L-Tryptophan - A Sleep and Anti-Depression Aid
Tryptophan is the precursor to Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain,
which is deficient in depression, and naturally enhances sleep.
Tryptophan can be recommended to enhance structure and function relating
to nutritional needs and deficiencies pertaining to:
- Low Serotonin levels and Tryptophan levels have been associated with
depression
- Increases in Serotonin have also been noted in Chemical
addictions
- Sleep Deprivation. Supplementation naturally enhances
relaxation and sleep
- Having an effect on pain tolerance
- Increasing Serotonin Production
What is Tryptophan?
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is the precursor to Serotonin, which
is a necessary neurotransmitter responsible for transmitting nerve impulses
in the brain, and inducing sleep and tranquility. Serotonin deficiencies,
which are related to Tryptophan deficiencies, are well documented in cases
of depression and insomnia. Tryptophan also converts to Niacin, and
Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxal 5'Phophate) is necessary for Tryptophan metabolism
and conversion to Serotonin. The dietary sources of Tryptophan are
cottage cheese, milk, brown rice, peanuts, meat, turkey and soy products. It
is also available in supplemental form. In 1989 contaminated Tryptophan
(from an inferior source no longer in business) was responsible for a disorder
known as EMS. Cocoon Nutrition only supplies the highest quality
and purest Tryptophan
Tryptophan is very important for biochemical balance of the brain, and
is very helpful for those with sleep deprivation, anxiety and mood enhancement
due to low Serotonin levels. It also helps to biochemical balance
the brain in those whose Serotonin levels are low because of chemical addictions. It
has also been effective in appetite control, increasing pain tolerance
and assisting those with jet lag.
Tryptophan and Sleep
Sleep deprivation is a serious concern for many, and low Serotonin level
are often the cause of this problem. Tryptophan converts to Serotonin
helping induce relaxation and naturally enhancing sleep. Two capsules
30 minutes prior to bedtime are recommended. If necessary Tryptophan
can be taken during the night. In extreme problems, Tryptophan should
be taken in the early evening and again at bedtime. Vitamins B-6,
along with increasing dietary complex carbohydrates are important for proper
metabolism and increasing effectiveness.
Mood Enhancement
It has been well documented that low Serotonin levels and low Tryptophan
levels have been associated with depression. Tryptophan naturally
converts to this neurotransmitter. If depression also involves Catecholamine
biochemistry, then taking Tryptophan in a regimen along with Tyrosine is
recommended Since they complete for uptake in the brain, and because
Tryptophan induces sleep, it is recommended that Tryptophan be taken prior
to dinner and again prior to bedtime. Tyrosine should be taken prior
to breakfast and mid morning as well.
Other Aspects of L-Tryptophan and Serotonin
Autism
Low levels of Tryptophan have been documented in autistic children, indicating
that there maybe a defect in the Tryptophan-Serotonin metabolism in the
brain.
Pain Tolerance
Increased Serotonin levels have an effect on increasing pain tolerance,
especially for chronic pain caused from arthritis and lower back problems. In
one study, Tryptophan was administered at the dose of 1-500 mg. capsules
every 2 1/2 hours (total 6 per days) resulting in a 50% reduction in pain
intensity. A high carbohydrate diet is recommend to increase Tryptophan
metabolism, along with Vitamin b-6. D-Phenylalanine is also recommended
in some cases to enhance results.
Appetite Control
Some studies suggest that administering Tryptophan helps control appetite,
this means that Tryptophan can be helpful to those on a weight reduction
program
Chemical Addiction
Cocaine addiction causes a deficiency of L-Dopamine and cause both Catecholamine
and Serotonin neurotransmitters imbalances. Administering both L-Tyrosine
and L-Tryptophan can help increase these neurotransmitters. This
regimen has been used in chemical dependence units , along with conventional
therapies. Tryptophan may also be helpful for those addicted to nicotine.
Jetlag
Supplementing with L-Tryptophan is recommended for those who travel and
experience jet lag. It is most effective when taken in conjunction
with L-Tyrosine to increase Catecholamine as well as Serotonin production.
Safety of L-Tryptophan
Volumes of research have been published on the effectiveness and safety
of the supplementation of Tryptophan for deficiencies relating to sleep
disorders, depression , pain tolerance and other benefits for more that
30 years. However, in 1989 a disorder known as EMS was attributed
to a contaminated batch of Tryptophan produced by a Japanese company that
was distributed by many other companies in the US. The Mayo Clinic
identified a biochemical abnormality, referred to as "peak x" in
the contaminated batches. Cocoon Nutrition only supplies the highest
quality pure L-Tryptophan that has been carefully evaluated. It does
not have any contaminates or "peak x" abnormalities, and it has
been safely used for many years to benefit those with Tryptophan and Serotonin
deficiencies.
Read " The Role of Diet in Mental Health " for further
information on Tryptophan as supplement to help depression.
References
- Pharmacokinetic Factors in the Clinical Use of Tryptophan, J.
Clinical Psychopharmacology, 1994.
- Broadhurst, "Tryptophan for Rheumatic Diseases"
- Farkas, Dunner, Fleve, "L-Tryptophan in Depression", Biological
Psychiatry, 1976
- Seltzer, S. "Pain Relief by Dietary Manipulation and Tryptophan
Supplements". J. of End. 1985
- Hoyee, S. "Experiences with L-Tryptophan in a Child and Family
Psychiatric Dept.", J.Med. Research, 1982
- Hoshino, Yamamato et al., "Blood Serotonin and Free Tryptophan Concentration
in Autistic Children" Neuropsychiatry, 1984.
- Balch, J MD., Balch P., CNC, Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing, 1997
- Spinweber et al, Naval Health & Res. Cent,"Jet Lag in Mil. Oper.:
Field Trial of L-Tryptophan in Red. Sleep-Loss Effects, Report #86-15,1986.
- Greenfield, Stmbach (ed) Handbook of Psychophysiology, 1972
- Tryptophan in the treatment of Depression and Mania", Adv. Biol.
Psychiatry, 1983.
- Depression and Serotonin Metab.: Rational for Neurotransmitter Precursor
Threat", J. Clin Psychopharmacology., 1985.
- Boushey, Warnock, U. of S. F. Med School, " Neurologic Aspects of
Cocaine Abuse", West J. Med., 1988.
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L-Tryptophan supports a calm, happy mood during the day and deep, restful sleep at night. 
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