Review of the implications of dietary tryptophan intake in patients with irritable bowel syndrome and psychiatric disorders.
In this review, we address the possible role of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan or its metabolic derivative 5-hydroxytryptophan in the modulation of serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine) synthesis and thereby in affecting the pathophysiology of central and peripheral nervous system disorders, including depression and irritable bowel syndrome. L-Tryptophan may represent a link between apparently disparate functional disorders and is of interest for general gastroenterologists, neurogastroenterologists, and neurologists. On the basis of estimates showing that approximately 20% of patients with functional bowel disorders seeking care in referral centres have psychiatric comorbidity, we attempt to provide a conceptual framework for defining the possible role of L-tryptophan in this population.
Agazzi
A
A
Department of Physiological and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
De Ponti
F
F
De Giorgio
R
R
Candura
S M
SM
Anselmi
L
L
Cervio
E
E
Di Nucci
A
A
Tonini
M
M
D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan / Q000737:chemistry / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003863:Depression / Q000188:drug therapy; D004032:Diet; D004064:Digestive System / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D043183:Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000523:psychology; D015394:Molecular Structure; D012701:Serotonin / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*
D012701:Serotonin; D014364:Tryptophan; D006916:5-Hydroxytryptophan