Tryptophan supplements may help improve sleep, reduce anxiety, and even enhance mood and cognitive function. We’ll count down five top brands in our search for the best tryptophan supplement.
When it comes to getting what your body needs, few products provide optimal performance. Some supplements may specifically handle sleep, while others help improve mood. However, it is difficult to find a supplement that goes directly to the source of what causes sleep or mood issues.
Tryptophan is an amino acid that may help support healthy body function throughout the day, according to research. From better sleep cycles to improved cognitive abilities, the health industry is beginning to take notice of the benefits of taking tryptophan. We’ll examine the five best tryptophan supplements so you can decide which is the best for you.
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What is tryptophan?
Tryptophan is an amino acid that affects serotonin and melatonin levels in the brain. What makes tryptophan so unique, compared to other brain supplements, is how many areas of the brain it may affect. Studies show that this amino acid could play a role in not only relieving depression but also improving memory, resulting in reduced irritability and anxiety and higher-quality sleep.
Tryptophan is found naturally in whole milk. Other good sources of tryptophan are tuna and turkey; however, meat and dairy are not the only sources of this amino acid. For vegans and vegetarians looking to find natural sources of tryptophan, greens such as broccoli and peas are also good sources. Research shows that pumpkin and sunflower seeds also have a good amount of tryptophan.
While many foods contain tryptophan, getting the daily requirements for a healthy lifestyle can be a struggle for those with busy schedules. This is why finding the best tryptophan supplement makes it easier to achieve improved cognitive function.
Best tryptophan supplement:
#5 Source Naturals
Source Naturals L-Tryptophan supplements come in at number five on the list, as their price point makes this product one of the more accessible supplements. Amazon lists Source Naturals’ product as $15.99 for 120 capsules. That’s $0.13 per capsule. If you are unsure about the effects of tryptophan and are just looking to test before you buy, Source Naturals’ supplements could be the best way to see if tryptophan is right for you.
Best tryptophan supplement:
#4 Jarrow Formulas
Jarrow Formulas tryptophan supplement is all about relaxation and rest. One of the best aspects of using tryptophan is how it can improve our moods and ease our brains into a state of relaxation. Jarrow Formulas leans heavily into this aspect of tryptophan and has created a product that focuses on providing more of that good humor we all seek.
Best tryptophan supplement:
#3 Life Extension
Life Extension has been developing health supplements for 40 years. As such, they are familiar with producing quality products that result in a better lifestyle. Their tryptophan line of supplements utilizes the serotonin-producing qualities that come with this amino acid to give you better sleep and improve your mood.
Life Extension comes backed by decades of research. Their products are all non-GMO certified and gluten-free. However, their tryptophan line is not guaranteed to be vegan-friendly. Life Extension’s tryptophan supplements may not be best for those who do not consume meat or animal-derived products.
Best tryptophan supplement:
#2 Now Supplements
Now Supplements tryptophan supplement is a simple formula with each capsule containing 500 mg of pure tryptophan. While similar to the other products listed, Now Supplements ranks higher for being vegetarian and vegan-friendly. For those with dietary restrictions, this line of supplements is a safe option to help ease any anxieties about the source of their tryptophan.
Another benefit is that each production lot is tested to be free of microbial contamination.
Best tryptophan supplement:
#1 DELTA BrainLuxury
DELTA BrainLuxury is one of the newer tryptophan supplements on the market, taking the number one spot because it contains other ingredients too that compliment tryptophan. While other supplements rely solely on tryptophan to achieve their effects, DELTA BrainLuxury uses additional ingredients to boost the effects of tryptophan and help you wake up refreshed and energized.
DELTA BrainLuxury contains:
- Vitamin D for promoting healthy sleep architecture
- Vitamin E protects cells from oxidative stress
- Glycine to improve sleep onset
- Flaxseed oil for heart health
Each ingredient is selected to work synergistically, helping you get the most out of your tryptophan supplement. The result is said to be deeper sleep without groggy mornings. Furthermore, DELTA BrainLuxury has no addictive substances, is gluten-free, vegan friendly, and contains no added sugars or artificial flavors.
Final thoughts
While evidence continues to build surrounding the use of tryptophan, you should still consult your doctor before taking any tryptophan supplement. Your needs and how you would like to benefit from tryptophan should also be a factor in choosing a product containing this ingredient. For those able to take advantage of tryptophan, better sleep, better mornings, and better productivity could await.
Further reading for additional references:
National Library of Medicine: Analysis, Nutrition, and Health Benefits of Tryptophan
National Library of Medicine: The role of tryptophan in fatigue in different conditions of stress
Sleep Foundation: What is Tryptophan?
National Library of Medicine: Vitamin D Supplementation and Sleep: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Intervention Studies
National Library of Medicine: The effects of glycine on subjective daytime performance in partially sleep-restricted healthy volunteers
National Library of Medicine: The cardiovascular effects of flaxseed and its omega-3 fatty acid, alpha-linolenic acid
Important Note: The information contained in this article is for general informational purposes only, and should not be construed as health or medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose, prevent, treat, or cure any disease or health condition. Before embarking on any diet, fitness regimen, or program of nutritional supplementation, it is advisable to consult your healthcare professional in order to determine its safety and probable efficacy in terms of your individual state of health.
Regarding Nutritional Supplements Or Other Non-Prescription Health Products: If any nutritional supplements or other non-prescription health products are mentioned in the foregoing article, any claims or statements made about them have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and such nutritional supplements or other health products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
