Western diet-induced anxiolytic effects in mice are associated with alterations in tryptophan metabolism.

Ohland, C. L., Pankiv, E., Baker, G., & Madsen, K. L. (2015). Nutritional Neuroscience, 19(8), 337–345.

Published online: 18 Jun 2015

DOI: 10.1179/1476830515Y.0000000034

In conclusion, diets high in fat and refined sugar are associated with increased levels of brain BDNF and tryptophan and decreased exploratory and anxiety-like behaviour. These behavioural changes correlated with altered intestinal tryptophan metabolism and liver metabolic profiles.