Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is necessary for the production of serotonin. It is found in meat, dairy, eggs, nuts, and seeds, but deficiencies can occur. Tryptophan supplements are available, but caution should be taken as they can interact with other medications.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is naturally present in meat, dairy, eggs, and some nuts and seeds. For a variety of reasons, tryptophan is sometimes consumed in lower amounts than other amino acids. It is considered a necessary nutrient for the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and tryptophan deficiencies have been associated with dementia, depression, and insomnia. For that reason, susceptible people may choose to take a tryptophan supplement to meet dietary needs. Normally taken as a pill or capsule, supplemental tryptophan is currently available in its pure form, as l-tryptophan, or as a downstream compound that is normally synthesized from tryptophan within the brain.
As a nutrient, tryptophan is generally less abundant than other amino acids, particularly in non-meat sources such as corn, grains, and legumes. It is most available in animal products, such as meat, eggs, and dairy, as well as some seeds and nuts. Even in these foods, other amino acids such as tyrosine and phenylalanine tend to compete with tryptophan for absorption. Additionally, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and folic acid are generally required for the absorption and assimilation of tryptophan. Each of these factors can contribute to a dietary deficiency, necessitating the use of a tryptophan supplement for some people.
Even when dietary intake is adequate, this does not necessarily correlate with increased serum levels, and supplemental tryptophan does not always produce increased serotonin levels. As an alternative to a tryptophan supplement, some prefer to take 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). When the brain processes tryptophan to synthesize serotonin, it first converts the amino acid to 5-HTP, an intermediate neurotransmitter in the production process. This supplement appears to actively increase serotonin levels in the brain and has a measurable effect on mood balance, sleep quality, and fibromyalgia symptoms.
Between 1989 and 2001, tryptophan supplements were not available for purchase without a prescription in the US. One particular manufacturer was identified as having allowed contaminated supplements into the supply, resulting in thousands of reported illnesses and several deaths from a bacterial disease known as eosinophilia. Myalgia syndrome. In reaction to the outbreak, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) banned the import and sale of tryptophan supplements, although the product continued to be available in Canada and parts of Europe. The FDA lifted the ban in 2001, and tryptophan supplements began to hit the US market.
Any tryptophan supplement should be taken with caution. As a serotonin producer, it can interact with other substances to create excess serotonin in the brain. Certain antidepressants, sleep medications, or pain relievers can interact poorly with tryptophan and 5-HTP. It is advisable to consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking a tryptophan supplement, or to add a different medication or supplement to an existing tryptophan treatment program.
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