Precautions and Warnings With L-Tryptophan

If you have liver disease, kidney disease, or any other serious health condition, check with your healthcare provider before taking L-tryptophan. Safety concerns with L-tryptophan can also include potential drug interactions and the risk of developing serious side effects. Precautions and warnings with L-tryptophan also apply to people who have certain allergies and to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

 

Is L-Tryptophan Safe?

 L-tryptophan (also known as tryptophan) is an amino acid that is essential for human nutrition. It is found in many foods, but it is also used in some dietary supplements. While a normal dietary intake of L-tryptophan is not dangerous for most people, there are concerns that L-tryptophan supplements may not be equally safe. Although it is not clear if L-tryptophan supplementation is safe for anyone, some people are more likely to experience problems than others. You may be at a higher risk for problems with L-tryptophan if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, such as liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • High levels of eosinophils in the blood (known as eosinophilia)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Precautions and Warnings With L-Tryptophan Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;