The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

You’re not alone if tryptophan immediately makes you think of the dreaded or delightful “food coma” that often follows a Thanksgiving meal. But, what you may not know is tryptophan is one of the eight essential amino acids — which your body cannot make on its own — that your body needs to thrive and survive. Many tasty sources beyond turkey offer the health benefits of tryptophan, including fruit, meat, grains, peanuts, dairy products, and chocolate.

Tryptophan Will Sing You an Amino Acid Lullaby

You may know melatonin is often used as a sleep-inducing supplement. Tryptophan cuts out the middleman by producing melatonin in the pineal gland as well as in the stomach, retina, and the millions of immune cells coursing through the body. The longer it takes you to fall asleep, the healthier the sleep. The downside is that it takes longer to revive yourself upon waking; melatonin cobwebs take a bit longer to clear. However, many people with insomnia are happy with the trade-off if it means healthy sleep.

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The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Tryptophan Can Help Fight Depression

Insomnia and many other conditions can lead to depression. A diet high in tryptophan seems to increase positive mood and lower anxiety. However, for some people with depression, tryptophan is converted to kynurenine rather than serotonin, worsening symptoms. The jury is still out on this benefit of tryptophan.

The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Tryptophan Can Be An Appetite Suppressant

Malnourishment is not a good thing, but overeating is also detrimental. Poor diet and overeating lead to countless health problems. Outside of smoking, your diet is the biggest source of potential health problems later in life, raising your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, obesity, and other issues. Studies show people who eat high-tryptophan diets eat fewer carbohydrates and have less desire to snack between meals.

The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Tryptophan Can Help Premenstrual Syndrome

During the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle, the body can produce less serotonin and instead increase kynurenine production by as much as 40%. For women struggling with premenstrual dysphoria, a severe type of PMS, L-tryptophan supplements have helped address symptoms such as irritability, mood swings, and anxiety.

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The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Tryptophan Can Reduce Anxiety and Help You Quit Smoking

Studies support the theory that tryptophan supplementation and high-tryptophan diets can reduce anxiety. Additionally, the amino acid can reduce anxiety associated with smoking cessation, and limit the weight gain that accompanies many people’s efforts to quit.

The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Tryptophan Can Treat Bipolar Disorder

Some studies show that L-tryptophan supplements can treat mania when used in conjunction with antipsychotic medication. Additionally, the amino acid outperformed some antidepressants in a study of people being treated for depression. In numerous cases, those that were then taken off the tryptophan showed a return to stronger mania symptoms.

The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Tryptophan Can Optimize Exercise

While far from a performance-enhancing drug, tryptophan supplements can increase the body’s production of beta-endorphins, neurotransmitters that fight pain. Another study showed athletes given L-tryptophan supplements increased their exercise time by nearly 50%.

The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Tryptophan Plays a Positive Role In Cognition

L-Tryptophan, as a precursor to serotonin, is invested in the cognitive process. Serotonin plays a large role in cognition, including staving off Alzheimer’s disease and depression. In particular, it seems to have a positive effect on women who have participated in studies. As yet, doctors have not worked out tryptophan’s role in the complex cognitive relationship that involves more than just serotonin.

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The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Tryptophan For Breast Feeding And Child Growth

Two studies indicate women given tryptophan supplements have increased levels of prolactin, a critical element in the production of breast milk following childbirth. Additionally, children given a tryptophan supplement may have increased production of growth hormones that significantly affect early growth in newborns.

The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

Lack Of Tryptophan Can Affect Memory

While tryptophan supplements don’t necessarily improve memory, a tryptophan deficiency can adversely affect it. Long-term tryptophan-deficient diets lead to memory issues, specifically in the areas of recognition tests and word recall. These symptoms appear in tryptophan-deficient women more often than men. There are many benefits to maintaining recommended tryptophan levels, and numerous detriments can arise when levels fall too low.

The Health Benefits of Tryptophan

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