L-Tryptophan
Natural Sleep Aid & Mood Enhancement
L-Tryptophan is the precursor to Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain,
which is deficient in depression, and naturally enhances sleep.
Each capsule of contains 500 mg. of the highest quality pure L-Tryptophan available.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF L-TRYPTOPHAN?
- Naturally enhances relaxation and sleep
- Reduces minor premenstrual symptoms
- Sooth nervous irritability
- Helps to relieve anxiety
- Natural Mood enhancer
- Reduces the cravings for carbohydrates
DIRECTIONS: As a sleep aid, take 1-2 capsules 15 to 30 minutes before bedtime. If
serotonin deviancies are noted in depression, and for anxiety and mood enhancement, take
2 capsules 30 minutes before dinner and 2 capsules 15-30 minutes before bedtime.
L-Tryptophan should be taken with a high quality vitamin B complex.
WHAT IS TRYPTHOPHAN?
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. Vitamin B-6 (Pyridoxal 5` Phosphate)
is necessary for Tryptophan metabolism and conversion to Serotonin. 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 biochemically balance
the brain in those whose Serotonin levels are low because of chemical addictions. It has also
been effective in appetite control, increasing tolerance and assisting those with jet lag.
TRYPTOPAN AND SLEEP
Sleep deprivation is a serious concern for many, and low Serotonin levels are often the
cause of this problem. Tryptophan converts to Serotonin helping to induce relaxation and
naturally enhance sleep. In extreme problems, Tryptophan should be taken early evening and
again at bedtime.
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 compete for uptake in the brain, and because
Tryptophan induces sleep, it is recommended the Tryptophan be taken prior to dinner and again
at 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
may be 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 1500mg. A capsule every 2 hours (total 6 per day) results 50% reduction in
pain intensity. D-Phenylalanine is also recommended to enhance results significantly.
APPETITE CONTROL
Some studies suggest that administering Tryptophan helps control appetite, for those who are
on a weight reduction program.
CHEMICAL ADDICTION
Cocaine addiction causes a deficiency of L.Dopamine and causes 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 dependency units,
along with conventional therapies. Tryptophan may also be helpful for those addicted to nicotine.
JET LAG
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.
REFERENCES
Pharmacokine1ic Factors in the Clinical Use of Tryptophan, J. Clinical Psychopharmacology, 1984
Broadhurst. "Tryptophan for Rheumatic Diseases"
Farkes. Dunner, Fieve, L-Tryptophan in Depression"' Biological Psychiatry. 1976.
Seltzer. S. "Pain Relief by Dietary Manipulation and Tryptophan Supplements". J. of End, 1985
Hoyes. S. "Experiences wIth L-Tryptophan in a child and Family Psychiatric Dept. H, J. Med. Research,
1982
Hoshino, Yamamato et al., "Blood Serotonin and Free Tryptophan Concentration In Autistic children",
Neuropshychiatry, 1984
Balch, J. MD., Balch P., CNC. PrescriQtlol) for Nutritional Healing 1997
Spinweber et ai, Navel Health & Res. Cent, "Jet Lag In Mil. Oper.: Field Trial of l- Trypt. In Red. Sleep-Loas
Effects. Report #86.15,1986. Greenfield. Stembach (ed) Handbook of Psychophvsiology, 1972
Tryptophan in the Treatment of Depression and Mania", Adv. Bioi. Psychiatry, 1983.
"Oepression and Seratonin Metab.: Rational for Neurotransmlner Precursor Treat." J. Clin Psychopharmacology..
1985
Boushey, Warnock. U. of S.F. Mad. School, ~Neurologic Aspects of Cocaine Abuse, West J. Med., 1988.
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