Overview
L-tryptophan is important for many organs in the body. L-tryptophan is not made by the body and must be consumed from the diet. After absorbing L-tryptophan from food, the body converts some of it to 5-HTP and then to serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone that transmits signals between nerve cells. Changes in serotonin levels in the brain can affect mood.
People use L-tryptophan for severe PMS symptoms, depression, insomnia, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any of these uses.
Uses & Effectiveness ?
Possibly Ineffective for
Side Effects
In 1989, L-tryptophan was linked to cases of a neurological condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). But these cases might be due to contamination. About 95% of all EMS cases have been traced to L-tryptophan produced by a single manufacturer in Japan.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-tryptophan is safe when taken for more than 3 weeks.
Special Precautions and Warnings
In 1989, L-tryptophan was linked to cases of a neurological condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). But these cases might be due to contamination. About 95% of all EMS cases have been traced to L-tryptophan produced by a single manufacturer in Japan.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-tryptophan is safe when taken for more than 3 weeks. Pregnancy: It is possibly unsafe to take L-tryptophan in amounts greater than those found in foods during pregnancy. It might harm the unborn child.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-tryptophan is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and stick to food amounts.
Interactions ?
Sedative medications (CNS depressants) interacts with L-TRYPTOPHAN
L-tryptophan might cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Some medications, called sedatives, can also cause sleepiness and slowed breathing. Taking L-tryptophan with sedative medications might cause breathing problems and/or too much sleepiness.
Major Interaction
Do not take this combination
Serotonergic drugs interacts with L-TRYPTOPHAN
L-tryptophan might increase a brain chemical called serotonin. Some medications also have this effect. Taking L-tryptophan along with these medications might increase serotonin too much. This might cause serious side effects including heart problems, seizures, and vomiting.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
Keep in mind that some dietary supplement products might not list L-tryptophan separately on the label. Instead, it might be listed under niacin. Niacin is measured in niacin equivalents (NE). 60 mg of L-tryptophan is the same as 1 mg NE.
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