Category Archives: Serotonin

Serotonin and Anxiety

Posted on October 22, 2021 by Robert Barrington

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in humans and animals that is synthesised from the amino acid tryptophan. It is often considered that the function of serotonin is to induce a sense of well being and contentment. However, within the brain … Continue reading →

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Tryptophan Depletion and Depression

Posted on December 3, 2020 by Robert Barrington

Dietary tryptophan is required for the synthesis of serotonin in humans. Evidence suggests that changes to the blood level of tryptophan can alter the synthesis rates of serotonin and that this may in turn change the mood of the individual. … Continue reading →

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Tryptophan Metabolism, Immunity and Depression

Posted on December 2, 2020 by Robert Barrington

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid for human nutrition. L-tryptophan is used in the important biosynthetic pathway for the creation of the neurotransmitter serotonin. L-tryptophan concentration in blood have been observed to fall during the periods where the immune system … Continue reading →

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5-Hydroxytryptophan for Weight Loss?

Posted on May 28, 2020 by Robert Barrington

5-Hydroxytryptophan is a metabolite of L-tryptophan. It is found in a number of plants including the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. The 5-hydroxytryptophan in Griffonia seeds is bioavailable, and evidence suggests that when consumed it may increase brain levels of serotonin. Serotonin … Continue reading →

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Chromium As A Treatment for Depression

Posted on January 31, 2019 by Robert Barrington

Chromium is an essential trace mineral required for human health. Current studies suggest that the chromium intake of Western countries is too low and many individuals are at risk of subclinical deficiencies. This relates to the poor quality of the … Continue reading →

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L-Tryptophan: The Blood Brain Connection

Posted on August 16, 2018 by Robert Barrington

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid. This means that the body cannot synthesis the amino acid, and so a dietary source must be provided for life to proceed. L-tryptophan has a number of interesting functions, one of which is its … Continue reading →

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How To Make An Infant Sleep for Longer

Posted on March 7, 2018 by Robert Barrington

It is well established that diet can have a pronounced effect on sleep. Both caffeine and alcohol can for example disrupt sleep. Also, it is known that the macronutrient (fat, protein and carbohydrate) content of the diet can affect sleep. … Continue reading →

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The Absorption and Brain Effects of L-Theanine

Posted on February 7, 2017 by Robert Barrington

L-theanine (𝛄-ethylamino-L-glutamic acid) is an amino acid found almost exclusively in the leaves of the tea plant (Camelia sinensis). L-theanine is thought to possess physiological activity in humans, and in particular may be able to affect the relaxation state of … Continue reading →

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Are Low L-Tryptophan Levels a Cause of Aggression?

Posted on December 15, 2016 by Robert Barrington

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid required for normal human metabolic regulation. There is current interest in L-tryptophan because it has been shown that low levels of plasma tryptophan may be involved in the development of depression. This relates to … Continue reading →

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Insomnia and L-Tryptophan Depletion

Posted on August 3, 2016 by Robert Barrington

L-tryptophan is an an essential amino acid required for the production of serotonin in the neurones of the brain. In this role, tryptophan crosses the blood brain barrier and is converted to 5-hydroxytryptophan by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, also the … Continue reading →

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