Major interaction on record — check this product against your medications before combining. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NutraBio

Capsule Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams is a dietary supplement by NutraBio with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for sleep problems, low mood and depression, anxiety.Based on those ingredients, 394 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated major. The ingredients most likely to interact are L-Tryptophan. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams by NutraBio

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product contains one active ingredient: L-tryptophan, an amino acid your body uses to make serotonin and melatonin — neurotransmitters involved in mood, sleep, and relaxation. The capsule itself is made from vegetable material.

Does it work?

Couldn't assess
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Not assessable

This is a single-ingredient L-tryptophan product and its label doesn't state a use — see L-tryptophan's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • We looked at the product name, claims, and label statements and couldn't find a stated purpose to grade.

The evidence for L-tryptophan as a depression treatment is marked as possibly ineffective in the data we hold. For anxiety, athletic performance, teeth grinding (bruxism), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, there isn't enough reliable evidence to rate whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient L-tryptophan

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

L-tryptophan is generally well tolerated when taken by mouth. The most common side effects are mild — belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting.

There's also a historical safety concern: in 1989, more than 1,500 cases of a rare neurological disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) were tied to contaminated L-tryptophan from a single Japanese manufacturer. About 95 percent of those cases traced back to that one source, and the FDA limited over-the-counter L-tryptophan imports afterward.

Modern products should be safe from that specific contamination, but the history is worth knowing. During pregnancy, safety data is mixed — one rating says possibly unsafe, another says likely safe.

You should talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you personally. While breastfeeding, there isn't enough safety information, so it's best to avoid it or discuss it with your healthcare provider first.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient L-tryptophan

Meds to double-check

Major interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Major identified

At least one ingredient has a documented Major-severity interaction. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — L-tryptophan.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Major.
  • For scale: 394 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before you take this product, double-check it against any CNS depressants you're on — sedatives, sleeping pills, pain relievers that cause drowsiness, and similar drugs. You'll also need to verify it against any serotonergic medications, especially antidepressants and certain migraine or pain drugs.

These are the two medication types with documented interactions.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no assessable stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-tryptophan might appeal to you if you're looking to support mood or sleep naturally, but the evidence for depression is weak. If you take any sedatives, sleeping pills, antidepressants, or other serotonin-active drugs, you need to check with your pharmacist first — the interactions are real and sometimes serious.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding require a conversation with your doctor.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Oct 22, 2015.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams, straight from the product label.

Brand NutraBio
Barcode (UPC) 649908235574
Net contents 500 Cap(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 22, 2015
DSLD ID 51199
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, No Allergies, Gluten Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams by NutraBio, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
1 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Vegetable Capsule(s)
Servings per container
500
UPC/BARCODE
649908235574
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Tryptophan500 mg--

Other ingredients: Vegetable Capsule

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

1-2 capsule(s) - 1-2x daily - Best if taken empty stomach Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, 1-2 capsules on an empty stomach, 1-2 times daily, or as directed by your physician. For maximum benefit, take up to 3 grams per day. As a sleep aid, take 1-3 capsules 30 minutes before bedtime, during the night if required, or as needed.

Formulation

- Allergen free - Non-GMO - Gluten free - BSE/TSE free

Vegeterian

- No fillers - No excipients - No additives Free of harmful impurities.

Zero fillers or excipients inferior ingredients banned substances - added sugars proprietary blends hidden ingredients

Kosher, Vegetarian, Hypoallergenic, Non-GMO, Gluten free and BSE/TSE free. No added sugars, salt, preservatives, salicylates, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance.

Kosher, Vegetarian, Hypoallergenic, Non-GMO, Gluten free and BSE/TSE free.

Formula

- Allergen free

Kosher, Vegetarian, Hypoallergenic, Non-GMO, Gluten free and BSE/TSE free.

Kosher, Vegetarian, Hypoallergenic, Non-GMO, Gluten free and BSE/TSE free.

Precautions

Warning: Not Intended for use by persons under the age of 18. Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are pregnant, breast feeding, have known medical conditions (including kidney or liver disease) or are taking prescription or OTC medication(s) consult with your health care practitioner before using this product. Caution!: If you are currently taking, or within the last 90 days have taken, any anti-stress, anti-anxiety, or anti-depression medications do not take L-Tryptophan without first talking to your prescribing physician.

General Statements

Manufactured in a GMP & FDA inspected facility

Made in a GMP & FDA inspected facility

Free form amino acid

Pharmaceutical grade. HPLC lab tested for potency.

500 servings 500 milligrams

Since 1996

Made in USA

Vegetable Capsule

Quality and purity since 1996. NutraBio manufactures in our own FDA registered & inspected GMP facility complying with FDA 21 CFR Part 111 regulations.

Brand IP Statement(s)

Amino Therapy

Seals/Symbols

TRUE LABEL FULL LABEL DISCLOSURE

OU

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

Storage

Store in a cool dry place.

