After nearly 15 years' absence in Europe, L-tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids in the diet, is back - available to buy once more in an authorized nutritional supplement. A precursor of serotonin, melatonin and niacin, tryptophan is a vitally important substance. Discovered in 1901, it has been used for decades to relieve depression, promote sleep or aid with weight loss.
What benefits do studies show about L-Tryptophan?
Serotonin plays a key role in many of the body's functions, and particularly in depression, anxiety, mood and appetite control. Many people eat excessive amounts of carbohydrates when they feel stressed, depressed or anxious. This results in a rise in cerebral serotonin and a temporary feeling of well being and security, but at the same time, an increase in fat stores. Tryptophan supplementation improves psychological state without inducing increases in the amount of stored fat. Several studies have demonstrated the benefits and efficacy of tryptophan.
Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, so when levels are inadequate, only supplementation with either of its two precursors - tryptophan or 5-HTP - can raise them effectively.
The first studies using tryptophan to influence mood were conducted in the Fifties. Tryptophan supplementation was shown to be effective and free of side-effects in subjects suffering from mild to moderate depression.
Both on its own and combined with phototherapy, tryptophan is also an effective treatment for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
In cases of mild insomnia, tryptophan promotes drowsiness and good quality sleep.
In 1990, its use in supplements was banned, after a single contaminated batch of tryptophan supplied by one Japanese manufacturer apparently led to the development of a deadly condition. It should be noted that this ban coincided with the launch of Prozac. Its use in drugs, infant formulas and parenteral food products, however, continued unhindered.
What are the differences between L-tryptophan and 5-HTP?
L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP are converted into serotonin following the same metabolic pathway. However, certain people react better to supplementation with L-tryptophan than with 5-HTP. This may be for a number of reasons.
With L-tryptophan supplementation, the body maintains control over the amount of serotonin produced using the enzyme L-tryptophan hydroxylase.
When 5-HTP is taken, some of it may find its way to the intestine where it can cause nausea. Besides, since serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, any serotonin produced outside of the brain is unable to penetrate it.
In some individuals, certain conditions, including severe depression, can prevent the passage of 5-HTP across the blood-brain barrier - this does not happen with L-tryptophan.
L-tryptophan is available to buy in Supersmart's catalogue, providing benefits as an essential amino acid that is crucial for healthy body function and particularly, for the production of niacin.
Composition
Daily serving: 2 tablets
Number of servings per bottle: 60
Quantity
per serving
L-tryptophan
1 000 mg
Other ingredients: acacia gum, fructo-oligosaccharide.
Each tablet contains 500 mg of L-tryptophan, one of 8 essential amino acids present in the diet. Tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin, melatonin and niacin.
Directions for use
Take one to two tablets a day.
Do not take tryptophan alongside other substances such as 5-HTP which also increases serotonin levels, without medical supervision.
4.4/5 • 16 reviews
Description
4.6 / 5
Quality
4.6 / 5
Value for money
4.3 / 5
Reviews 16
Excellent
62 %
Great
25%
Average
6%
Poor
0%
Bad
6%
CAMPO Mercedes2018-07-31
todabia no he tomado espero a probarlo para hablar
Claudia2021-01-10
Semble être efficace pour l'insomnie avec 2 prises: au dîner et au coucher.
MABLE Lucas2020-12-14
Excellent rapport qualité prix
Bernard BOUCHER2020-11-12
Produit à base notamment de niacyne qui est je crois un neurotransmetteur dont je manquais
MONSEIGNEUR Damien2020-11-01
super produit pour dormir et se détendre
COLMARD Marie Laure2020-02-11
Très bon produit qui me sert d anti depresseur
Maheza2019-12-02
Excellent produit
Hans Busk2019-12-01
nnnnnnnnnnn
Fabienne Vermynck2019-08-14
Je me sens plus apaisée depuis que j’en prends.
GIUSEPPE2019-07-21
Ottimo integratore che fa quello per cui è nato.
BIERLIER André2019-06-15
Précurseur de la sérotonine et de la mélatonine, aide à l'endormissement et à garder un moral au top
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