Effect of L-tryptophan supplementation on ischemic pain

The synthesis of neurotransmitter amines in mammalian brain is known to respond to changes in precursor availability. After dietary manipulation including L-tryptophan supplementation 3 subjects out of 11 showed a significant reduction of experimentally induced ischemic pain. It is suggested that dietary manipulation aimed at an increase in central nervous system serotonin can alter pain perception in some individuals.