L-Tryptophan (Amino Acid)
HealthWise® L-Tryptophan 150g
- 100% pure powder
- pharmaceutical grade
- L-Tryptophan
- packed without fillers or flowing agents
- naturally fermented at low temperature
Do you need L-Tryptophan? Take the amino acid test here.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. It is the precursor to 5-hydroxytrypophan (5-HTP) which is the direct precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is important for mood and sleep; when it is deficient, this can lead to anxiety, depression, insomnia, and various other neuropsychological conditions. L Tryptophan works in about 50% of insomnia cases.
Tryptophan is the precursor for vitamin B3 in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD). Only about 1/60th of the tryptophan in the body is actually converted to NAD. What conditions respond to Tryptophan?
Mood: Mood disorders, PMT, sleep and other conditions directly affected by reduced Serotonin production and uptake
Skin: Because it is a precursor to B3, Tryptophan may also be useful for dermatitis and pellagra
Weight loss: Tryptophan decreases carbohydrate cravings, and, because of its ability to convert into B3, helps with the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins.
Condition called cystinuria, sickle cell anemia, and for alcohol withdrawal support.
Absorption into the Brain: The brain typically receives less than one percent of ingested tryptophan. However, getting even this small share of tryptophan is a difficult task for the brain, due to the blood brain barrier (BBB). The BBB makes it hard even for brain essential nutrients to enter the brain. Serotonin by itself cannot penetrate the BBB, but its precursor, tryptophan, can. Nutrients must be ferried through the BBB by transport molecules, and unfortunately for the serotonin-using nerves, tryptophan must share its transportation route with five other amino acids: tyrosine,
phenylalanine, valine, leucine and isoleucine. Taking a supplement therefore, increases the chance of uptake into the brain which food alone may not be able to achieve.
Beware Serotonin Syndrome
This is where there is an excess tryptophan or 5-HTP levels, usually as a result with prescription anti-depressants. Signs and symptoms include: Agitation, confus ioofn ,c odmelbiriinuimng, tachycardia, blood pressure changes.
Medication Contraindications
Fluoxetine and related selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin-norephinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SSRI and SNRI) antidepressants – Addicitve effect can result in rapid onset of severe symptoms but might also be applied purposefully within a tightly managed therapeutic protocol. Generally avoid concomitant use or under close supervision with a healthcare professional.
Phenelzine and related Monoamine oxidase inhibitors – Concomitant use carries high probability of resulting in clinically significant serotonin excess and major risk of serious adverse effects. Avoid concomitant use.
Sibutramine and other serotonin antagonists – Concomitant use can lead to clinically significant serotonin excess and major risk of serious adverse effects. Avoid concomitant use.
Tricyclic antidepressants – Tryptophan can increase the actions of TCAs. This additive effect can result in rapid onset of severe symptoms but might also be applied purposefully within a tightly managed therapeutic protocol.
Contraindicated with
Achlorhydria, bladder cancer, diabetes mellitus, female infertility, psoriasis Possible side effects: Anorexia, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, nausea Dosages: Anxiety,
Possible side effects
Anorexia, dizziness, headaches, dry mouth, nausea
Dosages
Anxiety, Depression and PMT: 2-6 gram in divided doses in capsule form or in water between meals. Take with a small amount of carbohydrate to shuttle into the BBB.
Weight Loss and skin: 1-2 grams in divided doses in capsule form or in water between meals. Take with a small amount of carbohydrate to shuttle inot cells.
Insomnia: 1-3 grams 1 hour before bed with msall amount of carbohydrate.
Although studies show Tryptophan is safe up to 15 gram, stick to maximum dose of 6 grams to prevent serotonin syndrome.
Please note: This product is sold as a Food Only.
For specific conditions please consult your healthcare professional or ask one of our professional natural health practitioners here.
