What Are The Benefits Of Natural Tryptophan Supplements?

Tryptophan supplementation is a controversial issue. In 1989 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration limited the availability of tryptophan within the United States. However, tryptophan is available with a prescription from a medical doctor. Benefits of tryptophan supplementation include relieving insomnia and depression.

The Controversy

In 1989, an outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome occurred, with approximately 500 cases reported to the Centers for Disease Control. 37 deaths were reported by its end, notes Dr. Elson Hass, MD in his book "Staying Healthy with Nutrition," and the outbreak was traced back to tryptophan supplements manufactured in Japan. However, the problems seem to have stemmed from supplement contamination as a result of poor manufacturing practices, rather than the tryptophan itself, notes Haas. Regardless, the Food and Drug Administration continues to restrict the import of tryptophan and it can only be obtained with a prescription from a medical doctor.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. Amino acids are the components that make up all the protein in your food and in your body. You must get tryptophan from your diet or from supplementation, as your body cannot make it. Your body uses tryptophan to help make niacin, a B vitamin. For tryptophan to be used in the production of niacin, iron, riboflavin and vitamin B-6 must also be present. Perhaps most importantly, tryptophan is the precursor for the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is thought to produce healthy sleep and a stable mood, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Antidepressant

Tryptophan has an antidepressant effect and is especially effective in treating depression associated with menopause and manic depression, notes Haas. Interestingly, depressed patients have been shown to have low levels of tryptophan in their bodies. This effect likely comes from the serotonin tryptophan produces, which has a moderating effect on mood. If you want to increase your tryptophan through your diet, include more foods that contain tryptophan such as soy, cheese, chicken, nuts, fish, peanuts, sesame seeds, milk, tofu, turkey, pumpkin seeds and peanut butter.

Insomnia

Insomnia can often be effectively treated by tryptophan, reports Haas. This is likely because the presence of serotonin is necessary in the brain for sleep to be induced and maintained, and tryptophan supports serotonin production. In order to optimize tryptophan utilization it can be taken along with a vitamin B-6 supplement. Tryptophan is more effective in acute insomnia than it is for treating long-term, chronic sleep problems.