Tryptophan
Overview
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid and precursor to serotonin (via 5-HTP), melatonin, and niacin. Used for mood, sleep, and anxiety support. Critical safety: serotonin syndrome risk when combined with SSRIs, MAOIs, or serotonergic drugs — shared pathway with 5-HTP. Historical concern: a 1989 contaminated batch caused eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). Dietary tryptophan is safe; supplement doses >1 g/day carry increased interaction risk. Metabolized via multiple pathways including kynurenine; dysregulation linked to depression.
Dosage
1000 mg · Evening · Take with food
Key Interactions
28 verified interactions found
Both 5-HTP and tryptophan are serotonin precursors. Combining them leads to excessive serotonergic activity and risk of serotonin syndrome (characterized by agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity).
Do not combine 5-HTP with tryptophan supplements.
View details →St. John's Wort inhibits serotonin reuptake (similar to SSRIs). Combined with tryptophan (serotonin precursor), there is a theoretical risk of serotonin accumulation. Clinical case reports exist for St. John's Wort with other serotonergic substances.
Kombination vermeiden. Serotonin-Syndrom-Risiko analog 5-HTP+SSRI — Arzt konsultieren.
View details →Hohe Phenylalanin-Spiegel reduzieren die Verfügbarkeit von Tryptophan und Tyrosin im Gehirn. Die Synthese von Serotonin und Dopamin kann dadurch beeinträchtigt werden.
Phenylalanin konkurriert mit Tryptophan um denselben Transportmechanismus über die Blut-Hirn-Schranke. Für optimale Tryptophan-Wirkung (z.B. Stimmungsunterstützung) mindestens 2h Abstand zur Phenylalanin-Einnahme einhalten.
View details →Valin und andere verzweigtkettige Aminosäuren konkurrieren mit Tryptophan um den Transport über die Blut-Hirn-Schranke. Hohe Valin-Einnahmen können die Serotoninsynthese verringern.
Valin und andere verzweigtkettige Aminosäuren konkurrieren mit Tryptophan um den Transport über die Blut-Hirn-Schranke. Für optimale Tryptophan-Wirkung BCAA-Einnahme und Tryptophan mindestens 2h zeitversetzt nehmen.
View details →Leucin und andere verzweigtkettige Aminosäuren konkurrieren mit Tryptophan um den Transport über die Blut-Hirn-Schranke. Hohe Leucin-Einnahmen können die Serotoninsynthese im Gehirn reduzieren.
Leucin und andere verzweigtkettige Aminosäuren (BCAAs) konkurrieren mit Tryptophan um den Transport durch die Blut-Hirn-Schranke. Für optimale Tryptophan-Wirkung mindestens 2h Abstand zu BCAA-Produkten einhalten.
View details →Scientific Sources
- Source
- Interactions Between Herbal Medicines and Prescribed Drugs (2012)
- Acute effects of serotonergic antidepressants on tryptophan metabolism and corti (2010)
- Acetylcholinesterase activity and biogenic amines in phenylketonuria. (2002)
- The role of tryptophans on the cellular uptake and membrane interaction of argin (2015)
- 5-Hydroxytryptophan during critical postnatal period improves cognitive performa (2011)
- Inhibition byl-phenylalanine of tryptophan transport by synaptosomal plasma memb (2006)
- GGA1 Interacts with the Adaptor Protein AP-1 through a WNSF Sequence in Its Hing (2004)
- Neutral amino acid availability in two major psychiatric disorders (1995)
- Diet and sleep patterns in newborn infants. (1983)
- Awake Craniotomy Induces Fewer Changes in the Plasma Amino Acid Profile Than Cra (2009)
- Plasma tryptophan levels and plasma tryptophan/ neutral amino acids ratio in pat (1992)
- Lithium-induced changes in plasma amino acid levels during treatment of affectiv (1983)
- Interaction between amino acids on the performances of individually housed pigle (2015)
- Dietary amino acid precursors: Effects on central monoamines, aggression, and lo (1980)
- Possible role for dietary leucine in the pathogenesis of pellagra. (1969)
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Amino Acids in Pathological Gamblers and Healthy Controls (2007)
- NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD)
- PubChem Compound 6305
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Tryptophan used for?
L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid and precursor to serotonin (via 5-HTP), melatonin, and niacin.
What is the recommended dosage for Tryptophan?
1000 mg. Evening. Take with food.
Does Tryptophan interact with other supplements?
Tryptophan has 28 verified interactions. Top: 5-Hydroxytryptophan, St John's Wort.
When is the best time to take Tryptophan?
Evening. Take with food.
Is Tryptophan safe to combine with other supplements?
Always check interactions before combining supplements. Use VitalStack to verify your full stack for free.
Check how Tryptophan fits your full stack
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Check Your Stack →Not medical advice. VitalStack is not a medical device. For personalized health recommendations, consult a healthcare provider.