Tryptophan is an essential amino acid with several potential health benefits

Most of us can probably relate to the relaxing feeling one gets following a traditional Thanksgiving dinner. With your belly full, a feeling of utter lethargy and well-deserved relaxation always seems to overtake your holiday-driven body until you can no longer resist the temptation of the beckoning sofa. Although the holiday season itself can surely leave a body feeling tired, there is another contributing factor. That irresistible turkey that is at the forefront to every traditional dinner contains, among other things, one of nature’s 20 amino acids known as tryptophan.

Tryptophan is considered an essential amino acid and as such, your body is not able to manufacture it and must get it from various food sources. Once ingested however, tryptophan increases brain levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known for its calming effects on the body. As well, tryptophan is responsible for increasing the levels of melatonin in the body, a hormone secreted by the pineal gland, which ultimately induces sleep. So logically, one might think that after having a few helpings of turkey, your body will be ready for a quick siesta. Although, this may be true, the truth is that tryptophan actually works best on an empty stomach according to researchers and therefore, it is only itself partially responsible for the lazy feelings that follow a big turkey dinner. The vast amounts of carbohydrates and often alcohol that invariably make up a traditional Thanksgiving meal also play a big part in the equation.

It is this misconception states the FDA that led to hundreds of people turning to a dietary supplement of tryptophan in the 1980s in hopes of relieving a variety of sleep disorders. Although this amino acid was first isolated in milk protein in 1901 it wasn’t until the 80s when as the natural law of supply and demand would have it, many companies soon jumped on the tryptophan bandwagon and this amino acid quickly became a popular nutritional supplement.

The manufacturing process for many food supplements, including tryptophan, involves a fermenting process in which manufacturers actually grow bacteria in large vats then separate the specific supplement from the bacteria and purify it. Unfortunately, in the late 1980s, investigations showed that one Japanese company, Showa Denko KK, genetically altered the bacteria used in this process in order to increase the tryptophan production. The result was bacteria with an altered cellular metabolism, which was ultimately used in their commercially produced tryptophan. In 1988, the end product was introduced into the US market and within only a few short months 37 people died and 1500 more were permanently disabled by the product. It has since been reported that between 7,500 and 10,000 more individuals were adversely affected by this product.

Although it took researchers many months to discover the root of the poisoning, they were able to recognize the results as eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), a debilitating condition resulting in paralysis and neurological problems, swelling and cracked skin, headaches, memory loss, sensitivity to light, heart problems and fatigue. Once scientists realized the toxic tryptophan was a result of genetically altered bacteria, they were also able to pinpoint the exact contaminants. One in particular was so toxic that although it comprised only 0.1% of the entire total weight of the product, it was more than enough to kill. 1 Investigators ultimately concluded that the genetic alteration of the bacteria accelerated the tryptophan biosynthesis, which in turn led to increased levels of tryptophan including its precursors. These compounds then further reacted with each other to create a deadly toxin. This resulting toxin was chemically similar to tryptophan, making it very difficult to detect and separate and consequently, the contaminated end product was able to reach consumers.

Despite the fact that research showed the root of the contamination stemmed from one company who had decided to cut corners in order to increase profits, in 1990 the FDA still banned all tryptophan from commercial sale. Prior to the Showa Denko incident, there had been neither reports of toxic poisoning nor any consumer complaints. As well, extensive research concluded that the problem only resulted when genetically engineered bacteria was used in the manufacturing process, something no other company had previously done.

Recently tryptophan was again approved by the FDA for sale in the US. Pharmaceutical-grade tryptophan is legally recognized as an essential nutrient in infant formulas and in intravenous feeding. With the popularity of the Internet, you can also find tryptophan for sale as a supplement for “pets”. Prior to the ban, tryptophan supplements were being effectively used to treat such conditions as depression, insomnia, migraine headaches, anxiety and weight gain. As well, prescription strength tryptophan (Tryptan) was regularly used as a remedy for severe depression and schizophrenia. There are many views on the legitimacy of the FDA ban that now 16 years later still makes it illegal to purchase tryptophan, but supporters of the natural food industry staunchly claim that once this inexpensive natural substance was banned, more expensive prescription drugs such as Prozac and Zoloft for example were introduced.

Research into the effectiveness of tryptophan continues and today a derivative of this essential amino acid is widely available for commercial sale. Once this amino acid is introduced into the body, the brain naturally converts it to 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP). It is in this chemical state that that tryptophan is then synthesized into serotonin, a neurotransmitter as stated earlier, that produces a claming effect on the body. This substance is also responsible for regulating appetite, sleep, overall mood and pain levels. Although the body is capable of producing 5-HTP itself from sources of high-protein foods such as chicken, fish, beef, and dairy products, the tryptophan used in nutritional supplements is derived from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia, a plant native to Africa. Unlike many other supplements (and drugs) that have molecules too large to pass from the bloodstream into the brain, molecules of 5-HTP are small enough to do just that, making this a very effective and safe alternative to prescription drugs.

It is theorized that because tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, using supplements of 5-HTP will in fact increase the levels of serotonin, essentially improving such things as mood, sleep patterns, and pain control. To date, researchers claim that studies using supplemental 5-HTP have in fact shown that this product will help to relive mild to moderate cases of depression, reduce the overall pain sensation in those suffering from such conditions as fibromyalgia, muscle pain and migraine headaches, suppress appetite, thereby contributing to weight loss and relieve insomnia and restless sleep.

In fact, 5-HTP has been shown to be as effective as prescription antidepressant medications. In one clinical trial, patients who took 300 to 900 mg per day of 5-HTP showed marked improvement in the number and intensity of migraine headaches they experienced and in the symptoms resulting from fybromyalgia. They also reported a decrease in appetite and improved sleep patterns. Although not all studies were so positive, researchers claim that it appears that in cases of 5-HTP supplementation, there are what they call “responders” or people who experience elevated blood levels of 5-HTP as well as “non-responders”, or those people who experience no increase in plasma levels.

Other studies conducted in Fairbanks, Alaska suggest that this amino acid may also be helpful with such conditions as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), a syndrome in which patients become depressed following the reduction in daylight during the winter months.

It is commonly known among medical professionals that prescription antidepressants are only effective in about 70 percent of all cases because anxiety disorders and depression are more often than not, associated with serotonin imbalances within the brain. Many health practitioners are now turning to such natural supplements as 5-HTP to boost these levels and improve mood.

Typically, the dose of 5-HTP is between 300 to 900 mg (usually in 2 or 3 doses). It is best to take this supplement on an empty stomach as it is more quickly absorbed. As well, you should not take 5-http for more than 3 consecutive months without first consulting a professional. There are several drug interaction for 5-http including muscle relaxants, which when taken in conjunction with 5-HTP, could cause excessive drowsiness. It is also recommended that you don't take 5-HTP with over-the-counter cold remedies or any medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, because anxiety, confusion, or other serious side effects can result. If you are currently taking any psychiatric medications such as lithium or those for conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, you should first consult your doctor before taking 5-HTP. As with any medication, if you are pregnant r nursing always check with a trained health professional before taking it.

Typically, there are no known side effects for 5-HTP when taken as directed, however some people may experience mild nausea, constipation, gas, drowsiness, or a decrease in sex drive.

References:

1. Mayeno, A.N. and Gleich, G.J., Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome and tryptophan production: a cautionary tale, TIBTECH, 12, 346-352, 1994.
2. Raphals, P., Does medical mystery threaten biotech? Science, 249, 619, 1990.