Tryptophan is one of the 23 proteinogenic (building proteins) amino acids found in nature. People need this nutrient as an important component for processing proteins and synthesize the neurotransmitter serotonin.
Tryptophan is one of the nine “Essential” amino acids for humans. Essential amino acids are needed for various body functions; However, the body can not produce these compounds inside. Essential amino acids, including tryptophan, must be obtained through dietary or nutritional supplements.
Tryptophan is found in numerous foods rich in protein, including red meat, eggs, poultry, fish, chickpeas, almonds, peanuts, curd, and milk.
However, tryptophan is often an equally abundant amino acid in the standard diet of North America. Also, studies have shown that an increase in dietary tryptophan is unlikely to increase the concentration of tryptophan in the blood.
Additionally, the amount of dietary tryptophan, or its metabolites as 5-IT1, which can cross the barrier, separating the bloodstream and the brain is limited. Other amino acids from food protein sources use the same transport channels through the blood-brain barrier uses tryptophan. This limits the amount of tryptophan that can enter the brain.
It has been shown that purified tryptophan supplements increase the amount of serotonin in the brain, while eating tryptophan products, the rich do not always have the effect. As such, many people have started using tryptophan supplements to increase serotonin levels in the brain, which can lead to better mood and better sleep.
Tryptophan, not soluble in water, but also has a noticeable resistance to heat transfer, which makes it a very durable compound. It also has a high degree of biological digestibility.
Tryptophan has nootropic properties, as it can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression, increase calm sleep, improve focus, and balance the mood.
Tryptophan Effects
Tryptophan is a precursor for a number of different hormones, neurotransmitters, and other substances throughout the body.
As this supplement passes through the blood it helps in the production or synthesis of various proteins. Tryptophan is a precursor for niacin, Vitamin B with several positive effects on the brain. Tryptophan is also used to produce serotonin, an important neurotransmitter.
Tryptophan is broken down in the liver into 5-HTP compounds and other metabolites. 5-HTP passes through the bloodstream to the brain, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and enters the brain. Once in the brain, 5-HTP is converted to serotonin.
Serotonin is known as the “neurotransmitter of happiness,” because the presence of serotonin in the brain is associated with positive emotions, including happiness, peace, and tranquility.
Tryptophan is a precursor of serotonin is an important function in itself, but it also leads to a number of additional effects. Serotonin is believed to help regulate things like appetite and mood. Some serotonin also converts to melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep / wake patterns (circadian rhythm).
Tryptophan Benefits
One of the key benefits of tryptophan is that it can help reduce appetite and reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies have shown that low levels of tryptophan in the body can lead to depression and anxiety disorders.
It has also been proven that serotonin, with tryptophan has a limited effect on appetite and can help reduce calorie intake and weight in obese people. Tryptophan is further used for the synthesis of niacin, which is used in the treatment of carbohydrates and fats.
Tryptophan supplements can also encourage a healthy sleep. These benefits appear to be directly related to the release and synthesis of serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophan is able to maintain a fairly constant level of serotonin per day and AIDS in producing the proper level of melatonin at night.
This allows tryptophan differs from other known precursor serotonin (and tryptophan metabolites), 5-IT1. When ingested orally, 5-HTP is not subject to any rate limiting factors, which means that there is no control on how high serotonin levels can go.
Therefore, tryptophan effects may be less noticeable than 5-HTP, but with potentially fewer side effects.
There are a number of medical conditions that tryptophan can improve. A 2010 study found that tryptophan can stop the spread of the general condition of the liver, known as steatohepatitis.
Tryptophan may also be capable of improving conditions associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It has been shown that the less tryptophan a person has in their body, the more serious symptoms of this condition can be.
Tryptophan Dosage
Like most supplements, the dosage you take will be determined by your specific goal or condition. For this reason, it is recommended that you consult with your doctor or a qualified doctor before using.
Some sources indicate that the most commonly used dose range is between 6 and 12 grams.
Most adults (especially those who want to reduce the symptoms of depression) will take tryptophan supplements 3 or 4 equally daily administrations to ensure uninterrupted supply.
Tryptophan side effects
When directed and in the right dose, most users can expect to experience unusual side effects from tryptophan.
Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported by some users, although, including nausea, heartburn, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.
You can suffer an overdose when tryptophan is taken in excessive amounts. This can lead to a number of possible side effects, including: psychomotor agitation, confusion, fever, overactive reflexes, anxiety, tremors, sweating, shaking, uniform wiring, tweaking, dizziness, dry mouth, or headache.
If any of these symptoms occur, it is recommended that you stop using immediately and consult a doctor. After passing the side effects, It is an opportunity to start using again with a low dose, if recommended by your doctor.
Tryptophan review
There are many to say benefit using tryptophan in the Nootropic stack. Nutritional tryptophan is what the body naturally uses to make serotonin and it also plays a role in various processes associated with metabolism and health.
While some may precipitate tryptophan supplements in favor of more potent serotonin precursors like 5-HTP, this compound can have a particularly positive effect on mood and sleep.
More importantly, tryptophan raises serotonin levels without bypassing the basic regulatory mechanisms that are used to keep the neurotransmitter supplies in balance.