Lysine and tryptophan are amino acids that are among the building blocks for proteins in the human body. Long associated with muscle tissues, proteins and their amino acid components actually play a vital role in several important bodily processes, including hormone synthesis and immune function. Lysine and tryptophan are both considered essential amino acids because your body cannot make them on its own. You can only get lysine and tryptophan through diet or supplementation.
Lysine
Lysine contributes to the production of the nutrient carnitine, which converts fatty acids into energy. Lysine also assists with calcium absorption and collagen formation. Your body uses collagen to make connective tissue such as skin, ligaments and tendons. Lysine may also be effective in the treatment of herpes simplex 1 by preventing the recurrence of cold sores, and reducing their duration.
Tryptophan
Tryptophan uses iron and the B vitamins riboflavin and B-6 to make niacin. Niacin contributes to nervous and digestive system function and skin. Tryptophan also makes serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to a healthy sleep cycle and acts as a mood stabilizer.
Sources of Lysine and Tryptophan
Both lysine and tryptophan are found in animal products, such as meat, poultry, milk products and eggs -- turkey is perhaps the most well-known source of tryptophan. Vegetarians and vegans can also find lysine and tryptophan in soy beans, peanuts, and nuts and seeds. Lysine and tryptophan are both available in L- form as supplements. You can find both amino acids as stand-alone supplements or as part of an amino-acid fomula.
Lysine and Tryptophan Recommendations
Most individuals get enough lysine and tryptophan in a healthy, balanced diet. Deficiencies can occur in individuals who do not consume enough lysine and tryptophan-rich foods. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 12 mg of lysine per kg of body weight per day for adults and 3,000 to 9,000 mg per day to treat herpes infections. Drugs.com recommends taking tryptophan as directed by the supplement manufacturer or your physician. Always consult your physician before you start a supplement program.
Lysine and Tryptophan Concerns
Lysine has few side effects but high doses over long periods have been known to cause gallstones. People with liver disease should avoid taking lysine without first consulting a physician and pregnant and breast-feeding women should avoid lysine altogether. Side effects of tryptophan include gastrointestinal upset, drowsiness and headache in addition to loss of appetite, blurred vision and dry mouth.
Special Concerns for Tryptophan
In the late 1980s, a tainted batch of tryptophan was linked with a potentially life-threatening condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Drugs.com advises that there have been no further reported cases of EMS as of May 2011, but the symptoms include weakness, numbness, tingling and severe muscle pain, muscle twitches and swelling. You may also experience yellowing or hardening of the skin, difficulty breathing and an uneven heartbeat.
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