Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid and a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood. The rationale for its use in postpartum depression (PPD) stems from evidence that serotonin dysregulation is implicated in depressive disorders, including PPD. Some small studies and case reports suggest that supplementation with tryptophan may help elevate mood by boosting serotonin synthesis in the brain, particularly in situations where tryptophan levels may be depleted, such as after childbirth. For example, a randomized controlled trial by Steiner et al. (1995) found that tryptophan supplementation reduced depressive symptoms in women with a history of postpartum depression who underwent tryptophan depletion. However, high-quality, large-scale studies specifically investigating the use of L-tryptophan in women with active PPD are limited, and results are not consistent across all trials. Additionally, safety concerns, such as the risk of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome associated with contaminated tryptophan supplements in the late 1980s, have limited its widespread use. Mainstream guidelines do not currently recommend L-tryptophan as a standard treatment for PPD, favoring antidepressant medications with established safety records instead. In summary, while there is a plausible scientific basis and some preliminary evidence supporting the use of L-tryptophan in PPD, robust clinical validation is lacking, and its use should be approached with caution.

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Nature's Sunshine Free Amino Acids