For example, on many forums you will see people claiming that tryptophan or 5-htp (5-htp is another supplement which is one step closer to serotonin, biochemically) are effective antidepressants. If low levels of tryptophan are behind your particular issues, then this will be the case. However if you are depressed, yet have no issues with tryptophan, taking these types of supplements will be unlikely to help.
