L-Tryptophan plays an important role in our diets and aging individuals are often in need of it as a supplement.
L-Tryptophan's uses also include alleviating depression, alcohol withdrawal and as an aid to weight loss.
With today's deficient, grain-heavy diets, skin problems, sleeping disorders, erratic moods, and abnormal eating habits are fairly commonplace. And because L-Tryptophan is the least abundant amino acid in the diet, it should come as no surprise when L-Tryptophan blood levels are found to be low. Usually the symptoms tell the story, and a blood test is rarely needed.
Unfortunately, we see many synthetic, chemical alternatives to L-Tryptophan that appear to clear up symptoms, but the fact remains that no other vitamin, mineral, herb or man-made chemical can replace L-Tryptophan - that is what it means to be essential, and L-Tryptophan is one of only eight essential amino acids.
Throughout history medical researchers have insisted that when nerve cells die they are not replaced. But today, in laboratories around the world, this belief is being proven wrong, and we find that the brain, like every other organ in the body, can and does grow new cells.
Of special importance to researchers is the hippocampus, a region of the brain that is known to control learning and memory. In view of the fact that memory loss with aging is commonplace across all species, researchers at Princeton University have focused on factors that stimulate cell growth in the hippocampus region of the brain. Probably the most promising of these factors is the neurotransmitter, serotonin. Serotonin, of course, is the natural metabolite of L-Tryptophan. Unfortunately, serotonin is likely to fall into short supply when L-Tryptophan is low in the diet, as it frequently is. Supplementation can easily correct this.
Although some symptoms of an L-Tryptophan deficiency may disappear quickly, others may take time to show improvement. After all, essential amino acids are involved in a myriad of structural proteins and enzymes, as well as neurotransmitters, and so replacement may take up to sixty days.
L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP
5HTP serves only one known function, that is, as a stepping stone to the production of serotonin. And while L-Tryptophan can be converted to 5HTP, as well as a host of other life-critical biomolecules, 5HTP cannot be converted back to L-Tryptophan. Hence, 5HTP cannot replace L-Tryptophan and cannot be used by cells to do the work of L-Tryptophan.
Furthermore, the body has little control over the speed at which 5HTP converts to serotonin. L-Tryptophan may be better in this regard because the enzyme that converts L-Tryptophan to 5HTP is like a faucet that the body can turn on or off, as needed. The bottom line is that serotonin is made only as needed when L-Tryptophan is used. By contrast, the body has less control over 5HTP.
Reported benefits of L-Tryptophan
• Relieves occasional sleeplessness
• Soothes nervous irritability
• Relieves muscle pain from exercise
• Supports a good mood
Dosage: This can vary widely, from a general supplement at 500mg to 1000mg daily, to treatment of severe depression and senile dementia at 2000mg to 3000mg daily.
Safety: Avoid L-Tryptophan's combination with other serotonin increasing agents such as 5HTP or SSRI drugs, such as Prozac etc., without your physician's advice.
Persons taking prescription medication and pregnant or lactating women should consult a physician before using this product. Long-term use of this product should be supervised and monitored by a health care professional.
Disclaimer: This product and its statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any disease. The above information is provided under the supplying company's terms and conditions and should not replace the advice of your personal physician.
Restrictions: This product is not available for shipment to the EU
CLICK HERE TO BUY |
