Tryptophan, also known as L-tryptophan, is an essential amino acid; the body cannot produce tryptophan, so it must be consumed through food or supplements. Tryptophan is a possible depression treatment because tryptophan affects serotonin production.
Tryptophan-Rich Food
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that tryptophan can be found in a variety of food such as eggs, peanut butter, peanuts, nuts, pumpkin seeds, cheese, milk, sesame seeds, soy and tofu. Tryptophan is also found in chicken, fish and turkey.
Tryptophan Supplements
Pharmacist Kristi Monson and Dr. Arthur Schoenstadt, authors of the eMedTV article on L-Tryptophan, note that 300 mg of tryptophan supplements with antidepressants are used to treat depression; however, they say, there is no certain scientific proof the supplements are effective.
Serotonin Conversion
The NIH notes that when tryptophan is consumed, either through food or through supplements, it is converted to serotonin. An increased level of the neurotransmitter serotonin can reduce depression symptoms.
Warning
Monson and Schoenstadt state that patients who have liver or kidney disease, eosinophilia and allergies should be careful if they take tryptophan supplements.
Side Effects
One of the side effects of tryptophan supplements is serotonin syndrome, where too much serotonin is in the body, according to Monson and Schoenstadt. Symptoms include confusion, hallucination, feeling faint, difficulty walking, fast heartbeat, fever, sweating, muscle spasms and diarrhea.
