Tryptophan

What do doctors say about Tryptophan?

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is critical for the formation of many life-giving biomolecules, including structural proteins, enzymes, and the neurotransmitters, serotonin and melatonin.  For this reason, no other amino acid, vitamin, mineral, herb or drug can take the place of Tryptophan.

The fact that Tryptophan is a building block for health is confirmed by the fact that this essential amino acid is routinely added to baby food, where it is essential for growth, and to intravenous solutions (IV's), where it is essential for life.  Furthermore, plasma amino-acid profiles of hundreds of patients demonstrate that LT may be the amino acid most lacking in our diet.  Despite the fact that Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI's) are among the most heavily prescribed drugs in history, SSRI's cannot produce serotonin and they cannot replace Tryptophan.  This is why many patients on SSRI's continue to show deficiency symptoms.

Clinical Research Proves the Benefits of Tryptophan

Because Tryptophan is the least abundant amino acid in our diet, it should be no surprise that Tryptophan supplements have been widely used to correct deficiencies for more than a quarter of a century by doctors in the United States and Europe.  Psychiatrists, medical doctors, and nutritionists, alike, have long recognized the importance of pure Tryptophan for maintaining good health, relieving poor mood and irritability, reducing the craving for carbohydrates, and normalizing sleep.

Does Tryptophan support healthy nerves?

As long as we can remember, medical researchers have insisted that when nerve cells die they are not replaced.  But today, in laboratories around the world, this belief is being proven wrong, and we find that the brain, like every other organ in the body, can and does grow new cells.

Of great interest to researchers is the hippocampus, the region of the brain that is associated with learning and memory. In view of the fact that epidemic numbers of patients are complaining of memory loss, researchers at Princeton University have focused on factors that can actually stimulate cell growth in the hippocampus region of the brain.  Perhaps the most promising of these factors is the neurotransmitter, serotonin, the natural metabolite of Tryptophan.

Although some symptoms of an Tryptophan deficiency may disappear quickly, others may take time to show improvement. Essential amino acids are involved in a myriad of structural proteins and enzymes, as well as neurotransmitters, and so replacement may take time.

Tryptophan can be recommended for:

• Increasing low Serotonin levels and Tryptophan levels have
   been associated with depression.
• Increasing Serotonin levels to reduce chemical addictions.
• Increasing relaxation and normal sleep patterns.
• Increasing pain tolerance.
• Increasing Serotonin production.

What is Tryptophan?

Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is the precursor to Serotonin, which is a necessary neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting nerve impulses in the brain, and inducing sleep and tranquility. Serotonin deficiencies, which are related to Tryptophan deficiencies, are well documented in cases of depression and insomnia. Tryptophan also converts to Niacin, and Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxal 5'Phophate) is necessary for Tryptophan metabolism and conversion to Serotonin. The dietary sources of Tryptophan are cottage cheese, milk, brown rice, peanuts, meat, turkey and soy products. It is also available in supplemental form. In 1989 contaminated Tryptophan (from an inferior source no longer in business) was responsible for a disorder known as EMS. FTA Nutraceuticals only supplies the highest quality and purest Tryptophan.

Tryptophan is very important for biochemical balance of the brain, and is very helpful for those with sleep deprivation, anxiety and mood enhancement due to low Serotonin levels. It also helps to biochemical balance the brain in those whose Serotonin levels are low because of chemical addictions. It has also been effective in appetite control, increasing pain tolerance and assisting those with jet lag.

Tryptophan and Sleep

Sleep deprivation is a serious concern for many, and low Serotonin level are often the cause of this problem. Tryptophan converts to Serotonin helping induce relaxation and naturally enhancing sleep. Two capsules 30 minutes prior to bedtime are recommended. If necessary Tryptophan can be taken during the night. In extreme problems, Tryptophan should be taken in the early evening and again at bedtime. Vitamins B-6, along with increasing dietary complex carbohydrates are important for proper metabolism and increasing effectiveness.

Mood Enhancement

It has been well documented that low Serotonin levels and low Tryptophan levels have been associated with depression. Tryptophan naturally converts to this neurotransmitter. If depression also involves Catecholamine biochemistry, then taking Tryptophan in a regimen along with Tyrosine is recommended. Since they complete for uptake in the brain, and because Tryptophan induces sleep, it is recommended that Tryptophan be taken prior to dinner and again prior to bedtime. Tyrosine should be taken prior to breakfast and mid morning as well.

Other Aspects of L-Tryptophan and Serotonin 

Autism
Low levels of Tryptophan have been documented in autistic children, indicating that there maybe a defect in the Tryptophan-Serotonin metabolism in the brain.

Pain Tolerance
Increased Serotonin levels have an effect on increasing pain tolerance, especially for chronic pain caused from arthritis and lower back problems. In one study, Tryptophan was administered at the dose of 1-500 mg. capsules every 2 ˝ hours (total 6 per days) resulting in a 50% reduction in pain intensity. A high carbohydrate diet is recommend to increase Tryptophan metabolism, along with Vitamin b-6. D-Phenylalanine is also recommended in some cases to enhance results.

Appetite Control
Some studies suggest that administering Tryptophan helps control appetite, this means that Tryptophan can be helpful to those on a weight reduction program

Chemical Addiction
Cocaine addiction causes a deficiency of L-Dopamine and cause both Catecholamine and Serotonin neurotransmitters imbalances. Administering both L-Tyrosine and L-Tryptophan can help increase these neurotransmitters. This regimen has been used in chemical dependence units , along with conventional therapies. Tryptophan may also be helpful for those addicted to nicotine.

Jetlag
Supplementing with L-Tryptophan is recommended for those who travel and experience jet lag. It is most effective when taken in conjunction with L-Tyrosine to increase Catecholamine as well as Serotonin production. Safety of L-Tryptophan
Volumes of research have been published on the effectiveness and safety of the supplementation of Tryptophan for deficiencies relating to sleep disorders, depression , pain tolerance and other benefits for more that 30 years. However, in 1989 a disorder known as EMS was attributed to a contaminated batch of Tryptophan produced by a Japanese company that was distributed by many other companies in the US. The Mayo Clinic identified a biochemical abnormality, referred to as "peak x" in the contaminated batches. Cocoon Nutrition only supplies the highest quality pure L-Tryptophan that has been carefully evaluated. It does not have any contaminates or "peak x" abnormalities, and it has been safely used for many years to benefit those with Tryptophan and Serotonin deficiencies.