L-Tryptophan Reviews and User Ratings of Experiences

Most online L-Tryptophan reviews point to the overwhelming benefits of balancing mood  and improving sleep with natural supplements.

This dietary ingredient is central to the production of the “happiness neurotransmitter” called Serotonin. Balanced levels of Serotonin can contribute to an overall state of enhanced mood, lower stress levels, and improved sleep patterns. Reviews of Tryptophan supplements show that people use it for mood disorders including depression and anxiety, fibromyalgia, and insomnia.

Supplements like Tryptophan help raise Serotonin levels in the body, often with few risks and side effects. This article will discuss what consumers are saying in L-Tryptophan reviews posted online, with some additional background on how this food-based amino acid supplement works in the body.

L-Tryptophan

Amino Acid

Mood

Stress

Sleep

How It Works:

• Precursor for serotonin synthesis
• Supports a calm, relaxed mood
• Promotes restful sleep patterns

Dosage:

Between 6 - 12 g per day

Safety:

Generally Well Tolerated

Top L-Tryptophan Products* ❯

View User Ratings* ❯

Tryptophan Reviews and Medical Uses

The Center for Disease Control reports that 9 percent of all Americans suffer from symptoms of depression. 3 percent can be classified as severely depressed.

These numbers have doubled over the last 50 years, indicating that modern life has created a huge surge in depression in adults.

Along with this rise, we have seen an equivalent surge in the amount of prescription pharmaceuticals which doctors prescribe for depression.

One in 10 Americans take some form of antidepressant, while 1 in 4 women between the ages of 40 and 60 take one daily. Along with the benefits of strong meds like Prozac and Wellbutrin can come significant side effects, like muted emotions, dependency, and withdrawals.

A new movement is growing to approach emotional brain chemistry from a natural perspective, with organic compounds like L-Tryptophan. Many L-Tryptophan reviews are rooted in this movement, by helping to share personal experiences and knowledge with other interested people. By studying and supporting natural brain chemistry with supplements which the body is already designed to process, side effects may be reduced while benefits may be increased.

How Natural L-Tryptophan Works

All forms of Tryptophan are amino acids which are naturally found in food sources. Staple human foods like animal protein, spinach, nuts, and bananas all contain some of the compound. Once ingested, Trypotphan is broken down in the liver into 5-HTP and other metabolites. 5-HTP is the natural intermediary in the metabolic process of converting Tryptophan into Serotonin in the human body.

5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain, where it easily travels across the blood brain barrier. Once in the brain, 5-HTP is then converted directly into Serotonin. Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter in the brain, facilitating communication between nerve cells, regulating blood pressure, and most importantly, controlling mood.

When Serotonin binds with its receptors, a sense of happiness and calm results. Deficiencies of Serotonin are believed to be one of the causes of depression and other mood imbalances. So, keeping Serotonin levels balanced is crucial for a relaxed, positive mental state.

User Reviews of Tryptophan Supplements

Most L-Tryptophan reviews suggest people use the compound as a mild therapy for depression, anxiety, and all sorts of mood imbalances. Users claim that it can relieve stress and improve sociability and mood. It is sometimes used to reduce symptoms of an acute anxiety attack, but most people use some form of L-Tryptophan as a daily preventative supplement.

One of the most popular Tryptophan supplements sold on Amazon.com is Source Naturals 500 mg L-Tryptophan capsules. This product has a 4.3 out of 5 star rating and 675 user reviews, with 81% of reviews being a 4 or 5 star rating. Below are some excerpts from the positive L-Tryptophan reviews that have been rated as helpful by other users (some quotes have been edited for clarity and conciseness, but content was not changed).

” I was a child with OCD and I have been an adult with OCD and anxiety. I have a script for Xanax but I RARELY take it. When used on occasion, it is a brilliant med, but I don’t want to need to take it. I can honestly say that this has CHANGED ME! No more panic. Sleeping amazingly. I’m not stressed. I hardly have any anxiety. I have tried a LOT of stuff (I mean A LOT), but in getting to the root of my stuff (OCD/anxiety), I figured that low serotonin was the bottom line. It would seem then that raising my serotonin levels naturally would be key. I cannot say enough how amazing this product has been. Thank you, Source Naturals for making an excellent product.”

