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 it. Even though it 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).
How Does Tryptophan Work?
Tryptophan is an amino acid, which is important for building proteins. The body also uses it to make serotonin, a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in depression and anxiety. The body also uses it to make
niacin (a vitamin) and
melatonin (a hormone).
Despite what you may read on the Internet, it 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 the 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).
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