Uses of L-Tryptophan

With today's hectic lifestyles, eating a balanced, nutritional diet isn't always possible. As a result, many have turned to dietary supplements as way of meeting the body's nutritional requirements. L-tryptophan is a supplement used to support processes in the body as well as overall mental functioning. As with any supplement medication, it's always best to consult with a doctor before use.

Identification

• Amino acids are essential for the body to maintain health. While the body can manufacture many amino acids on its own, sources of tryptophan must be provided by dietary intake or nutritional supplements. L-tryptophan is a nutritional supplement made from plant and animal sources. Dietary proteins like nuts, eggs, fish, chicken and cheese are good sources of tryptophan. L-tryptophan is used to supplement dietary deficiencies that may be present.

Niacin Support

• Tryptophan is one of the amino acids used by the body to produce niacin. As L-tryptophan is formulated to have the same function as tryptophan, it affects the body in similar ways. Niacin--also known as vitamin B3--helps keep cholesterol levels down, helps the body metabolize fat and works to maintain normal blood sugar levels. Cell metabolism processes involving DNA and RNA production also are supported by the levels of niacin present in the body.

Serotonin Support

• Tryptophan is a needed precursor material for serotonin production within the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, or brain chemical, that helps to regulate the centers responsible for emotion and mood. This has led to the use of L-tryptophan as an alternative treatment for mood disorders like depression, anxiety and premenstrual syndrome. In some cases, the supplement form can be used to help with weight loss issues, as well as with reducing symptoms of ADHD. Serotonin also helps with regulating sleep cycles within the body, making L-tryptophan a possible treatment for those with sleep disorders.

Signs of Deficiency

• Since tryptophan is necessary for proper protein, niacin and serotonin absorption, individuals who are lacking dietary tryptophan may experience certain symptoms as a result of deficiencies in these areas. Noticeable weight loss may occur as a result of a lack of protein. Niacin deficiencies may be experienced in the form of body fatigue and muscle weakness, diarrhea and loss of appetite. Serotonin deficiencies appear in the form of irritability, problems concentrating, craving foods high in carbohydrates and mood swings.

FDA Considerations

• As with most herbal and nutritional supplements, there are no regulated manufacturing requirements in place for L-tryptophan supplement brands. Formula concentrations can vary from batch to batch, meaning dosage amounts as they appear on labels may not be accurate. Also of note is a 1989 U.S. Food and Drug Administration ban on L-tryptophan supplements as a result of an outbreak that resulted from its use. Reports identified 1,500 cases of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) that resulted from taking the supplement. EMS is a connective tissue disease in which severe muscle pain and skin disorders result. A Japanese manufacturer was identified as the source of the tainted batch; however, other batches from various manufacturers also were related to the outbreak.