title: Tryptophan supplementation modulates social behavior: A review.
abstract: Tryptophan (TRP), the precursor of serotonin (5-HT), is one of the most investigated amino-acids. TRP supplementation can increase 5-HT levels in the brain and for this reason numerous studies have investigated whether administration of TRP can positively influence social behavior that relies on serotonergic function. Here we review the available studies on TRP, to clarify if and under what circumstances TRP supplementation might modulate social behavior. TRP supplementation seems to improve control over social behavior in patients and individuals suffering from disorders or behaviors associated with dysfunctions in serotonergic functioning. In contrast, in healthy humans TRP supplementation seems to promote social behavior. Although more research is needed to disentangle and understand the relations between individual differences, TRP effectivity, 5-HT functioning, social interactions, and context, we conclude TRP can be a promising tool for modulating social behavior.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands. Electronic address: L.Steenbergen@fsw.leidenuniv.nl.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Steenbergen
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Bryant J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Jongkees
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Roberta
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sellaro
authors.affiliation: Institute of Psychological Research and Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Lorenza S
authors.initials: LS
authors.lastname: Colzato
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy / Q000523:psychology; D012919:Social Behavior; D014364:Tryptophan / Q000008:administration & dosage*
chemical_list: D014364:Tryptophan
keywords: Serotonin; Social behavior; Supplementation; Tryptophan