L-Tryptophan

Tryptophan is said to be the single most studied nutrient in the psychiatric community due to the profound effect it has on promoting emotional well being. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and has the chemical structure of (a}-aminoindole-3-propionic acid, C11 H12 N2 O2. Tryptophan is also the parent molecule of picolinic acid which is needed by the body to aid in absorbtion of zinc.

Function- Tryptophan is best known for its effect on the central nervous system to produce serotonin which is a necessary neurotransmitter that transfers nerve impulses from one cell to another and is responsible for normal sleep. Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on the nervous system relieving tension and anxiety. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is necessary for the production of vitamin B3 (niacin) helps to combat depression, insomnia and to stabilize moods.

Depression- The basic theory behind tryptophan supplementation in treating depression and insomnia is that it will increase the levels of serotonin and melatonin in the brain. Chemistry and lab research has proven that many depressed individuals have low tryptophan and serotonin levels each of which are necessary for manufacturing the “Happy Hormone” serotonin. Be aware that health occurs from neurotransmitter balance between the catecholamine system (dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) and the serotonin system. Tryptophan is a powerful amino acid to enhance the serotonin pathway but optimum results occur when the patient is looked at globally.

Post Partum and Post Menopausal Depression- Estrogens show to increase the control of the synthesis of niacin from tryptophan while progesterone decreases it. Post partum women whose estrogens are high have decreased serum tryptophan. Postmenopausal women are commonly placed on estrogen therapy and may become depressed due to lowered tryptophan levels.

Insomnia- Serotonin is the substance in your brain (much is stored in the colon) that is released to bring about sleep. Sleep is a necessary function of nature. If you have irregular sleep habits look toward the neurotransmitters for solutions and not sleeping pills to mask the symptoms. The metabolites produced by tryptophan are 5HTP and melatonin. Each of these have significant benefits with fewer conversion steps for metabolic activity.

Migraines- Tryptophan is effective in relieving migraines due to the ability serotonin has with muscle relaxation and to control the dilation of blood vessels.

Deficiency- Depression, mood disorders, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, migraines, irritability, forgetfulness, reactive, post partum depression, impulsive and impatient are indicators of serotonin deficiency.

Sources- Food sources that are high in tryptophan are soy protein, brown rice, beef, liver, fish, lamb, peanuts, cottage cheese, yogurt, lentils, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds.

Precautions- Tryptophan and 5HTP to should be used with caution if the individual is taking Monoamine Oxidase inhibitors (MAO).

The Tryptophan Controversy- Tryptophan is not available in supplement form in the United States. In November of 1989, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported evidence linking L-tryptophan supplements to a blood disorder called Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (EMS). The blood of these subjects contained very high levels of eosiniphils. The problem with elevations of eosiniphils is that these white blood cells contain packets that have high levels of histamine and inflammatory components. Several hundred cases of this illness were detected which is characterized by symptoms of fatigue, muscular and joint pain, respiratory ailments, edema, and rashes. After the CDC established an association between the blood disorder and products containing L-tryptophan in New Mexico, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first recalled all products in which L-tryptophan was found. At the time there was significant research showing that it was contaminants in the supplements from the filtration methods, NOT the tryptophan. However the tryptophan supplements were and still are banned from the market in the United States. Coincidentally as soon as the product was recalled a multi-billion dollar market was launched with Prozac and many other drugs to follow. With the most effective natural “happy hormone” promoter off the market there were few natural alternatives for those suffering from depression and mood disorders. The public was misinformed and left with the side effects that come with the prescription drugs. Fortunately, natural health care and the public can utilize 5HTP and other tryptophan metabolites to help rebuild their bodies.

Requirements- Tryptophan is not available in the United States primarily due to misrepresentation, misinterpretation and drug lobbies whose market is greatly affected by safe effective natural supplements.

Written by Jerome Rerucha D.C.

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