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| An essential amino acid, tryptophan is the least abundant amino acid found in foods. The therapeutic range is up to 4gm per day, and medical supervision of treatment can be helpful. Tryptophan is often given with vitamin B6 and magnesium away from meals with a small amount of carbohydrate to facilitate uptake by the brain. If more of a daytime action is being sought, the bulk can be given in the morning. Tryptophan is metabolized into niacin, melatonin and serotonin and has relaxing and calming effects. L-Tryptophan (which is the desired form) is converted to 5HTP before becoming serotonin; taking 5HTP bypasses this first step of the process. Vitamin B6 and folic acid may assist in the conversion to serotonin. An equivalent dose of 5HTP (compared to 1gm of tryptophan) is about 100mg. Chromium picolinate helps to promote conversion of tryptophan to serotonin. |
| Depression Insomnia Tourette's Syndrome Tryptophan Need |