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L-Tryptophan 500 mg

Life Extension
4.7
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(1806 ratings)
Tryptophan 500 mg
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Score84
500 mg of L-tryptophan offers a focused serotonin-precursor approach with good value, though the formula covers only one pathway.
How scoring works
Quantity:90 Capsule(s) • (90 servings)
Goals:
Stress Relief
Sleep Support
Mood Support

Score 84

500 mg of L-tryptophan offers a focused serotonin-precursor approach with good value, though the formula covers only one pathway.
How scoring works
$21.03($0.23 per serving)
Amazon
$ 21.03
Vitacost
$ 24.75
Pure Formulas
$ 24.75
iHerb
$ 24.75
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Analysis

L-tryptophan supplies a precursor used in serotonin and melatonin production. The 500 mg amount is a practical starting serving in a capsule.

The generic source does not disclose purity grade or fermentation details. Effects can vary with timing, diet, and individual metabolism.

No competing amino acids are listed, which supports focused timing away from protein-heavy meals. The formula is focused on one neurotransmitter pathway and does not provide broad sleep, stress, or mood coverage.

Who is it for
  • Adults seeking targeted sleep or mood support
  • Users starting with a moderate tryptophan amount
Best for
  • Evening or mood-support routines
  • Standalone tryptophan supplementation

Pros

  • Provides 500 mg of L-tryptophan
  • Contains no competing amino acids
  • Capsule format
  • Good value

Cons

  • Purity and fermentation details are not disclosed
  • Covers only one neurotransmitter pathway
  • Response may depend on meal timing and individual metabolism

Warnings

  • Do not combine L-tryptophan with SSRIs, SNRIs, MAO inhibitors, tramadol, triptans, or other serotonin-raising medicines without prescriber guidance.
  • Seek urgent care for agitation, confusion, heavy sweating, tremor, or a rapid heartbeat after a serotonergic combination because these can signal excessive serotonin.
  • L-tryptophan may cause drowsiness, so avoid driving or other alertness-dependent tasks until its effects are clear.

Nutrient quality

93 Highest impact

The standalone L-form avoids competing amino acids, but source-grade details are not supplied. The tryptophan amount is substantial for targeted supplementation.

Ingredient transparency

83 Highest impact

Every listed active has an individual amount and no proprietary blend hides key doses. Daily directions and the complete inactive-ingredient list are not supplied.

Customer satisfaction

70 High impact

The supplied average is favorable and the aggregate pool is substantial. No specific feedback is provided to assess recurring complaints or whether experience matches the intended use.

Value for money

86 Highest impact

Serving cost is moderate for the disclosed active amount. The focused design avoids paying for unnecessary active ingredients.

Report analysis

Goals

Stress Relief
Impact
Highest effect
B+ Goal FitA- Strength of SupportC CoverageA Formula Quality
Tryptophan · 500 mg

L-tryptophan provides a direct serotonin precursor that may support mood and calm under stress. The single-ingredient format delivers a clear, meaningful amount without competing amino acids.

The approach is narrow and does not address mineral or adaptogenic stress pathways. L-tryptophan may dangerously add to serotonin-raising medicines such as SSRIs or MAO inhibitors.

Study evidence
Sleep Support
Impact
High effect
B- Goal FitB+ Strength of SupportC- CoverageA Formula Quality

L-tryptophan is a serotonin and melatonin precursor that may support sleep onset and quality. The standalone 500 mg amount is meaningful and avoids competing amino acids in the same serving.

The single-ingredient approach covers only one sleep pathway, and no premium sourcing or purity standard is disclosed. L-tryptophan can add to serotonin-raising medicines such as SSRIs or MAO inhibitors and may increase serotonin-toxicity risk.

Study evidence
Tryptophan Mixed 1 study
Mood Support
Impact
High effect
B Goal FitB Strength of SupportD+ CoverageA Formula Quality

L-tryptophan directly supports serotonin synthesis at a meaningful standalone amount. Its mood evidence is plausible but less consistent than evidence for more established mood actives.

The single-ingredient formula is focused, though source purity and fermentation details are absent. It should not be combined casually with SSRIs, MAO inhibitors, or other serotonin-raising drugs because serotonin excess can be dangerous.

Study evidence
Tryptophan Mixed 1 study

Ingredients

IngredientAmount per serving
L-Tryptophan
500 mg
Adults 18–50
Report overview
Tryptophan · 500 mg OverallScore84
B- Active Ingredient Quality & BioavailabilityA+ Dose, Safety & Label TransparencyB+ Value

A standalone L-tryptophan dose reaches the preferred range without competing amino acids that could limit brain uptake. The exact amount is clear and the serving cost is low, but no branded, fermented, or pharmaceutical-grade source is disclosed. L-tryptophan may add to the effects of serotonin-raising medicines such as SSRIs and could increase serotonin-toxicity risk.

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Sources

Published studies used for the product analysis and the top-ranked studies for each ingredient and goal.

  1. A systematic review of the effect of L-tryptophan supplementation on mood and emotional functioning
    Kikuchi AM, Tanabe A, Iwahori Y · Journal of Dietary Supplements · 2021
    Systematic review11 studies pooledMood Support forTryptophan
  2. The impact of tryptophan supplementation on sleep quality: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
    Clarinda N Sutanto, Wen Wei Loh, Jung Eun Kim · Nutrition Reviews · 2022
    Meta-analysis4 studies pooledSleep Support forTryptophan