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L-Tryptophan
L-Tryptophan is an essential (dietary) amino acid. One of the first to appear as a supplement in the early marketing wave of exotic nutrients, it was billed as a natural sleep aid. It is involved in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter. Serotonin may reduce certain pain reactions and have a tranquilizing effect. It has been said that tryptophan reduces cravings for fatty foods, alcohol, among others. However, this supplement was pulled from the shelves back in 1989, due to several reports of negative side effects.
A number of scientifically sound trials have consistently shown that tryptophan given 30 minutes before bedtime to patients known to suffer from chronic and severe insomnia, produced a natural sleep, and actually seemed to alter the chemistry of the insomnia condition, as many patients reported sustained improvement even two years after treatment ended.
Due to its effects on seratonin, tryptophan appears to be useful in the treatment of some depressive and anxiety disorders. There have been reports of great improvement in the reduction of manic phase of depression with far fewer side effects than tricyclic anti-depressants or hypnotics.
Regarding the appetite suppression effects, it is thought that it is the positive impact on anxiety and depression that helps to control cravings for fatty foods and general overeating. However, it appears that very high doses, (greater than 3 grams per day) are needed to have any real effect on weight loss for people who are actually obese.
Again, in the area of the inhibition of alcohol craving, we see the relation to seratonin activity at work. Very early testing (there needs to be so much more) suggests that these drugs may be able to reverse Korsakof's psychosis, memory loss due to alcohol, which happens to be one of the most common forms of dementia today. Combined with vitamin B-6, tryptophan may be helpful in reducing panic attacks.
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