L-tryptophan is naturally found in animal and plant proteins, such as pork, chicken, raw salmon, soy beans, cashew nuts, peas, unsweetened cocoa, eggs and oat flakes. But at the same time it is one of those amino acids which occurs in food in the lowest concentration compared to all other amino acids.

Therefore, some people don't get enough of this important amino acid.

After absorbing, the body converts L-Tryptophan into 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) which is a precursor for Serotonin. This endogenous hormone can penetrate the blood-brain barrier and transmit signals between nerve cells and is critical for mental wellness, mood and social behavior.

L-Tryptophan is the best natural supplement to promote relaxation and maintain a well-balanced mood.

Depletion of endogenous tryptophan can cause a relapse in treated depression and precipitate depressive symptoms in patients with a history or family history of depression. It has also been associated with bulimia relapse, and deterioration of schizophrenia symptoms.

Serotonin also has a great impact on the natural day-night-rhythm of the body since the body is converting it into Melatonin, a different hormone which promotes a natural and restful sleep. Therefore, low Tryptophan levels can be the reason for insomnia and other sleeping disorders.

L-Tryptophan can also improve athletic performance. In a study subjects ran on a treadmill until exhaustion. The total exercise time was 49.4% greater after receiving L-tryptophan than after receiving the placebo.

This could be explained with the increased tolerance for discomfort and pain, which is associated with performing of strenuous physical exercise.

But L-Tryptophan is not only responsible for mental wellness and a good nights sleep. It is also an important building block for the development and function of many organs in the body, since it is indirectly involved in a lot of enzymatic reactions.

L-Tryptophan acts as a precursor for Niacin (vitamin B3) which has an important function in the carbohydrate-, protein- and fat metabolism and therefore in the energy production of the body.

• to help with insomnia
• for sleep apnea
• to ease jet lag
• to ease depression and anxiety
• to ease ADHD (attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder)
• to ease PMDD (a severe form of premenstrual syndrome)
• to help people quit smoking
• to fight stress-related bulimia
• to inhibit appetite to promote weight loss
• to enhance physical performance

If you take L-tryptophan as a supplement, it depends on the current need of your body, how much is used for the production of serotonin and melatonin. If you take 5-HTP directly, you bypass the conversion from L-tryptophan to 5-HTP and the entire amount of 5-HTP is converted to serotonin and melatonin thereafter. This means you don't depend on the conversion from L-tryptophan to 5-HTP in your body.

Some people are more comfortable by taking L-tryptophan because serotonin and melatonin are created through the natural cycle. Others prefer to take 5-HTP, as it works faster and better for them.