The Role of Tryptophan and Tyrosine in Executive Function and Reward Processing

Aquili, Luca

doi:10.1177/1178646920964825

Cited by 23 publications

(20 citation statements)

References 161 publications

(172 reference statements)

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“…Notably, the neurochemical consequences of tryptophan depletion are complex and still not fully understood (Aquili, 2020). Although there is strong evidence that acute tryptophan depletion lowers 5‐HT levels in the brain, it has also been shown that their effect can vary depending on the dose administered (Yatham et al, 2001).…”

Section: Serotonin and Social Adaptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A neurobiological perspective on social influence: Serotonin and social adaptation

Duerler¹,

Vollenweider²,

Preller³

2022

Journal of Neurochemistry

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Section: Serotonin and Social Adaptationmentioning

confidence: 99%

A neurobiological perspective on social influence: Serotonin and social adaptation

Duerler¹,

Vollenweider²,

Preller³

2022

Journal of Neurochemistry

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“…Tyrosine and tryptophan are essential precursors of neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, important for motivation and mood, respectively 23 , 24 . For instance, acute tyrosine and tryptophan depletions cause impairments in reward processing (e.g., reduced motivation for rewards) and lower mood 25 , 26 . Furthermore, studies have implicated a key role for dopamine in motivating information-seeking and exploration, as shown by the dopamine reward circuitry signaling the value of information 4 , 27 , 28 , and the relief of curiosity 29 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Curiosity for information predicts wellbeing mediated by loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic

Vermeer

Muth

Terenzi

et al. 2022

Sci Rep

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The COVID-19 pandemic confronted humans with high uncertainty and lockdowns, which severely disrupted people’s daily social and health lifestyles, enhanced loneliness, and reduced well-being. Curiosity and information-seeking are central to behavior, fostering well-being and adaptation in changing environments. They may be particularly important to maintain well-being during the pandemic. Here, we investigated which motives drive information-seeking, and whether and how curiosity and information-seeking related to well-being and mood (excitement, anxiety). Additionally, we tested whether daily diet contributed to this relationship during lockdown. Participants (N = 183) completed questionnaires measuring curiosity, information-seeking, social and mental health. Using a smartphone app, participants submitted their daily food intake and lifestyle ratings for a week. We found participants had highest motivation to seek positive (vs. negative) information, concerning themselves more than others. Both trait curiosity and information-seeking predicted higher well-being, mediated by loneliness. Trait curiosity also predicted well-being and excitement days later. Considering diet, participants with lower trait curiosity ate food containing more tyrosine (i.e., dopamine precursor). Furthermore, participants consuming food high in sugar reported higher anxiety, which was specifically found in participants with relatively low, but not high, trait curiosity. Taken together, curiosity and information-seeking may benefit well-being and mood in high uncertain and challenging times, by interacting with lifestyle measures (loneliness and nutrition).

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“…For instance, acute tyrosine and tryptophan depletions cause impairments in reward processing (e.g. reduced motivation for rewards) and lower mood 24,25 . Furthermore, studies have implicated a key role for dopamine in motivating information-seeking and exploration, as shown by the dopamine reward circuitry signalling the value of information 4,26,27 , and the relief of curiosity 28 .…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Curiosity for information predicts well-being during COVID-19 Pandemic: Contributions of loneliness and daily lifestyle

Vermeer¹,

Muth²,

Terenzi³

et al. 2021

Preprint

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The COVID-19 pandemic confronted humans with high uncertainty and lockdowns, which severely disrupted people’s daily social and health lifestyles, enhanced loneliness and reduced well-being. Curiosity and information-seeking are central to behavior, fostering well-being and adaptation in changing environments. They may be particularly important to maintain well-being during the pandemic. Here, we investigated which motives drive information-seeking, and whether and how curiosity and information-seeking related to well-being and mood (excitement, anxiety). Additionally, we tested whether daily diet contributed to this relationship during lockdown. Participants (N=183) completed questionnaires measuring curiosity, information-seeking, social and mental health. Using a smartphone app, participants submitted their daily food intake and lifestyle ratings for a week. We found participants had highest motivation to seek positive (vs. negative) information, concerning themselves more than others. Both trait curiosity and information-seeking predicted higher well-being, by reduced loneliness. Trait curiosity also predicted well-being and excitement days later. Considering diet, people with lower curiosity consumed food high in dopamine precursor tyrosine, whereas high-sugar intake increased anxiety, only in people with relatively low, but not high, trait curiosity. Taken together, curiosity and information-seeking may benefit well-being and mood in high uncertain and challenging times, by interacting with lifestyle measures (loneliness and nutrition).

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The Role of Tryptophan and Tyrosine in Executive Function and Reward Processing

Cited by 23 publications

References 161 publications

A neurobiological perspective on social influence: Serotonin and social adaptation

A neurobiological perspective on social influence: Serotonin and social adaptation

Curiosity for information predicts wellbeing mediated by loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic

Curiosity for information predicts well-being during COVID-19 Pandemic: Contributions of loneliness and daily lifestyle

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