Tryptophan
TRYPTOPHAN is an essential amino acid and the only one with an indole nucleus which breaks down into a compound responsible for the peculiar odor of feces. Tryptophan is necessary for the production of niacin (B3) and requires B6, biotin, Vitamin C and zinc to form the enzyme needed for conversion. Tryptophan is converted to 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) and then to serotonin, known to be deficient in those depressed and suicidal.
When carbohydrates are consumed, an increase in insulin is created, removing from circulation other amino acids that compete with tryptophan. This makes it easy for tryptophan to enter the brain to make serotonin, which influences the brain in regulating food intake and sleep patterns. Studies done in 1982 showed that a combination of phenylalanine, valine, methionine, and tryptophan reduced food intake by 50% in obese subjects. Tryptophan that is not converted to niacin or serotonin remains largely bound to albumen in the blood.
Tryptophan has been useful in treating menopausal depressive conditions and alleviating the symptoms of "restless leg syndrome." It helps control hyperactivity in children, relieves stress, and enhances the release of growth hormones necessary for the production of Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine). Deficiencies can lead to pellagra, which is considered to be a combination deficiency of niacin (B3), pyridoxine (B6), and tryptophan.
In November of 1989, the Centers for Desease Control (CDC) reported evidence linking L-tryptophan supplements to a blood disorder called eosinophiliamyaglia syndrome (EMS). This illness, characterized by an elevated white blood cell count, was reported in 475 cases resulting in several deaths, according to the FDA. Common symptoms of EMS are muscular pain, fatigue, and such respiratory ailments as difficult breathing and coughing, and a possible painful swelling of the extremeties or rash. After the CDC established an association between the blood disorder and products containing tryptophan in New Mexico, the Food and Drug Administration warned consumers to stop taking tryptophan supplements. The FDA has since recalled all products in which tryptophan is the sole or major component. The fault appeared to lie with one Japanese supplier. Many feel that the real problem was a contamination of one product, and had nothing to do with the amino acid itself. After curtailing the sale of tryptophan, the FDA did nothing to refute the tide of accusations of cover-up. Tryptophan is still used successfully in other parts of the world where there is unlimited access.
Ironically, the benefits of tryptophan were discovered about the same time as benzodiazepine (Valium, Librium, etc.) was becoming popular. Speculation naturally surfaced that if tryptophan had been patentable, the drugs would not have had much success. But since a simple food component cannot be patented, the powerful drug manufacturers may have found a way to discredit tryptophan. Had tryptophan been a drug, no doubt only the impure source would have been banned and not the entire component. Since that time, sales of antidepressant drugs have soared to more than a billion dollars a year. The new class of antidepressants are known as SRI (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), having the same effect as tryptophan, which was a much cheaper and more reliable cure.
More importantly, tryptophan was, and is, proving to reduce aggressive behavior. However, with its removal by the FDA, patients relying on this supplement had to find an alternative. Aggressive behavior remains a large social problem everywhere and continues to grow. Carrying speculation one step further, one might consider this a viable solution in the peace process.
Excessive amounts of tryptophan, along with low levels of NAD (an enzyme formed by niacin), can lead to mood swings. However, similar symptoms can be produced with low intakes of tryptophan. The less tryptophan, the greater the degree of emotional disturbance. Either way, tryptophan has a profound effect on mental health and well being.
A November 1, 2001, article in the Canadian National Post section "Financial Post," reported that a study of 100 Montreal men and women showed that irritability and aggressiveness may be caused by a lack of seratonin. Seratonin is a neurotransmitter that helps temper emotion, sleep, and appetite. The study showed that increased levels of seratonin increased the ability to set goals and direct others. The "drug" that was used for this testing was tryptophan. The two McGill researchers conducting the studies concluded that seratonin had a pronounced effect on irritability, producing a circular domino effect. "The less quarrelsome people are, the less quarrelsome people are toward them, and the less quarrelsome they think they have to be." In addition, the research also found that dominant personalities tend to be moreso on Mondays and Tuesdays, when they charge into work eager to get things done; but, by Friday, they are anxious to wrap things up. More research needs to be done since this study included only one aspect of the effects of tryptophan.
It has been found that, by combining tryptophan with the lithium, drug therapy seems to enhance the treatment of mania. Monoamine oxidase inhibitor drugs (phenelzine/nardil, parnate, parstelin, eutonyl) are not compatible with tryptophan, and they should not be taken together. In addition, supplements of tryptophan may be dangerous in pregnancy and may aggravate bronchial asthma and lupus. Milk also inhibits the uptake of tryptophan as does an excessive amount of protein and taking tryptophan supplements with food.
Tryptophan is not richly supplied in the diet. However, the best sources are soy protein, brown rice, cottage cheese, fish, beef, liver, lamb, peanuts, pumpkins, sesame seeds, and lentils. For the maximum effect with tryptophan, use a moderately high carbohydrate-low protein diet since less serotonin will be produced because of less amino acid competition.
Other names for tryptophan include: TRP, TRY, amino acid W, and 2-amino-3-(3 indoyl) propanoic acid.
Deficiency symptoms include: sterility, testicular deterioration, decreased weight, dry skin, blood-shot eyes, thinning hair, slow growth, deterioration of B3b production, digestive upsets, diminished ability to clear blood clots, increased nervousness, insomnia, decreased memory, aggression, emotional agitation, compulsions, hallucinations, depressions, emotional deterioration, and schizophrenia.
