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Tryptophan, serotonin and human social behavior.

Deborah S Moskowitz1, Gilbert Pinard, David C Zuroff

  • 1Department of Psychology, McGill University, 1205 Dr. Penfield Avenue, Montreal, Quebec, Canada H3A 1B1. dsm@ego.psych.mcgill.ca

Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology
|June 23, 2004
PubMed
Summary

Supplementing with tryptophan, a serotonin precursor, reduced quarrelsome behaviors and increased dominant behaviors in healthy adults. This study explores serotonin

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Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Social Psychology
  • Nutritional Psychiatry

Background:

  • Animal studies indicate serotonin influences social behaviors.
  • Increasing serotonin may decrease aggression and increase dominance.
  • Human relevance of these findings requires investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effects of tryptophan supplementation on human social behaviors.
  • To determine if serotonin modulation impacts aggression and dominance in humans.
  • To test animal research findings in a healthy human population.

Main Methods:

  • Double-blind, cross-over study involving 100 healthy participants.
  • Administration of tryptophan (1g after each meal) versus placebo for 12 days.
  • Social behaviors assessed via event sampling and post-interaction questionnaires.

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Main Results:

  • Tryptophan supplementation significantly decreased quarrelsome behaviors.
  • Tryptophan supplementation significantly increased dominant behaviors.
  • No significant changes in affiliative behaviors were reported.

Conclusions:

  • Tryptophan, a serotonin precursor, modulates social behavior in humans.
  • Findings support the role of serotonin in regulating aggression and dominance.
  • Dietary interventions may offer a pathway to influence social conduct.