Are there any health risks in taking L-tryptophan for relaxation and sleep??
Introducing Mood 24/7, a new tool that helps you track your mood from day to day using your mobile phone. Try it today!
7/ 8/08 1:54am
Dear KittyStar,
Dr. Allan Blaivas discusses L-trypypophan on a MySleepCentral.com SharePost entitled, OTC Insomnia Medications.
Here is an exact quote from him:
".....Finally, L-tryptophan (LT) is one of eight essential amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins. LT was coming into widespread use in the 1980's when it was linked to a rare, debilitating, and often deadly disease called eosinophilia myalgia syndrome. This epidemic was believed to be caused by impurities in LT batches that were produced in Japan. Due to these safety concerns and a lack of strong evidence showing its usefulness in insomnia, it is difficult to recommend as a treatment option (also it is not widely available in the USA). A similar, but equally questionable alternative to LT which is available in the US is called 5-hydroxy-tryptophan or 5-HTP."
I'd highly encourage you to talk with your Physician before taking L-trypyophan or any herbal remedy that is not regulated by the FDA.
Regards,
Dr. Jennifer Fee
Dr. Fee is a Psychologist and does not prescribe medication. The comments in this post are not meant to diagnose or treat any mental/medical disorder. They are merely to give you more information so that you can have an informed conversation with your physician.
9/22/08 1:04am
I have known L-Tryptophan to work for things like insomnia, drug addiction, and anxiety.
L-Tryptophan is a natually occurring amino acid found in warm milk, and turkey, just to name two. Amino acids are not approved by the FDA for use in treating or preventing any disease. But then, neither is turkey or milk. Yet anyone who has had a glass of warm milk to relax themselves, or experianced a large turkey dinner, can attest to the effective results.
Many sleeping pills have recently been associated with things like sleep-driving. I have seen no evidence of this danger with L-Tryptophan. It's nonaddictive.
As long as a large pharmaceutical company is not doing expensive research on it, it will never be FDA approved, so don't hold your breath.
9/22/08 4:22am
After leaving my reply, I ran into this article. I found it to be very interesting. I'm sure you will as well.
The first question I have is that if L-Trytophan is harmful, even when uncontaminated, why is this result not duplicated in baby formulas ect.?
He makes a good circumstantial case for over whelming greed.
http://www.ceri.com/trypto.htm
8/15/09 1:26am
Can one take it while taking an MAOI ? And what would be the consequences if one did?
8/15/09 1:26am
Can one take it while taking an MAOI ? And what would be the consequences if one did?
Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.
By KittyStar— Last Modified: 12/18/10, First Published: 07/07/08
Featuring Content From:
By using this service, you accept our Terms of Use. Please read them. The consumer health information on is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions. You should promptly seek professional medical care if you have any concern about your health, and you should always consult your physician before starting a fitness regimen. Copyright © 2012 Remedy Health Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
