a psychologist will be required. However, there are remedies that can help with any stress, as they are natural participants in physiological reactions, and when they are deficient, it is more difficult for the body to mobilize to withstand stress factors. One such remedy is the amino acid tryptophan.

What is tryptophan?

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is not produced by the body on its own, but comes from outside, that is, with food. It is part of the proteins of all living organisms, participates in the synthesis of the “happiness hormone” serotonin, the “sleep hormone” melatonin, nicotinic acid (vitamin B ₃ ), which, in turn, plays an important role in the processes of carbohydrate and fat metabolism. The richest in this amino acid are red, black caviar, hard cheeses, fish, seafood, meat, nuts, and dairy products.

What role does tryptophan play in the body?

Tryptophan directly affects the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, which is responsible for mood and emotions. Serotonin is often referred to as the “hormone of happiness” or the “hormone of joy.” This is no coincidence. It is serotonin that we owe a feeling of fullness of life, high spirits, emotional, spiritual comfort.

Serotonin increases efficiency, stimulates mental activity, including in stressful situations. It also helps to maintain a stable emotional state, not to lose self-control during high mental stress, reduces irritability, aggressiveness, including during a diet, quitting smoking, drinking alcohol. Serotonin reduces anxiety, fear, emotional stress. Due to this effect on the body, serotonin is sometimes called the best remedy for stress, a natural antidepressant.

The relationship between tryptophan, serotonin, intelligence and emotional responses has been confirmed by several studies ^5.6 .

Tryptophan is also involved in the synthesis of the hormone melatonin, which provides easy, quick falling asleep, improves the depth and quality of sleep, eliminates the problems of intermittent sleep, and helps to get enough sleep and rest in a shorter time.

If you experience apathy, depressed mood, anxiety, irritability for a long time, do not sleep well, work through strength, the body may lack this amino acid and needs additional support.

Additional sources of Tryptophan

Taking dietary supplements with tryptophan can support the body during times of stress, restore emotional balance, and improve sleep quality. Among the large range of complexes containing tryptophan, we recommend choosing supplements produced in accordance with the international GMP quality standard.

The complex “Formula of calm Tryptophan” of the company “Evalar” not only contains an essential amino acid in the optimal dosage, but is additionally fortified with vitamins B ₅ and B ₆ , which are necessary for the full absorption of tryptophan. It has been established that a deficiency of vitamin B ₆ can lead to a break in the metabolic chain of this amino acid, and a deficiency of vitamin B ₅ can reduce the amount of tryptophan used for the synthesis of serotonin. For this reason, the complex intake of tryptophan with vitamins B ₅ and B ₆ can give a more pronounced rapid effect.

Dietary supplement of the company “Evalar” is manufactured in accordance with the quality standard GMP ⁷ . You can buy the complex in pharmacy chains and specialized departments of your city.

Evalar’s “Tryptophan Calmness Formula” course intake can restore the required level of amino acids in the body, maintain your health during high psycho-emotional stress.

Updated: 04/13/2023

¹ The evolution of the concept of stress and the framework of the stress system. Lu S., Wei F., Li G. Cell Stress. 2021 Apr 26;5(6):76-85. doi: 10.15698/cst2021.06.250 . PMID: 34124582; PMCID: PMC8166217.
² Stress and the molecular basis of psychosomatics Peters E. Hautarzt. 2013 Jun;64(6):402-9. German. doi: 10.1007/s00105-012-2492-y . PMID: 23760540.
³ Chronic stress: a critical risk factor for atherosclerosis. Yao B. Ch., Meng L. B., Hao M. L., Zhang Y. M., Gong T., Guo C. G. J Int Med Res. 2019 Apr;47(4):1429-1440. doi: 10.1177/0300060519826820 . Epub 2019 Feb 24. PMID: 30799666; PMCID: PMC6460614.
⁴ The effect of stress on the defense systems. Dragos D., Tănăsescu M. D. J Med Life. 2010 Jan-Mar;3(1):10-8. PMID: 20302192; PMCID: PMC3019042 .
⁵ Mood, food, and cognition: role of tryptophan and serotonin. Strasser B., Gostner J.M., Fuchs D. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2016 Jan;19(1):55-61. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0000000000000237 . PMID: 26560523.
⁶ of individual differences in personality. Kanen D. V., Arntz F. E., Yellowulis R., Cardinal R. N., Price A., Christmas D. M., Apergis-Schaute A. M., Saakyan B. D., Robbins T. V. Transl Psychiatry. 2021 Feb 1;11(1):81. doi: 10.1038/s41398-020-00880-9 . PMID: 33518708; PMCID: PMC7847998.
⁷ Certificate No. С0170889-173GMPMF-1.

