For a time, L-tryptophan was available by prescription only, which made it unavailable to those who had been taking it as a nutritional supplement. The ban was supposedly due to some unethical processing practices by a Japanese firm that allowed contaminants to seep into their supplements. Curiously, however, the FDA ban of L-tryptophan and a Newsweek cover story singing the praises of the mind-altering drug Prozac occurred within four days of each other, leaving one to speculate as to a possible connection between the two events.

L-tryptophan and Seratonin

Serotonin is a hormone manufactured in the brain which aids in the relief of pain sensitivity, anxiety, stress and depression. Prozac, as well as other highly addictive and expensive anti-depressant drugs such as Paxil and Zoloft, attempt to artificially enhance levels of serotonin, whereas L-tryptophan is the only substance normally found in the diet that can actually be converted into serotonin. It is found in turkey, for example, which is why after a turkey dinner people will often feel pleasantly sleepy and contented. After much pressure the ban has now been lifted, and the FDA allows safe, American-made products to be sold in the US.

Why Do I Need L-tryptophan?

Supplemental L-tryptophan allows the body to control serotonin levels and correct deficiencies of serotonin as needed. Although plentiful in protein foods, cooking and processing easily destroy L-tryptophan, making deficiencies fairly common. For many people, supplementing with L-tryptophan plays a vital role in improving sleep, relieving pain and balancing mood. In fact, millions of people have been taking L-tryptophan for years to successfully treat such ailments as insomnia, weight control, back pain, migraine headaches, premenstrual syndrome, bulimia, Parkinson's disease, depression, anxiety.

How Should I Take L-tryptophan?

While every person’s nutritional needs are different, the general dosage is between 500 - 1,500 mg once or twice a day between meals or right before bedtime. It may be a good idea to take it with a glass of fresh juice to aid assimilation. It’s best not to take L-tryptophan along with a protein meal, as the proteins may compete with each other for absorption.

Dr. Decuypere is pleased to offer the highest quality American-made L-tryptophan supplements available. Call 727 449-8080 or visit our web store and order your supply of L-tryptophan today.

Click here to order your L-tryptophan now!

"Your best defense against conflicting information about diet and nutrition is knowledge. Educate yourself; understand your body." -- Dr. J. D. Decuypere

Food of the month:

Sweet Potato!

For more information about the nutritional value of Sweet Potatos and many other fruits and vegetables, click here.

Disclaimer: Statements about products and health conditions have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to treat, cure or prevent any condition or disease. Check with your healthcare professional before undergoing any protocol. See our full disclaimer.

Please feel free to forward this e-newsletter to your friends.

To send this page using Internet Explorer, click FILE | SEND | Page by Email.

To send using Netscape, click FILE | Send Page.

To read Dr. Decuypere's Newsletter #1
New High Blood Pressure Solution, click here.

To read Dr. Decuypere's Newsletter #2
New Solutions for Old Sleep Problems - click here.

To read Dr. Decuypere's Newsletter #4
L-Tryptophan is Back! - click here.

To read Dr. Decuypere's Newsletter #5
The Smallpox Issue - click here.

To request a link to your site from ours, click here and we will be happy to review your site for a possible link. We are especially interested in linking to other alternative health-related sites. Feel free to set up a link to any of our articles or newsletters - just let us know.

email newsletter • links • webmaster • privacy policy • site map • contact • questionnaire See our terms of use/disclaimer for use of this website.