The effects of dietary neurotransmitter precursors on human behavior.

H. R. Lieberman*, S. Corkin, B. J. Spring, R. J. Wurtman, J. H. Growdon

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

64 Scopus citations

Abstract

The neurotransmitter precursors tryptophan and tyrosine are present in a variety of foods. In order to document possible effects of tryptophan and tyrosine on human behavior, single oral doses of these substances and matched placebos were administered to 20 men in a double-blind, crossover study. Various tests of mood state and performance were then administered. Tryptophan increased subjective fatigue and decreased self-ratings of vigor and alertness, but did not impair performance on any of the tests. Tyrosine produced no effects in our young population compared with placebo, but did decrease reaction time relative to tryptophan. It may be concluded that tryptophan has significant sedative-like properties, but unlike other sedatives may not impair performance.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)366-370
Number of pages5
JournalThe American journal of clinical nutrition
Volume42
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 1985

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'The effects of dietary neurotransmitter precursors on human behavior.'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this