amino_acid
Tryptophan
TL;DR
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and the sole precursor to serotonin (via 5-HTP) and melatonin. It has the lowest plasma concentration of all amino acids, making it rate-limiting for serotonin synthesis.
Overview
L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid and the sole precursor to serotonin (via 5-HTP) and melatonin. It has the lowest plasma concentration of all amino acids, making it rate-limiting for serotonin synthesis. Competes with other large neutral amino acids (BCAAs) for BBB transport; carbohydrate intake enhances brain uptake.
7 / 565
products in our database contain Tryptophan
Source · MoodStack database
Compound forms
Tryptophan comes in several molecular forms. Each absorbs and acts differently.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
2-amino-3-(5-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid
Bioavailability
50%
Typical dose
50–300 mg
L-Tryptophan
(2S)-2-amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)propanoic acid
Bioavailability
85%
Typical dose
250–1500 mg
Benefits
- Serotonin precursor
- Sleep improvement
- Mood regulation
- Appetite regulation
- Pain modulation
Dose guide
Common dose
500-2000 mg daily (take away from protein meals for best brain uptake)
Typical range
500–2000 mg
Based on 7 products in our database.
Products with Tryptophan
Interactions
dangerous. Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin; combining with serotonergic drugs creates excessive serotonin levels, risking serotonin syndrome (hyperthermia, seizures)
synergistic. PLP (active B6) is the cofactor for tryptophan hydroxylase that converts tryptophan to 5-HTP, and for AADC that converts 5-HTP to serotonin
enhances. Tryptophan is ultimately converted to melatonin (tryptophan → 5-HTP → serotonin → melatonin); taking both may result in excessive melatonin-like effects
competes. BCAAs compete with tryptophan for LAT1 transport across the blood-brain barrier; high BCAA intake reduces brain serotonin synthesis
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Medical disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any supplement regimen.