Evidence supporting the use of: L-tryptophan
For the health condition: Sugar Cravings
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
L-tryptophan is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, satiety, and appetite control. The rationale behind using L-tryptophan to support or treat sugar cravings is based on the idea that low serotonin levels may increase cravings for carbohydrates, including sugars, as carbohydrate consumption can transiently boost brain serotonin synthesis. Several small-scale clinical studies and experimental research support the link between tryptophan supplementation and reduced carbohydrate or sugar cravings, particularly in individuals with carbohydrate-craving obesity or those experiencing premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
For example, research published in the 1980s and 1990s demonstrated that tryptophan supplementation could decrease carbohydrate intake in certain populations. However, these studies are limited in size, and the effect is not robust or universally replicated. More recent reviews highlight that while there is a plausible mechanism and some supporting data, the magnitude of the effect is modest, and there are safety concerns with high-dose tryptophan supplementation. Thus, scientific evidence exists but is not strong or conclusive enough for broad clinical recommendation. Overall, the use of L-tryptophan to support sugar cravings is based on a scientific rationale with limited clinical evidence, meriting a low-to-moderate rating for efficacy.
Other ingredients used for Sugar Cravings
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)cassia bark
chicory
chromium
fenugreek
glucomannan
hydroxycitric acid
inulin
L-tryptophan
magnesium
Monkfruit
relora® (proprietary)
stevia
Zinc
kidney beans
1-deoxynojirimycin
aspartame
apple cider vinegar
Berberis (unspecified)
bitter principals
carob
D-Pinitol
erythritol
gum
Gymnema
gymnemic acids
isomaltulose
isomalt
Konjac
Legume protein
maltitol
Mesquite
Palatinose
Rebaudioside
Stevioside
Steviol glycosides
Salacia
Tagatose
Thylakoid
Thaumatin
Xylose
Yacon
Other health conditions supported by L-tryptophan
Addictions (sugar or refined carbohydrates)Anxiety
Anxiety Disorders
Apathy
Appetite (deficient)
Bulimia
Depression
Insomnia
Mood Swings
Nervous Exhaustion
Nervousness
Neurosis
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Post Partum Depression
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Sleep (restless and disturbed)
Stress
Sugar Cravings
Products containing L-tryptophan
Designs For Health
Amino Acid Supreme™
Thorne
Amino Complex Berry
Thorne
Amino Complex Lemon
Pure Encapsulations
Amino-NR
Pure Encapsulations
Amino Replete
Metagenics
BioPure Protein® Powder
Pure Encapsulations
Cognitive Aminos
Pure Encapsulations
Essential Aminos
Klean Athlete
Klean Essential Aminos + HMB®
Klean Athlete
Klean Isolate ™
Pure Encapsulations
L-Tryptophan
Pure Encapsulations
L-Tryptophan
Douglas Laboratories
L-Tryptophan
Douglas Laboratories
Muscle Protect™ with HMB®
Metagenics
Perfect Protein® Pea & Rice Chocolate Powder
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Pea & Rice Vanilla Powder
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Whey Chocolate
Metagenics
Perfect Protein Whey Vanilla
Thorne
RecoveryPro NSF
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control® Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Chocolate
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
Ultra Glucose Control Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish® Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Chocolate
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraGI Replenish Vanilla
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360°® Chocolate/Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Mango
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Orange
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Original Spice
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
Metagenics
UltraInflamX Plus 360° Pineapple/Banana
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