Psycho-Babble Alternative Thread 810987

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L-Tryptophan absorbtion and an empty stomach ...

Posted by cache-monkey on February 6, 2008, at 0:53:56

Hi all,

I've read in a number of places that for l-tryptophan to accomplish any effect on mood it has to be taken on an empty stomach. The rationale is that otherwise it doesn't get absorbed into the brain due to competition with other amino acids.

Is this just relevant for mood? I.e. is it a blood-brain barrier issue? Or is this a general issue for getting tryptophan into the bloodtream? I.e. does it compete with other amino acids for general absorption?

Best,
cache-monkey

PS - the reason I'm asking is that I seem to have a somewhat hyperactive/overreactive immune system. Apparently a tryptophan metabolite has beneficial immunomodulatory effects for some autoimmune conditions. So, I'm really just interested in getting tryptophan into my blood stream for metabolism. I'm less concerned about it getting into my brain as I find it slightly anxiogenic.

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