Jarrow Formulas L-Tryptophan In essence, tryptophan is just an essential amino acid and hence cannot be synthesized by the body, but must be obtained from food or supplements. Because L-tryptophan is converted to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HTP) and melatonin in the body, it plays an important role in promoting relaxation, restful sleep and positive mood.
There is a high correlation between depression and a reduction or depletion of neurotransmitters (dopamine, acetylcholine, and serotonin) in the brain. Sleep deprivation leads to a depletion of serotonin and this creates a vicious downward spiral. Often psychological stress factors are a cause and effect of not having the needed rest to function properly. L-tryptophan helps to shift the balance and reduce the impact stress has on sleep and lessen the severity of depression.
On average 1 capsule of 500 mg before bedtime is more than sufficient to sleep.
key benefits
• natural sleeping aid with no withdrawel effects, providing a good night sleep
• slows the ageing process since elders most of the sleep less and lighter
• sufficient l-tryptophan in our diet helps to keep stress under control and reduce carb cravings
background reading
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid in the human diet and must be obtained from food or supplements. It is abundant in some protein-based foods and protein powders. The principal function of tryptophan is as a building block in protein biosynthesis. In addition, tryptophan functions as a biochemical precursor for the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Some serotonin, in turn, is converted to the neurohormone, melatonin. Niacin, a B vitamin, is also synthesized from tryptophan.
Good mood
Serotonin plays an important role in mood, appetite and impulse control. With the help of vitamin B6, tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan) and then to serotonin. Low tryptophan levels are often found to correlate with mood disorders and may arise because of stress. Tryptophan supplements have shown some benefits in instances of low serotonin levels, such as PMS, seasonal affective disorder, addiction and weight loss. It appears some people utilize tryptophan better than others and are more efficient at making serotonin. Also, in children with some behavioral problems, there is evidence of an inverse relationship between serotonin and aggression. These individuals may benefit from even higher levels of supplemental tryptophan.
Recent studies have shown that L-tryptophan has positive effects on mood and behavior. L-tryptophan supplementation alters the processing and perception of emotional stimuli towards a more positive bias, with an increase in happy facial expressions, a decrease in negative and disgusted facial expressions, and a decrease in the attention paid to negative words. L-tryptophan also significantly decreased quarrelsome and aggressive behaviors while enhancing agreeable behaviors in everyday social interactions. Participants reported more positive and less negative emotions and rated their interactions as more pleasant.
Sleep & relaxation
Melatonin, a pineal gland hormone, has the important role of inducing and maintaining sleep. Older people with insomnia have historically attempted to correct this problem with either tryptophan or melatonin. While low doses of melatonin are useful, it is smarter health-wise to try tryptophan first, since it may naturally correct the low melatonin problem.
Because L-tryptophan is converted to melatonin in the body, it plays an important role in promoting relaxation, restful sleep and positive mood. Many people fi nd tryptophan to be a safe and reasonably effective sleep aid, and, clinical research has documented tryptophan’s sleep-aid effects.
It is known that a carbohydrate-rich meal promotes sleep. Carbohydrates trigger the release of insulin, which promotes uptake of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) into muscle. With BCAAs out of the way, tryptophan has an easier time crossing into the brain and central nervous system where it is converted into serotonin and melatonin. This may be the cause of post-Thanksgiving feast drowsiness. The good news is that the big meal may not be necessary, if an L-tryptophan supplement is used to promote restfulness. Feelings of wellbeing from L-tryptophan intake may also help reduce carbohydrate cravings.
Features
- discontinued
- books, probiotics and products bought in the SALE can NOT be returned
recommended use
take 1 capsule with water 30 minutes before bed or as directed by a qualified physician
contains per daily serving(1 capsule)
l-tryptophan 500 mg †
† = Recommended Daily Intake not established
ingredients
active ingredient (l-tryptophan), fillers (vegetable magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose), anticoagulant (silicon dioxide), capsule (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, water)
storage
store in a cool, dry place
warning
Do not take this product if you are taking any SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) or MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Consult a healthcare professional before using this product if you are pregnant, nursing, under the age of 18, are taking medication or have a medical condition; if adverse reactions occur, discontinue use. This product is for occasional sleeplessness.
allergy information
contains no familiar allergens (wheat, gluten, soy, lupin, nuts/tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish or mollusks)
vegetarians/vegans
suitable for vegetarians and vegans
