5-htp (Tryptophan)

5-HTP's Precursor (Tryptophan) May Boost Confidence and Reduce Aggression

Name: 5-HTP's Precursor (Tryptophan) May Boost Confidence and Reduce Aggression Author: Ward Dean, MD Date:10/01/2001

Consuming the essential amino acid tryptophan may help people be more sure of themselves, according to a new study published in the August issue of the Neuropsychopharmacology. People consuming 3 grams of tryptophan daily were found to be more confident and less quarrelsome than those taking a placebo. Tryptophan is an important precursor of serotonin, a brain chemical involved in regulating mood. Low levels of serotonin have been found to be related to depression, impulsivity and aggression.

Dr. Debbie S. Moskowitz and colleagues from McGill University in Montreal, Canada, conducted a 12-day, double-blind, cross over study with 98 healthy volunteers. Subjects took 1 gram of tryptophan with meals, three times a day, and completed daily questionnaires that assessed various mood states and behaviors.

Moskowitz reported that taking tryptophan increased dominant (agreeable) behaviors and reduced quarrelsome behaviors. This is consistent with previous studies that have found that tryptophan can enhance mood in depressed individuals, but that it has no mood-altering effect in healthy individuals.

Neuropsychopharmacology 2001;25(2): 277-289

[Editors Note: Supplemental tryptophan is currently unavailable. As tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP in the body, it would be reasonable to assume that supplemental 5-HTP would have comparable results. Since 5-HTP is about ten-times as effective as tryptophan, comparable dosages would be 100 mg, 3 times daily with meals.)