What does this rating mean?
Tryptophan is an amino acid. It is not made naturally in the body, which means that humans have to get the tryptophan they need from their diet. Protein is a natural source of tryptophan and other amino acids.
The body converts tryptophan from food into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and then into serotonin. Serotonin is a natural chemical messenger in the brain. It is thought that increasing serotonin can be helpful in depression.
There are some studies that have looked at the use of tryptophan and 5-HTP for depression. Generally, these studies have found that tryptophan was more effective than a placebo (dummy pill) at reducing depression symptoms. However, these studies are of poor quality and more research is needed to fully understand whether tryptophan can be helpful in the treatment of depression.
Some people have reported nausea, dizziness and diarrhoea from the use of tryptophan.
In 1989, one brand of tryptophan was thought to be the cause of a serious illness (Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome). If you would like further information, please read the United States Food and Drug Administration information paper. Concerns have also been raised about possibly harmful impurities in 5-HTP supplements.
Tryptophan and 5-HTP can cause severe side effects if they are taken with other medications including antidepressants. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you are thinking of taking tryptophan.
In Australia and other countries, tryptophan is restricted. Low dose tryptophan supplements are available over the counter in pharmacies. Higher dose tablets can only be obtained with a doctor’s prescription.
The use of tryptophan or 5HTP to treat depression is not recommended as a treatment for depression because of concerns about safety and effectiveness.
Last reviewed and updated: 27 November 2023
These treatments are very useful. They are strongly supported as effective by scientific evidence.
These treatments are useful. They are supported by scientific evidence as effective, but the evidence is not as strong.
These treatments are promising and may be useful. They have some evidence to support them, but more evidence is needed to be sure they work.
These treatments have not been properly researched. It is not possible to say whether they are useful or not.