L-tryptophan
Also called: Tryptophan
An essential amino acid your body turns into serotonin and melatonin. It's used for sleep and mood.
Medical Disclaimer
Supplements can interact with medications and aren't right for everyone, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with a chronic condition. Ask your provider before you start.
Studied for
- Trouble falling asleep (some studies)
- Low mood (limited evidence)
- PMS and PMDD mood symptoms (some studies)
Found naturally in
- Turkey and chicken
- Eggs and cheese
- Pumpkin seeds
- Oats
- Soy and tofu
Label red flags
- No third-party testing for purity. A contaminated batch in 1989 caused a serious illness.
- Sleep blends that hide amounts in a proprietary mix
Check with a provider
- Taking antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs), triptans, tramadol, or other medicines that raise serotonin. Together they can cause serotonin syndrome, which can be dangerous.
- Bipolar disorder
- Taking sedatives or sleep medicines
- Liver or kidney disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Drowsiness, nausea, or stomach upset are the most common side effects
Usually found in sleep formulas, mood support formulas, protein powders. Browse the Lesher Wellness store
Parts of the body it affects
Explore what each area does and the conditions that can affect it.
Illustrations: Servier Medical Art, CC BY 4.0
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Dr. Lesher is a Naturopathic Doctor who focuses on autoimmune and chronic conditions in women. Since 2020, she's helped hundreds of patients stop managing symptoms and start healing.