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Article: Tryptophan: rip-off or remedy?
- Article from:
- Nutrition Action Healthletter
- Article date:
- April 1, 1988
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 1988 Center for Science in the Public Interest. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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TRYPTOPHAN: RIP-OFF OR REMEDY?
Having trouble sleeping? Are you moody and blue? Perhaps you've been overeating or suffering from chronic pain. According to proponents, all you may need for quick relief is tryptophan, a "natural, hundred percent safe" amino acid.
Like other amino acids, tryptophan does occur naturally in protein foods. But the claims apply only to supplements that are taken in relatively large doses.
Can these supplements really alter mood and behavior safely and without side effects? Or are they ineffective, and perhaps even dangerous?
"Tryptophan is the first safe, non-toxic sleeping pill," asserts a University of ...