Tryptophan

Tryptophan is a type of essential amino acid, which means that the human body does not produce the substance and it must be obtained through dietary means. Some people may also choose to take tryptophan supplements, which are claimed to help with several conditions (such as depression, PMS, and ADHD). However, there are some safety concerns about using tryptophan supplements, such as the risk of a dangerous condition known as EMS.

 

What Is Tryptophan?

Tryptophan (also known as L-tryptophan) is an essential amino acid. This means that humans must obtain tryptophan from dietary sources -- the body cannot produce tryptophan. Even though tryptophan is found in many foods, dietary supplements are also available. These supplements are claimed to be useful for treating a variety of conditions, such as depression, anxiety, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
 
(Click Benefits of Tryptophan for more information on what tryptophan is used for, including additional tryptophan uses.)
 

How Does Tryptophan Work?

Tryptophan is an amino acid, which is important for building proteins. The body also uses tryptophan to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in depression and anxiety. The body also uses tryptophan to make niacin (a vitamin) and melatonin (a hormone).
 

Is Tryptophan Still Available?

Despite what you may read on the Internet, tryptophan is not currently "banned" by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For a while in the early 1990s, tryptophan supplements were banned in the United States due to safety concerns, but changes in the laws during 1994 allowed for the reintroduction of tryptophan supplements. According to one law, known as the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, manufacturers of supplements do not need FDA approval before marketing their products and do not need to prove that their products are safe. This is why tryptophan supplements are once again available (it is not because they have ever been shown to be safe).
 

Is Tryptophan Effective?

In general, there is insufficient scientific proof supporting the effectiveness of tryptophan. Early studies have shown promising results for some, but not all, tryptophan uses.
 
(Click Does Tryptophan Work? for more information.)
 

Tryptophan Dosing Information

There is little reliable information available about a safe and effective dose of tryptophan supplements for medicinal purposes. Therefore, make sure to follow the specific instructions on your particular tryptophan product.
 
(Click Tryptophan Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of Tryptophan

Although it is a "natural" product, tryptophan can still cause side effects. Common side effects of tryptophan include:
 
  • Heartburn or indigestion
  • Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
  • Belching and gas
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea.
     
(Click Tryptophan Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With Tryptophan

Tryptophan can interact with several medications (see Tryptophan Drug Interactions).
 

Is Tryptophan Safe?

At this time, it is not clear if tryptophan supplements are safe for the general public. There is some concern that tryptophan may be responsible for a very serious condition known as eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). Some people are more likely than others to experience problems due to tryptophan. Therefore, you should talk with your healthcare provider before taking tryptophan if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • High levels of eosinophils in the blood (known as eosinophilia)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Safety of Tryptophan for more information, including any available tryptophan warnings and precautions.)
 

What If I Take a Tryptophan Overdose?

People who take too much tryptophan could experience several different problems, including serotonin syndrome (a dangerous group of symptoms associated with the use of drugs or supplements that affect serotonin levels), eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), or any of the usual side effects of tryptophan.
 
If you think you may have taken too much tryptophan, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click Tryptophan Overdose for more information.)
 

Tryptophan: Storage Methods

Refer to the label of your individual tryptophan product for information on how best to store tryptophan. Keep tryptophan and all other supplements or medications out of the reach of children.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;