Tryptophan Intake for Healthy Adults
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
The trial aims to develop a method to measure harmful compounds produced when tryptophan breaks down. Tryptophan, an important nutrient, helps produce serotonin, which the brain needs to function well. In stressful situations, such as when premature babies receive nutrition intravenously, tryptophan can convert into harmful compounds. The trial involves healthy adults taking different levels of tryptophan to aid in creating a measurement method for these compounds. It is suitable for individuals aged 18 to 45 who are generally healthy and not on medications affecting protein metabolism. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to foundational research that could improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations.
Do I need to stop taking my current medications for the trial?
Yes, you will need to stop taking medications that affect protein or amino acid metabolism, such as steroids, anti-inflammatory drugs, acetaminophen, and SSRIs.
What prior data suggests that this method is safe for measuring tryptophan breakdown in adults?
Research shows that tryptophan is generally safe for short-term use in healthy adults. Studies have found that taking up to 5 grams per day for 21 days is usually well-tolerated. Some individuals might experience mild side effects such as drowsiness, stomach ache, or nausea, particularly at higher doses between 70 and 200 mg per kilogram of body weight. Tryptophan may pose risks for certain conditions, like bladder cancer or cataracts, though these are less common. Overall, short-term use of tryptophan is typically safe for most healthy adults, but monitoring the body's reactions is advisable.12345
Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Most treatments for improving mood and well-being often involve medications that alter brain chemistry indirectly. But tryptophan works differently, as it is a natural amino acid and a building block for serotonin, a neurotransmitter linked to happiness and relaxation. Unlike synthetic drugs, tryptophan is a dietary component, making it potentially more accessible and with fewer side effects. Researchers are excited about tryptophan because it offers a more natural approach to enhancing mood and could be easily incorporated into everyday diet plans.
What evidence suggests that this method is effective for measuring tryptophan breakdown?
Research shows that tryptophan plays a key role in mood and sleep. Studies have found that taking tryptophan can improve sleep and reduce depression levels. Some controlled trials suggest that taking 3 to 6 grams of tryptophan daily might be as effective as antidepressant medications. Consuming foods high in tryptophan may also enhance mood in people with depression. While tryptophan is vital for brain health, it can convert into harmful substances when the body is under stress, particularly in premature babies receiving intravenous nutrition. This trial will test tryptophan intake levels in healthy young adults to develop a method for measuring these harmful substances in adults, which could eventually benefit preterm babies.56789
Who Is on the Research Team?
Glenda Courtney-Martin, PhD, RD
Principal Investigator
The Hospital for Sick Children
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for healthy young adults. Specific eligibility criteria are not provided, but typically participants should have no significant health issues that could interfere with the study.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive varying levels of tryptophan intake to study its metabolism
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Tryptophan
Trial Overview
The study aims to develop a method to measure compounds resulting from tryptophan breakdown. This will help understand its metabolism in stressed conditions like those experienced by premature babies on TPN.
How Is the Trial Designed?
1
Treatment groups
Experimental Treatment
Tryptophan intake levels, up to 5 levels, will be tested in a random order in all subjects
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
The Hospital for Sick Children
Lead Sponsor
Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)
Collaborator
Citations
L-Tryptophan: Basic Metabolic Functions, Behavioral ...
Some of the earliest studies found modest mood-lowering effects following acute tryptophan depletion in samples of healthy young men. Since then ...
Tryptophan Intake in the US Adult Population Is Not ...
Tryptophan intake was inversely associated with self-reported level of depression and positively associated with sleep duration.
A systematic review of the effect of L-tryptophan ...
This suggests that TRP intake may be an effective approach to decrease anxiety and increase positive mood in healthy individuals. On the other hand, the ...
L-Tryptophan – Health Information Library
Several controlled trials found that 3 to 6 grams per day of L-tryptophan were equally as effective as antidepressant medications. Some, though not all, double ...
Beneficial Effect of Increased Tryptophan Intake on Its ...
Results of several studies suggest a beneficial effect of a TRP-rich diet in individuals with depressed mood. An average daily intake of TRP is 3.5–5.0 mg per ...
L-Tryptophan - Uses, Side Effects, and More
L-tryptophan supplements are possibly safe when taken for up to 3 weeks. L-tryptophan can cause some side effects such as drowsiness, stomach pain, vomiting, ...
Tryptophan (oral route) - Side effects & dosage
Bladder cancer—L-tryptophan may increase the risk of bladder cancer; Cataracts—L-tryptophan may cause cataracts; Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes)—L-tryptophan ...
Effects and Side Effects Associated with the Non-Nutritional ...
Though the literature is thin, occasional side effects, seen mainly at higher doses (70–200 mg/kg), include tremor, nausea, and dizziness.
Tryptophan: Benefits, Uses, Side Effects, and More - Health
... safety and dosage. Is Tryptophan Safe? Doses of up to 5 grams of tryptophan daily for 21 days have been reported as safe for healthy adults.
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