Around 121 million people worldwide suffer from depression each year, according to the World Health Organization. Considering these staggering numbers, it's no surprise that researchers are looking for new treatment methods for improving the symptoms and outcome of this debilitating mental illness. Certain nutritional supplements, like tyrosine and 5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, may help depression. Consult your doctor before using any dietary supplement.
About Depression
Depression doesn't just affect the way you feel on an emotional level. While its true that depressive symptoms include a lowered mood, low self-esteem, sadness, tearfulness, irritability and apathy, depression also causes a host of physical symptoms that can have a significant impact on your ability to function and your overall well-being. Symptoms include stomach aches, headaches or other bodily aches and pains, insomnia, appetite changes and fatigue. Some people may also experience suicidal thoughts or gestures. Depression is usually treated with medication and psychotherapy. However, some people experience negative side effects from antidepressant medications. Researchers are seeking potential alternative, natural or dietary supplements that may improve depressive symptoms with a minimum of side effects.
Tyrosine Facts and Benefits
Tyrosine is an amino acid that acts as a precursor to certain neurotransmitters, chemicals created in your brain that affect and regulate your mood. Specifically, tyrosine helps in the manufacturing of L-dopa, dopamine, norepinephrine and epinephrine, chemicals that are thought to play a significant role in the etiology of depressive symptoms. According to a case study published in the May 1980 "American Journal of Psychiatry," tyrosine supplementation appears to have a beneficial affect on depression because it increases production of dopamine and norepinephrine. However, another study, published in the June 1990 issue of the "Journal of Affective Disorders," did not find any antidepressant benefits of tyrosine administration for depressed study participants. Tyrosine is sometimes used in combination with 5-HTP to provide antidepressant benefits. A study published in the March 1983 issue of the journal "Neuropharmacology" showed that tyrosine may increase the antidepressant effects of 5-HTP. More clinical studies are needed to validate these effects.
Hydroxytryptophan Facts and Benefits
Hydroxytryptophan, frequently referred to as 5-HTP, is also an amino acid that helps with the manufacture and regulation of specific neurotransmitters. Your brain converts 5-HTP into serotonin. Low levels of serotonin may play a key role in the formation of depressive disorders. A review published in 2000 in the "Alternative Medicine Review" and another published in the August 2002 issue of the "Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry" both state that clinical evidence suggests that 5-HTP may be a beneficial treatment for depression, although more studies are needed to fully confirm its benefits.
Considerations
While certain supplements, such as tyrosine and 5-HTP, may help depression, you should not use dietary supplements to self-treat your symptoms. Consult your doctor or a qualified mental health professional if you think you may be depressed. Depression can worsen if not properly treated. Additionally, inform your doctor if you plan to use any dietary supplements, especially if you take any prescription or over-the-counter medication or have a medical condition.
References
- "American Journal of Psychiatry"; Tyrosine for the Treatment of Depression; A. Gelenberg, et al; May 1980
- "Journal of Affective Disorders"; Tyrosine for Depression: A Double-Blind Trial; A. Gelenberg, et al; June 1990
- "Neuropharmacology"; In Search of the Mode of Action of Antipdepressants: 5HTP/Tyrosine Mixtures in Depressions; H.M. Van Praag; March 1983
- World Health Organization: Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
- "Alternative Medicine Review"; Use of Neurotransmitter Precursors for Treatment of Depression; Stephen Myers; February 2000
