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Tryptophan is believed to improve depression symptoms by increasing levels of seratonin in the brain. Tryptophan is a naturally occurring essential amino acid which occurs in foods and in supplements widely available at natural food stores. The most effective forms of Tryptophan are supplements of L-tryptophan and 5-HTP or 5-hydroxytrytophan, which is a form of Tryptophan that is closer to serotonin.
A fair amount of studies have shown that Trypotophan or 5-HTP were more effective in alleviating depression as compared to no treatment (placebo) or antidepressants.
Find other natural remedies for depression.
Tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid in certain foods. In the human body it acts as a precursor to serotonin, which is then converted in Melatonin. A substitute form, 5-HTP or 5-hydroxytryptophan is a more common and readily available form of Tryptophan.
5-HTP has been shown to be effective in treating depression, fibromyalgia, headaches and insomnia.1
