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 mood regulation and appetite. Scientific interest in L-tryptophan as a potential treatment for bulimia nervosa stems from research showing that people with bulimia may have disturbances in serotonin function, which can influence impulse control, mood, and eating behavior. Several small studies and clinical trials have investigated whether supplementing L-tryptophan can help reduce binge-eating episodes or improve mood in those with bulimia. For example, research from the 1980s and 1990s suggested that acute tryptophan depletion could increase binge-eating and mood symptoms in individuals with bulimia, while supplementation might have the opposite effect. However, the evidence is mixed and not robust. Most studies have been small and short-term, and results are sometimes inconsistent. Reviews and meta-analyses have generally concluded that, while there is a plausible biological mechanism and some preliminary support, the overall evidence is limited and not strong enough to make L-tryptophan a standard treatment for bulimia. Currently, mainstream treatment for bulimia focuses on psychotherapy (such as cognitive-behavioral therapy) and sometimes antidepressant medication, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). L-tryptophan is not widely recommended in clinical guidelines, but its use is supported by a modest body of scientific research, primarily as an adjunct or experimental therapy rather than a mainstay treatment.

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