 

” I love this product. From all the natural medications for relaxation and anxiety that I’ve tried before, L-Tryptophan is the one that has helped me more. I like that it relaxes me in a smooth way. I take it 2-3 hrs before bed time (I go to bed around 10pm, so I take it at 7 or 8pm) If I take it at a later time I will wake up feeling groggy (I wake up at 6am). Also when I’m feeling that my anxiety is acting up, I take an extra capsule during the day. It doesn’t make me feel sleepy, but more relaxed, and not in a tired way.”

” This product has literally saved my life. I’ve struggled with situational depression and anxiety throughout my early 20’s until now in my early 30’s. I’ve been on SSRI and I gained 40 lbs. However Ltrypophan works well and fast! Also I like how I feel like myself rather than feeling as if I’m taking medication to feel normal. I take this at night time rather than during the day. It helps me sleep and I wake up happy, and connected to those that I love! Great product!”

 

There is some debate in user reviews over whether Tryptophan is as effective as a 5-HTP pill. 5-HTP seems to have a smaller impact on the liver and digestion, as it takes less energy to convert into Serotonin. For this reason, 5-HTP is said to be faster and more effective according to a number of testimonials.

However, for whatever reason, other people have found that 5-HTP did not work as effectively for them as Tryptophan. It is up to the individual to determine which Serotonin-boosting supplement is best for their needs and sensitivities.

In any case, the boost to Serotonin provided by Tryptophan itself has been reported to make daily stress more manageable, both at work and at home. Users report that social anxiety is lessened, and difficult challenges seem easier to navigate. Many people report that Tryptophan can boost confidence by reducing insecurity. For this reason it is often used before job interviews, public presentations, or dates.

L-Tryptophan capsules may also help promote good sleep via the production of Melatonin. Melatonin is the main hormone that is associated with regulating circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle) in the body. During the day production of Serotonin is high, however when light levels drop at dusk, greater levels of Serotonin are converted to Melatonin. Many people with insomnia use Tryptophan supplements to improve sleep patterns.

Research on the effects of Tryptophan for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and insomnia is limited, and more clinical research trials are needed. In some countries, Tryptophan is considered a prescription medication; however, at this time, in the USA the FDA has not approved Tryptophan as a drug to treat or prevent any conditions.

User-Reported Tryptophan Side Effects

It is recommended to always speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements. An appropriate, safe dosage depends on many factors including age, weight, and personal physiology, and your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your needs.

The main complaint to come out of L-Tryptophan reviews is over-sedation or unwanted sleepiness. This is a typical result of taking too large of a Tryptophan dose for one’s personal tolerance. For most people, 1 – 2 grams per day constitutes a median dose. Dosages as low as 500 mg per day have been reported effective and without side effects.

While it is rarely mentioned in reviews, severe complications can arise from consuming extremely large doses of Tryptophan (above 6 grams per day), or if Tryptophan is taken in conjunction with prescription antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs or MAOIs). In these cases, users are at risk for Serotonin Syndrome.

Serotonin Syndrome occurs when there is an excess of Serotonin in the body. Symptoms include excessive sweating, agitation, irritability, fever, extreme headache, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal. For this reason, all users are recommended to speak with their doctor to determine safe dosage guidelines and possible drug interactions.

Final Review

While user reviews indicate that many people successfully use Tryptophan supplements for mood disorders and sleep disturbances, not everyone is suited to these specific supplements.

As mentioned above, 5-HTP can be an effective supplement for boosting Serotonergic activity. Another frequently used alternative is L-Theanine, a glutamic acid which boosts Serotonin and Dopamine at the same time. Either of these supplements can produce similar effects as L-Tryptophan and both are considered to be possibly safe. Users report that benefits for stress relief, calm mood, and social confidence are equivalent to L-Tryptophan.

As all are considered safe, it is worthwhile to experiment with each of these supplements to find out which one works the best for you. Reading L-Tryptophan reviews, 5-HTP reviews, or L-Theanine reviews online from other users can help you determine what may work best for your particular mental health or sleep goals.

5-HTP

L-Theanine

GABA

Melatonin

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