Happiness is not in meat: protein supplement causes obesity anxiety | Articles

Dietary supplement tryptophan, which is used to facilitate the process of losing weight, can harm people with obesity. This is what Russian scientists say based on the findings of a recent study. When this substance is digested, toxins are released that are absorbed into the bloodstream and affect the nervous system, causing increased anxiety. The data were obtained from an experiment on rodents. The interviewed experts agreed that tryptophan in dietary supplements can affect a person’s mood, but it should not affect the process of losing weight.

Not only calm

According to Rosstat, three out of five Russians are overweight, one in five is obese. Losing excess is not so easy, and people often use dietary supplements to facilitate the process of losing weight. It helps reduce appetite and speed up fat burning. However, not all of them have a positive effect.

Researchers at the Federal Research Center for Nutrition and Biotechnology have found that the popular dietary supplement tryptophan increases anxiety and impairs digestion in obese mice. It is often used as a weight loss aid. The fact is that tryptophan is needed for the production of serotonin, the so-called happiness hormone. When a person is in a good mood, he is not drawn to jamming troubles, it is easier for him to follow a diet and force himself to play sports.

Photo: Izvestia/Alexander Kazakov

– Many people with obesity have a hereditary tendency to it, – explained Ivan Gmoshinsky, a leading researcher at the Federal State Budgetary Institution “Federal Research Center for Nutrition and Biotechnology”, head of the study. – Of course, and such people can be slim if they adhere to proper nutrition and are physically active. However, it is much easier for them to gain excess weight, both due to some hereditary factors, and due to acquired wrong eating habits. Therefore, we decided to conduct an experiment on animals genetically prone to weight gain.

Tryptophan is an amino acid that is found in some amounts in food: in various types of lean meat (turkey, chicken, veal), as well as in eggs, legumes and some seeds (pumpkin, sesame, sunflower). However, as part of a biologically active additive (BAA), it is much larger: the exact amount depends on the type of drug.

Fed Games

Scientists tested how a diet high in fat and carbohydrates in the presence of tryptophan supplements affects the behavior and weight gain of mice. The project was supported by a grant from the Russian Science Foundation.

During the experiment, the researchers divided the animals into three groups. The first received a balanced diet, the second – a meal high in fat and carbohydrates. The third group received nutrition similar to the second, but with tryptophan supplements. Moreover, in each group, one half of the rodents had a genetic tendency to obesity, the second was without it.

Then, for two months, the authors of the work monitored the activity and behavior of the animals, and also took tests. The results of the experiment surprised scientists.

“Tryptophan usually promotes feelings of calm and satiety,” said Ivan Gmoshinsky. “But in mice with genetic obesity, tryptophan had a rather adverse effect, leading to increased deposition of fat in the liver and increased anxiety. Animals receiving this supplement showed a greater desire to hide in their burrows and spent more time there than rodents from the first and second groups. However, tryptophan supplementation had practically no effect on genetically “normal” mice.

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Tryptophan

The researchers explained the observed result by the peculiarities of the effect of tryptophan on the intestinal microflora. With malnutrition, as well as with obesity, the species composition of microorganisms in the intestine changes. Useless and even harmful microorganisms begin to predominate in it, causing putrefactive processes. As a result of such processes, toxic substances can be formed from tryptophan. They are absorbed into the blood and enter the nervous system, having an adverse effect on it.

Nervous

The experts interviewed by Izvestia agreed that there is a connection between mood and the state of the intestinal microflora. However, they said that it could be not only in this amino acid.

Nutritionist, allergist-immunologist Marina Apletaeva explained that dietary supplements with tryptophan contain many other elements that can really significantly worsen the condition of the intestinal microbiota.

– However, to obtain reliable data, I would still like to look at the results of such a study on people who take dietary supplements with tryptophan on a regular basis, – said Marina Apletaeva. – Definitely, our digestive system is different from the gastrointestinal tract of mice.

But, as the expert noted, in case of an intestinal disorder, a person’s mood will obviously be lowered, as in other physical ailments, there is no doubt about the connection between these events.

Professor at the University of Rouen, head of the “Microbiota – the brain and the regulation of eating behavior” at the Institute of Physiology. I.P. Pavlova Sergey Fetisov believes that a large amount of tryptophan may well worsen the condition of the intestinal microflora.