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"Tryptophan - Let's Talk Turkey!"
It is needed for normal growth in children and helping to maintain normal nitrogen levels in adults. In 1989, it was taken off the market when it was discovered over-the-counter supplements could cause a condition known as Eosinophilia-Myalgia. This condition caused muscle pain and in extreme cases, even death. After just a few months on the market, 37 people had died with an additional 1500 becoming permanently disabled.
No one has ever been harmed from the uncontaminated form of this Amino acid! Google News reports on a story from Diana Walker, the Cravings Coach who explains why we have sugar cravings. She says that: In a normal diet, it is the least plentiful of all of the Amino acids. The typical American diet only consists of 1 to 1.5 grams per day. It performs numerous functions in the human body. It helps to manufacture various proteins, and in individuals whose intake of Vitamin B3 is low to moderate, it is used by the liver to help manufacture Vitamin B3. When accompanied by a deficiency of Vitamin B3, a lack of it in the diet may lead to the disease Pellagra. It is used for treating:
Treatment For Depression It is a precursor to the feel-good neurotransmitter serotonin that transmits nerve impulses from one cell to another and is needed for normal sleep. A deficiency of this Amino acid could have a serious impact on your emotional well-being. Serotonin is unable to cross through the blood-brain barrier while Tryptophan can. It is first broken down into a by-product called 5-HTP. Nutrients must be carried across this barrier via transport molecules. As this Amino Acid must share the transport mechanism with five additional Amino acids, it makes it extremely difficult for it to pass through this barrier. It works best in depressed individuals whose serotonin levels are low. Serotonin normally functions to balance the effects of two other chemicals, dopamine and norepinephrine, which, when left unchecked, leaves the individual in a nervous, agitated state. This neurotransmitter serotonin is used by the brain to help regulate sleep. What's the Bottom Line? For this Amino acid to be metabolized, adequate levels of Vitamin C, Folic acid, and Magnesium must be present. In addition, the Amino acids Tyrosine and Phenylalanine compete with it making absorption more problematic. As a result, the 'Bottom Line' is, many healthcare practitioners feel inadequate amounts of this Amino acid are obtained through dietary means and supplementation is necessary to increase blood levels of it. Some excellent foods sources of this important Amino acid include:
Dosage When used as a treatment for Depression studies have shown lower doses are more effective than higher doses. 500 milligrams to 1.5 grams daily taken at bedtime should help with this condition. Your dose may need to be adjusted during the first few weeks until you find one just right for you. It may be taken in conjunction with 33 - 100 milligrams of 5-HTP and 0.5 to 1 milligrams of melatonin at bedtime. You may experience any of the following side effects:
Talk to your physician if you have a history of: Diabetes, drug allergies, Cancer, Kidney disease, Liver disease, Eosinophilia, Fibromyalgia, or bladder problems. Drug Interactions Tryptophan may interact with the following medications: Depression medications such as Celexa, Prozac, Zoloft, Elavil, Effexor, Tofranil, and St. John's wort. A monoamine oxidase inhibitor such as: Eldepryl, Parnate, Nardil, or Marplan. Sedatives such as Valium, Klonipin, or Ativan. Be sure to discuss with your physician about what over-the-counter and prescription medications you are currently taking. Subscribe to the Home Remedies Blog by clicking on this link:  Return from Tryptophan to Home Page
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