L-Tryptophan

Product Code: 00149                              Capsules per Bottle: 60

Each size 00 vegetarian cellulose capsule contains:

  TryptoPure™ is a registered trademark of Ajinomoto Aminoscience, LLC.

Description: L-Tryptophan is an amino acid precursor for the production of both melatonin and serotonin [1]. It is considered an “essential amino acid” as it is not made by the body, and must be ingested as part of the diet or through supplementation. Once absorbed, L-tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP (5-hyrdoxytryptophan), and then to serotonin [1]. Melatonin, a hormone that regulates diurnal rhythms and influences the reproductive and immune systems, as well as digestive processes and gastrointestinal motility, is also produced in the process of serotonin synthesis [1].

Uses: The effects of poor sleep on performance may be partly mediated by a biochemical imbalance of brain serotonin and/or melatonin [2]. Tryptophan supplementation has been shown to reduce sleep latency (time until sleep), and sleep quality (reduced wakefulness in the night), as well as enhance sustained alertness early in the morning after an overnight sleep, most likely because of improved sleep [2].

As the sole precursor of serotonin, research has shown that L-tryptophan’s role in brain serotonin synthesis is involved in the regulation of mood, behavior, and cognition [3]. Although serotonin synthesis can be affected by numerous factors, fluctuations in the availability of L-tryptophan has been shown to exert the greatest influence on the rate of serotonin synthesis [3].

Tryptophan depletion has been long understood to have mood-lowering effects in both men and women, although women and those with a family history of mood disorders tend to be more vulnerable to these particular effects. These data are consistent with the serotogenic role of tryptophan and sex differences in the synthesis of serotonin [4]. Tryptophan depletion has also been shown to impair learning, memory retrieval, and cognitive flexibility in otherwise healthy adults as well as increase aggressive and impulsive behaviors in patients with ADHD [4].

Amino acids, such as tryptophan, play a significant role in immune response by regulating lymphocyte and macrophage proliferation and function and the production of antibodies. Catabolism of tryptophan also increases the scavenging of free radicals and inhibits production of some inflammatory cytokines [5].

Source Materials: L-tryptophan is made by fermentation. Pyridoxine HCl is synthetic. Cellulose for capsules is derived from softwood tree pulp. All ingredients are vegan and non-GMO.

Allergens:  According to information provided by our suppliers, these capsules are free of the eight major allergens as identified by the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act of 2004 (FALCPA): Wheat (gluten), eggs, milk, soybeans, shellfish, fish, peanuts, tree nuts.

Recommendations: Use as directed by a healthcare professional.

Precautions: Pregnant or lactating women and individuals taking prescription medications should consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplement.

References

1. U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements. Information Paper on L-Tryptophan and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, February 2001.

2. Marcus CR, Jonkman LM, Lammers J, et al. Evening intake of α-lactalbumin increases plasma tryptophan availability and improves morning alertness and brain measures of attention, Am J Clin Nutr May 2005, vol. 81 no. 5 1026-1033

3. Murphy FC, Smith KA, Cowen PJ, et al. The effects of tryptophan depletion on cognitive and affective processing in healthy volunteers. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2002;163:42-53.

4. Richard  DM, Dawes MA, Matthias CW, et al. L-Tryptophan: Basic Metabolic Functions, Behavioral Research and Therapeutic Indications. International Journal of Tryptophan Research 2009; 2: 45–60.

5. Li P, Yu-Long D, Li D, et al. Amino acids and immune function, British Journal of Nutrition,Volume 98, Issue 2, August 2007 , pp. 237-252