Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, and is a precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. L-tryptophan has been used as a dietary supplement to help relieve insomnia and depression.

Importance to ME/CFS
By mediating tryptophan catabolism, the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) has a complex role in immunoregulation in infection and autoimmunity. Ron Davis, speaking about tryptophan being available on the market, has made it clear that self experimentation can be very dangerous. There is insufficient evidence for the use of L-tryptophan to improve sleep or depression.

Learn more
The 15th Conference of the International Society of Tryptophan Research was held at The University of Shiga Prefecture, which is situated in Hikone city, 30 miles east of Kyoto. The conference was a venue for tryptophan research including cancer, immunology, neuroscience, pathology, pharmacology, physiology, clinical diagnosis, nutrition, food science, analytical chemistry and L- tryptophan metabolism.