NOW Foods, L-Tryptophan, 500 mg, 60 Veg Capsules (500 mg per Capsule)

Now Foods L-Tryptophan 500 mg – 60 vegetarian capsules

Now Foods L-Tryptophan is a food supplement with 500 mg of free-form L-tryptophan in each vegetarian capsule. The table on the EU label gives the amount per two capsules: two capsules provide 1 g of L-tryptophan. The manufacturer recommends taking 1–2 capsules two to three times a day on an empty stomach, with the final dose at bedtime, or as directed by your physician. The maximum daily amount is therefore six capsules, or 3 g of L-tryptophan. The bottle contains 60 capsules. The capsule shell is made of cellulose and, according to the manufacturer, the product is suitable for vegans and vegetarians.

What is L-tryptophan?

L-tryptophan is one of the twenty amino acids the body uses to build proteins. It is an essential amino acid: the body cannot produce it itself, so it has to be obtained from food. The tryptophan molecule contains an indole group made of two rings, which makes it the largest of the protein-forming amino acids.

In the diet, L-tryptophan is found in protein-rich foods such as poultry, fish, eggs, dairy products and cheese, as well as in pulses, nuts and seeds. In this food supplement L-tryptophan is in free form, which means it is not bound to other amino acids in proteins or peptides. According to NOW Foods, every lot of L-tryptophan is tested to be free of the by-product “Peak E” and of microbial contamination. No nutrient reference value (NRV) has been established for L-tryptophan, so the table shows only its amounts.

How to use?

Take 1–2 capsules two to three times a day on an empty stomach, with the final dose at bedtime, or follow your physician’s directions. Swallow the capsules with a glass of water. Do not take more than six capsules, or 3 g of L-tryptophan, a day in total – do not exceed the recommended daily amount. As the product may cause drowsiness, do not use it with alcoholic beverages or while operating heavy machinery. Taken two capsules at a time, the bottle contains 30 servings. After opening, keep the bottle tightly closed in a cool, dry place.

Key features

• 500 mg L-tryptophan – in each capsule, free-form.
• 1 g in two capsules – according to the table on the EU label.
• Flexible dosing – 1–2 capsules 2–3 times a day, up to 6 capsules a day.
• Lot testing – according to NOW Foods, every lot is tested for “Peak E” and microbial contamination.
• Vegetarian capsule – suitable for vegans and vegetarians according to the manufacturer.
• Certifications – halal, kosher and non-GMO according to the manufacturer.

Who is it for?

Now Foods L-Tryptophan is intended for adults only who want to supplement their diet with free-form L-tryptophan. The capsule shell and the excipients are of plant origin, so according to the manufacturer the product is also suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Consult a physician before use if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication or have a medical condition. It is particularly important to consult a physician if you take antidepressants such as SSRIs or MAOIs. The product may cause drowsiness, so it must not be used with alcohol or while operating heavy machinery.

Ingredients, quality and origin

According to the EU label, besides free-form L-tryptophan the capsules contain a cellulose capsule shell, cellulose powder and stearic acid of vegetable origin. The product is not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients, but it is produced in a GMP facility that also processes ingredients containing these allergens. According to the EU label, the country of origin is China; the brand owner is NOW Foods, a family-owned company from the United States that has been making food supplements since 1968. According to the manufacturer, the product is non-GMO and halal and kosher certified. Because of natural raw materials, the colour of the capsules may vary slightly. Store in a cool, dry place after opening.