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When researching supplements like Tryptophan 500 mg tablets, many people may wonder what this compound is what what it does in the body. Tryptophan, or L-Tryptophan, is an amino acid that the body needs to manufacture Serotonin, Melatonin and Niacin.
Niacin (Vitamin B3) is a vitamin that is needed for proper growth in children and to maintain a healthy amount of nitrogen in adults.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that sends messages back and forth to various parts of the brain, controlling mood, sleep and a number of other functions.
Melatonin is an important sleep hormone, that helps the body maintain proper circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycles).
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, which means that the human body is unable to produce it by itself. Instead, the body obtains Tryptophan from food sources, which include cheese, eggs, milk, nuts, chicken and fish.
Although this amino acid is found in many different foods, some people still do not get enough Tryptophan in their diet. Additionally, some people naturally do not efficiently utilize the Tryptophan they do get from food.
In cases like these, supplementation may be useful. Some people take Tryptophan 500 mg tablets to boost their levels in order to achieve certain results. For example, those with depression might have a Serotonin imbalance. Supplementing with Tryptophan tablets may help to raise levels of Serotonin in the brain.
Mood
Stress
Sleep- Precursor for serotonin synthesis
- Supports a calm, relaxed mood
- Promotes restful sleep patterns
Top L-Tryptophan Products* ❯Common Uses of Tryptophan 500 mg Tablets
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People use Tryptophan 500 mg tablets for problems that are associated with the functions that Serotonin helps control, such as mood and sleep issues. Common uses of these supplements include insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders, as well mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
Other uses of these supplements include premenstrual syndrome, bruxism (teeth grinding), and ADHD. Tryptophan pills have also been used for smoking cessation, weight loss, and boosting athletic performance.
The results that Tryptophan 500 mg supplements produce vary based on the primary purpose they are being taken and the amount that is being taken. Other factors that can affect results include the presence of underlying medical conditions and the use of other medications or herbal supplements.
How Tryptophan Works in the Body
Tryptophan tablets work by increasing the amount of L-Tryptophan in the body. This amino acid is broken down in the liver into 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) and other metabolites like niacin. The 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain, where it crosses the barrier separating the bloodstream from the brain. Once inside the brain, the 5-HTP is converted into Serotonin.
Serotonin is the main neurotransmitter in the brain associated with feelings of peacefulness and calm. Very high levels of Serotonin can even cause euphoria. Low levels of Serotonin can be associated with a depressed mood and listless feelings. The use of supplemental Tryptophan may help increase the amount of Serotonin in the brain, which can have positive effects on sleep, mood, and other functions.
L-tryptophan supplements have been shown to be effective at managing symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, such as mood swings and irritability, according to the University of Michigan Health System. Other research studies have found that Tryptophan is also effective when used as part of smoking cessation treatment.
More research is need to establish the effectiveness of L-tryptophan supplements for treating teeth grinding, relieving myofascial pain, improving athletic performance, and reducing sleep apnea.
Tryptophan pills might also be effective for reducing insomnia, depression and seasonal affective disorder, but more research is needed. While Tryptophan is considered a prescription drug and is used to treat depression and bipolar disorder in other countries around the world, including Canada, at this time, the FDA has not approved Tryptophan as a drug to prevent or treat any conditions.
Using 5-HTP supplements may be more effective than taking Tryptophan pills. Tryptophan has to compete with other amino acids to be transported across the blood-brain barrier, which can impede its effectiveness. 5-HTP may work better when used as an oral supplement for increasing Serotonin levels because it is more readily taken up by brain tissue.
How to Take Tryptophan 500 MG Tablets
Tryptophan supplements are available in pill, powder or tablet forms for oral use. Those who are considering taking this supplement should check with their doctor before starting. This helps ensure the safety of these supplements for those with medical conditions, and it allows doctors to advise you on an appropriate dosage.
There are no standardized recommended dosages for Tryptophan 500 mg tablets. Dosages vary based on each individual’s overall health, age and other factors, such as the reason they are taking Tryptophan.
According to the Mayo Clinic, adults can take 3 to 8 grams of Tryptophan pills each day in divided doses for depression. However dosages over 6 grams have the risk of more side effects, and usage over this amount should only be taken under doctor supervision.
Keep in mind that this might not be a safe dosage for depression in some individuals, depending on other factors. Children should only take the dosage recommended by a doctor in order to lower the risk of side effects.
User Reviews of Tryptophan Pills
When deciding what type of Tryptophan 500 mg tablets to take, reading Tryptophan user reviews can be a helpful place to start your research. One of the most popular Tryptophan supplements sold on Amazon.com is Source Naturals 500 mg L-Tryptophan capsules. This product has 677 total user reviews and a 4.3 out of 5 star rating, with 68% of reviews being a 5 star rating.
A large number of consumers who took Tryptophan 500 mg tablets for sleep reported that these supplements were effective at helping with insomnia and promoting relaxation. A very small number of consumers reported that these supplements were not effective for them.
A large number of consumers who took Tryptophan for mood problems reported that these supplements were effective at improving their mood and reducing irritability. A small number of consumers stated that these supplements did not produce the expected results, and sometimes had the opposite effect.
User reviews from consumers taking 500 mg Tryptophan tablets as an appetite suppressant were mixed. Some consumers reported that these supplements were effective at curbing their appetite, but others stated that these products did not affect their appetite.
Side Effects of L-Tryptophan 500 MG Capsules
Tryptophan supplements were linked to an outbreak of Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome (EMS) in 1989-90, leading to an FDA ban that lasted until 2005. After much investigation, this outbreak was found to be caused by a single contaminated batch of supplements made by one manufacturer in Japan, and not due to the Tryptophan itself. Today, the FDA has lifted the ban on Tryptophan products, and has placed Tryptophan on its Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) list, the highest rating for food and supplements.
Most people who take Tryptophan supplements can expect no or mild side effects. L-Tryptophan 500 mg capsules and other Tryptophan products can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in some people. These typically include diarrhea, gas, stomach pain, vomiting and heartburn. Other reported side effects include dry mouth, blurry vision, drowsiness, dizziness and headaches.
Those who take medications or herbal supplements regularly should avoid combining certain ones with Tryptophan supplements. Tryptophan can have serious interactions with several medications, including antidepressants (e.g. SSRIs, MAOIs), benzodiazepines, and other sedatives. The combination of these medications with Tryptophan can lead to Serotonin Syndrome.
Serotonin Syndrome occurs when there is an excess of Serotonin in the brain. Symptoms include excessive sweating, fever, agitation, changes in blood pressure, and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal.
It is important to speak with your doctor before beginning any new supplements including Tryptophan 500 mg tablets. Your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for you as well as determine any potential interactions with your existing medications.
Article last updated on: March 12th, 2018 by Nootriment
2 Comments
Thank you for your excellent information on the products that are listed on your site.
Please keep providing such information, giving us guidelinesto know the best producys.
Thank you.
Après avoir pris pendant un an du tryptophane pour obesite, j’ai eu une thrombose profonde extensive grave. J’ai lu sur internet que le 5-HTP pouvait provoquer ce genre d’accident. Qu’en pensez vous ?
Merci par avance pour votre reponse