Evidence supporting the use of: L-tryptophan
For the health condition: Appetite (deficient)

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Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. Scientific interest in L-tryptophan’s influence on appetite stems from its role in serotonin synthesis, as serotonin has been shown to modulate satiety and reduce food intake in both animal and human studies. However, the bulk of research on L-tryptophan and appetite has focused on its potential to help reduce excessive appetite or cravings, rather than directly treating appetite deficiency (hypophagia or poor appetite). Some clinical studies have demonstrated that increasing tryptophan availability can reduce carbohydrate intake or suppress appetite in specific contexts, such as in people with obesity or during high-carbohydrate meals. Conversely, evidence for L-tryptophan supplementation as a treatment for poor appetite is limited. There are a few small studies and theoretical discussions suggesting that tryptophan supplementation might help stimulate appetite in individuals with compromised nutritional status, such as elderly patients or those with certain chronic illnesses, by improving mood and potentially enhancing appetite as a secondary effect. However, these findings are not robust, and L-tryptophan is not widely recognized or recommended as a primary treatment for appetite deficiency. Overall, while there is a plausible scientific rationale, the direct evidence supporting L-tryptophan’s use for deficient appetite is weak, warranting an evidence rating of 2 out of 5.

More about l-tryptophan
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Other ingredients used for Appetite (deficient)

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
acid protease
allspice
apricot
ashwagandha
bamboo
barberry
basil
beet
myrobalan
betel
black cumin
black pepper
radish
bovine liver
rice
bасора
cannabis sativa oil
carrot
cassia bark
chamomile
chen pi
cinnamon
citrus oil
clove
dandelion
dog rose
fennel
fenugreek
fu ling
garlic bulb
gentian root
ginger
ginseng
gooseberry
onion
HCL
horseradish
Indian gum arabic tree
iron
quassia
jujube
l-tryptophan
lemon
licorice root
liquid liver fractions
lovage
mango
marshmallow
milk
mint
orange
oregano
oregon grape
papain
parsley
perilla
phytocannabinoids
pineapple
platycodon root
plum fruit
pollen
prebiotic blend (proprietary)
protein
pumpkin
rhizome
rosemary
slippery elm bark
spearmint leaf
triphala
vitamin B
watercress
zinc
chickweed
catnip
oryza
tangerine
cardamom
atractylodes
papaya
shen-chu
capsicum
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
hedychium spicatum
inula racemosa
anise
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
blessed thistle
boxthorne
bile salt
prickly ash
lemongrass
myrrh
root tuber
flowering quince
cistanche
dioscorea
dodder
sweet flag
hyacinth bean
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
caraway
aster root
yerba mate
peach
goji berry
hypothalamus
paw paw
herbal blend (proprietary)
Sichuan pepper
algae
cayenne pepper
Alcohol
Avens
Apple Cider Vinegar
Agastache
Ambergris
Ardisia
Angelica
Agrimony
Amomum
Aletris
Agarwood
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Arrowroot
Areca
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Algal protein
Allium tuberosum
Amor seco
Arani
Atractylone
Animal protein
Buttermilk
Butter
Bai Ji
Baliospermum
Blackthorn
Blepharis
Balsam
Bishop's Weed
Bayleaf
Belleric myrobalan
Butea monosperma
Black galingale
Beef
Beef liver
Berberis (unspecified)
Bitter Grass
Bael
Butternut
boldo
Black Gram
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Bur-Reed
black salt
Bombax
Buddha's Hand
Borassus aethiopum
Bitter principals
Bacteria
Baobab
Bupleurum
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Borneol
Bird's nest
Cumin
Centaury
Coconut
Casearia esculenta
Cinnamomum
Carqueja
Chervil
Capsinoids
Codonopsis
Coriander
Chive
Cactus
Cynomorium
Cape Aloe
Centaurium erythraea
Capillary Artemisia
Cyathula
Citron
Citrus
Capsaicin
Cannabinol
Cowherb
Carvone
Cymbopogon Martini
Coca
Capers
Colombo
Chicken
Centipeda
Common madia
Cubeb
Chirata
Cornus
Chaenomeles lagenaria
Carlina
Calamus
Chestnut
Cinnamaldehyde
Costus
cola nut
Celosia
Clerodendrum indicum
Culvers Root
Dendrobium
Deer Root
Dodeca-2E, 4E-Dienoic Acid Isobutylamide
Durian
Dill
Dopamine
Date
Dichrostachys glomerata
English Horsemint
Egg
Endive
Embelia
Fig
Galangal
Lotus
Little ironweed
Milk Protein
Orchid
Pistachio
Quince
Rose
Sumac
Sweet Orange alcohol
Vervain
Vinegar
Wheat
Wormseed
yohimbine
Zucchini

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Metagenics UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
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Metagenics UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
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Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
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Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
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Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein® Dutch Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein French Vanilla
Metagenics UltraMeal Advanced Protein Plain
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360°® Pea/Rice Chocolate
Metagenics UltraMeal Cardio 360° Pea/Rice Vanilla