What Is Tryptophan Hydroxylase? Supplement Information

A little-known variant on a very popular natural supplement, Tryptophan Hydroxylase is a critical step in the body’s production of serotonin. Tryptophan, most famous for being the compound within Thanksgiving turkey dinners which causes drowsiness, is a vital amino acid which the body obtains from many food sources. Known to generate serotonin, which in turn provides calming, stress-busting effects, tryptophan is also a widely available supplement. Which form of tryptophan should you buy? Hydroxylated tryptophan does differ from other forms in some key ways and is more readily processed by the body to form 5-HTP. Read on to find out your best buy for natural mood relief and sleep regulation.

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

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What Is Tryptophan Hydroxylase?

Hydroxylation is simply any chemical process which helps an organic compound break down in air or liquid. It is an intermediate step in many common biochemical mechanisms in the body, whereby one compound is transformed into another. For example, when we say that one compound is a pre-cursor of another, that compound must undergo hydroxylation in order to complete its metamorphosis.

In the world of natural supplements, this process is part of the detoxification of elements which is required to activate the safe efficacy of a compound. Tryptophan Hydroxylase is a special enzyme version of tryptophan which is an intermediate step on its way to becoming first 5-HTP and then serotonin.

Tryptophan Hydroxylase vs. L-Tryptophan Pills

Tryptophan Hydroxylase is a term that is more frequently used in discussions of chemistry and biochemical production techniques than in commercial supplementation. If you are looking for a dedicated tryptophan supplement, you are more likely to find products which are labeled as “L-Tryptophan” or simply “Tryptophan.” For common, everyday supplementation for stress relief, these are the types of natural mood-enhancing pills you should buy. Using Tryptophan Hydroxylase is not necessary to experience the benefits of this amino acid

How Tryptophan Works in the Body

The human body requires some form of the essential amino acid tryptophan as a part of a regular diet. The compound is gleaned from very common food sources like chicken, turkey, cheese, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, almonds, hazelnuts, and bananas. Smaller amounts of the compound are found in dozens of other staple foods. Once consumed, tryptophan begins its transformation into serotonin, the neurotransmitter related to calm mood and many other nerve cell functions. First, tryptophan metabolizes into Tryptophan Hydroxylase, then 5 HTP, after which point it crosses the blood brain barrier.

In the brain, 5 HTP is used to synthesize the neurotransmitter serotonin. Once in the brain, serotonin goes to work as a natural calming and sedative agent. It helps the brain manage over-active thoughts and process stress triggers.

Sufficient amounts of serotonin create the perception of contentedness and peacefulness. Chaotic thoughts are soothed, and states of joyful, euphoric bliss can be achieved. A lack of serotonin can generate the opposite effect – depression-like feelings of dissatisfaction, listlessness, and hopelessness. For this reason, many people add some form of tryptophan as serotonin support to a daily mental health supplementation routine.

Tryptophan Safety Issues

Many people who want to take a tryptophan hydroxylase supplement for mood issues relating to depression or anxiety have reservations about safety. This is perfectly understandable, as the FDA had previously placed a ban on the sale of tryptophan supplements for several years following a health scare in 1990. 35 people died from a rare neurological condition called EMS (Eosinophilia–myalgia syndrome) after taking tryptophan.

Later, it was determined that the fatalities were caused by bacterial infection at a particular Japanese manufacturing plant, and were not a risk for general tryptophan consumption. The FDA has currently cleared all tryptophan for safe use as a supplement. As the compound is commonly found in countless foods and is well-tolerated by almost all people in that forms, it follows that tryptophan supplements would be similarly benign.

Tryptophan Hydroxylase For Sale

It is possible to find Tryptophan Hydroxylase for sale on websites which cater to the scientific community. These forms of tryptophan are research chemicals intended for lab work and experimentation, and are not suggested for consumption as a dietary supplement. This type of tryptophan can still be safely consumed, but there is little reason to favor it over conventional commercial forms of the health supplement. Online vendors who specialize in supplements for overall cognitive health typically stock either L-Tryptophan, or 5 HTP. Both of these supplements will produce nearly identical effects.

Other Mood Enhancing Supplements

There are a few other notable serotonin boosting supplements which can deliver similar effects as Tryptophan Hydroxylase. One supplement which has been used safely in this regard for many years is Griffonia Seed Extract. 5 HTP occurs naturally in the seeds of this organic plant. Once consumed, it will produce the same effects as tryptophan.

Another serotonin enhancing supplement is L-Theanine. This compound, a glutamic acid, simulates both serotonin and dopamine for a dramatic yet natural overall mood lift. Either of these would make a great alternative to hydroxylated tryptophan. Effective mood support is absolutely possible with the right natural supplements – take the time to research which option is best for you.

5-HTP

L-Theanine

GABA

Melatonin

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