Maternal tryptophan supplementation alters offspring gut‐brain axis and behavior in a sex‐specific manner

A mother’s diet has a significant impact on her offspring’s brain development, partly by influencing the gut microbiota and the gut-brain axis. These interactions contribute to sex-based differences in susceptibility to neuropsychiatric conditions. The growth of the brain and the functioning of the immune system depend on tryptophan, an important amino acid and precursor to serotonin. However, the influence of maternal tryptophan supplementation on neurochemical and behavioral development in healthy offspring remains uncertain. This study by Fortunato et al. (2025) investigated the impact of a tryptophan-enriched maternal diet on the offspring’s gut microbiota, metabolism, neurochemistry, and behavior. Researchers measured microbial diversity, metabolic function, brain and blood levels of tryptophan and serotonin, as well as behavioral traits in male and female mouse offspring. The results showed that maternal tryptophan intake produced sex-specific effects: female offspring had altered gut microbiota, lower brain tryptophan and serotonin levels, and increased anxiety-like behaviors. Male offspring showed enhanced metabolic activity, higher brain tryptophan levels, and more repetitive behaviors. These results suggest that prenatal tryptophan supplementation modulates the gut-brain axis and impacts neurodevelopment in a sex-specific manner. The findings emphasize the need for further research into targeted maternal nutrition during pregnancy to support optimal mental health outcomes and develop preventive strategies tailored by sex. [NPID: Maternal diet, tryptophan supplementation, neurodevelopment, gut-brain axis, gut microbiota, serotonin, sex differences, prenatal nutrition]

Year: 2025

Reference: Fortunato, M. C., Neves, J., Pais, M. L., Fonseca, C., Silva, D., Martins, J., Castelo‐Branco, M., Fortuna, A., & Gonçalves, J. (2025). Maternal tryptophan supplementation alters offspring gut‐brain axis and behavior in a sex‐specific manner. Journal of Neurochemistry, 169(7). https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.70161

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