L-Tryptophan Supplement - Precursor of Serotonin to Improve Well-Being
After nearly 15 years' absence in Europe, L-tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids in the diet, is back - available to buy once more in an authorised nutritional supplement. A precursor of serotonin, melatonin and niacin, tryptophan is a vitally important substance. Discovered in 1901, it has been used for decades to relieve depression, promote sleep or aid with weight loss.
What benefits do studies show about L-Tryptophan?
Serotonin plays a key role in many of the body's functions, and particularly in depression, anxiety, mood and appetite control. Many people eat excessive amounts of carbohydrates when they feel stressed, depressed or anxious. This results in a rise in cerebral serotonin and a temporary feeling of well being and security, but at the same time, an increase in fat stores. Tryptophan supplementation improves psychological state without inducing increases in the amount of stored fat. Several studies have demonstrated the benefits and efficacy of tryptophan.
Serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, so when levels are inadequate, only supplementation with either of its two precursors - tryptophan or 5-HTP - can raise them effectively.
The first studies using tryptophan to influence mood were conducted in the Fifties. Tryptophan supplementation was shown to be effective and free of side-effects in subjects suffering from mild to moderate depression.
Both on its own and combined with phototherapy, tryptophan is also an effective treatment for SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
In cases of mild insomnia, tryptophan promotes drowsiness and good quality sleep.
In 1990, its use in supplements was banned, after a single contaminated batch of tryptophan supplied by one Japanese manufacturer apparently led to the development of a deadly condition. Its use in drugs, infant formulas and parenteral food products, however, continued unhindered.
What are the differences between L-tryptophan and 5-HTP?
L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP are converted into serotonin following the same metabolic pathway. However, certain people react better to supplementation with L-tryptophan than with 5-HTP. This may be for a number of reasons.
With L-tryptophan supplementation, the body maintains control over the amount of serotonin produced using the enzyme L-tryptophan hydroxylase.
When 5-HTP is taken, some of it may find its way to the intestine where it can cause nausea. Besides, since serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier, any serotonin produced outside of the brain is unable to penetrate it.
In some individuals, certain conditions, including severe depression, can prevent the passage of 5-HTP across the blood-brain barrier - this does not happen with L-tryptophan.
L-tryptophan is available to buy in Supersmart's catalogue, providing benefits as an essential amino acid that is crucial for healthy body function and particularly, for the production of niacin.
Composition
Daily serving: 2 tablets
Number of servings per bottle: 60
Quantity
per serving
L-tryptophan
1 000 mg
Other ingredients: acacia gum, fructo-oligosaccharide.
Each tablet contains 500 mg of L-tryptophan, one of 8 essential amino acids present in the diet. Tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin, melatonin and niacin.
Directions for use
Take one to two tablets a day.
Do not take tryptophan alongside other substances such as 5-HTP which also increases serotonin levels, without medical supervision.
4.5/5 • 28 reviews
Description
4.8 / 5
Quality
4.7 / 5
Value for money
4.2 / 5
Reviews 28
Excellent
68 %
Great
25%
Average
4%
Poor
0%
Bad
4%
Maria Riedler2022-01-28
Quite often needed for the dysthymia persons
CAMPO Mercedes2018-07-31
todabia no he tomado espero a probarlo para hablar
michelle duterne2023-10-12
Très efficace
Sra. GARCIA FERNANDEZ2023-07-03
Solo para temporadas con el ánimo bajo Ayuda bastante
Sandrine Enzo2023-06-17
Produit qui me convient tout à fait pour un bon sommeil et une bonne humeur. Traitement d'attaque à 2 par jour, puis 1 par jour. Bon rapport qualité prix. J'ai reçu mon flacon avec des comprimés en miette. Supersmart m'a renvoyé un produit. Site très sérieux. J'apprécie la documentation que je reçois régulièrement.
Monique2023-05-19
Pas assez de recul. Le délai de traitement est de 3 mois minimum avant d'avoir un début de résultat.
GILLES MARINI2023-05-18
bon produit...seul bémol pas assez d'indication claire et précise sur la posologie
Claudia2023-03-24
Je prends un comprimé au dîner et un au coucher, parfait pour une bonne nuit de sommeil ( avec Gaba en plus au coucher)
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