Girls are twice as likely as boys to be diagnosed with depression, according to a new study conducted by researchers in London.
The study found that girls’ brains are more likely to process the amino acid tryptophan in a way that produces neurotoxic compounds rather than neuroprotective ones. Girls with this neurotoxic pattern also showed markers of chronic inflammation in blood tests.
Participants included 75 girls and 75 boys around the age of 15, living in Brazil. Girls at high risk of depression or with a prior diagnosis had lower levels of neuroprotective compounds. These differences were not observed among boys.
This process occurs via the kynurenine pathway, which determines whether tryptophan becomes neurotoxic or neuroprotective.
The study reported that higher levels of neurotoxic compounds were associated with a higher likelihood of persistent depression after three years. Girls whose neurotoxic compound levels decreased over time were more likely to have recovered.
Potential contributing factors to inflammation include childhood trauma and hormonal changes, but researchers have not yet determined the exact cause of the sex-specific differences.
Tryptophan is found in common foods such as poultry, dairy, seeds, and nuts. The body uses it to produce melatonin and serotonin, both involved in regulating sleep, appetite, and mood.
Also Read : The Real Economy Has Never Been Tested by a Big Pandemic
