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- Title
The effects of dietary neurotransmitter precursors on human behavior.
- Authors
Lieberman, H R; Corkin, S; Spring, B J; Wurtman, R J; Growdon, J H
- 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.
- Publication
The American journal of clinical nutrition, 1985, Vol 42, Issue 2, p366
- ISSN
0002-9165
- Publication type
Journal Article
- DOI
10.1093/ajcn/42.2.366