FDA Disclaimer Statement

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

General

23557-005 B20035-003

See for yourself

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams by NutraBio label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

What’s inside

The Ingredients in 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams by NutraBio

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size1 Vegetable Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container500 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Tryptophan

Interacts with
394 drugs
500 mg per serving

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid the body uses to make serotonin and melatonin, and people take it to support sleep and mood. The evidence for...

L-Tryptophan monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Vegetable Capsule. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams by NutraBio Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

Go to the checker
394Drugs
248 Major 146 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

L-Tryptophan2 drug types · 394 drugs

Cns Depressants

Theoretically, concomitant use of L-tryptophan with CNS depressants might cause additive sedative effects.
Clinical research shows that L-tryptophan can cause fatigue and drowsiness.

Likelihood Probable Evidence B
Serotonergic Drugs

Theoretically, combining L-tryptophan with serotonergic drugs might cause additive serotonergic effects.
L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin. Theoretically, combining serotonergic drugs with L-tryptophan might increase the risk of serotonergic side effects, including serotonin syndrome and cerebral vasoconstrictive disorders.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams, from the product label.

NutraBio

See all NutraBio products
Name
NutraBio Labs, Inc.
Street Address
564 Lincoln Blvd.
City
Middlesex
State
NJ
ZipCode
08846
Phone Number
732-748-8606
Web Address
www.nutrabio.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams by NutraBio: Common Questions

Does 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams by NutraBio interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams has a known interaction with 394 medications, including 248 rated major. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
What exactly does L-tryptophan do in my body?
L-tryptophan is an amino acid your body uses to build serotonin and melatonin — chemicals that affect mood, sleep, and relaxation. You get some from foods too, like turkey and chicken, but this supplement gives you a concentrated dose.
Is this supplement tested and approved by the FDA?
Supplements don't need FDA approval the way medications do. L-tryptophan does have a history you should know about: in 1989, contaminated products from one manufacturer caused a rare neurological disorder in over 1,500 people, and the FDA limited imports afterward. Modern L-tryptophan products should be clean, but it's worth being aware of that history.
What are the most common side effects?
The mild ones show up most often: belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting. Serious side effects are rare.
Can I take this while I'm pregnant?
The safety data we have is conflicting — one source says possibly unsafe, another says likely safe. You need to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about your individual situation before taking it.
Is it safe to take while breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety information available. It's best to avoid it or talk with your doctor or pharmacist first to weigh the risks and benefits for you.
Does this really work for depression or sleep?
For depression, the evidence is marked as possibly ineffective. For sleep and anxiety, we don't have enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works or not. Your doctor can help you decide if it's worth trying.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Not sure if 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams is safe with your meds?

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Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Sources

Sources & How We Checked

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 500 Milligrams's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 18 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

L-tryptophan 18 references
  1. Messiha FS. Fluoxetine: adverse effects and drug-drug interactions. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol 1993;31:603-30. PubMed
  2. Devoe LD, Castillo RA, Searle NS. Maternal dietary substrates and human fetal biophysical activity. The effects of tryptophan and glucose on fetal breathing movements. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1986;155:135-9. DOI
  3. Lieberman HR, Corkin S, Spring BJ. The effects of dietary neurotransmitter precursors on human behavior. Am J Clin Nutr 1985;42:366-70. PubMed
  4. U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, and Dietary Supplements. Information Paper on L-Tryptophan and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, February 2001.
  5. Sullivan EA, Kamb ML, Jones JL, et al. The natural history of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in a tryptophan-exposed cohort in South Carolina. Arch Intern Med 1996;156:973-9. DOI
  6. Philen RM, Hill RH, Flanders WD, et al. Tryptophan contaminants associated with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Am J Epidemiol 1993;138:154-9. PubMed
  7. Bohme A, Wolter M, Hoelzer D. L-tryptophan-related eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome possibly associated with a chronic B-lymphocytic leukemia. Ann Hematol 1998;77:235-8. PubMed
  8. Singhal AB, Caviness VS, Begleiter AF, et al. Cerebral vasoconstriction and stroke after use of serotonergic drugs. Neurology 2002;58:130-3. PubMed
  9. Priori R, Conti F, Luan FL, et al. Chronic fatigue: a peculiar evolution of eosinophilia myalgia syndrome following treatment with L-tryptophan in four Italian adolescents. Eur J Pediatr 1994;153:344-6..
  10. Klein R, Berg PA. A comparative study on antibodies to nucleoli and 5-hydroxytryptamine in patients with fibromyalgia syndrome and tryptophan-induced eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Clin Investig 1994;72:541-9.. PubMed
  11. Simat TJ, Kleeberg KK, Muller B, Sierts A. Synthesis, formation, and occurrence of contaminants in biotechnologically manufactured L-tryptophan. Adv Exp Med Biol 1999;467:469-80.. PubMed
  12. Shaw K, Turner J, Del Mar C. Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2002;(1):CD003198. PubMed
  13. Kilbourne EM, Philen RM, Kamb ML, Falk H. Tryptophan produced by Showa Denko and epidemic eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol Suppl 1996;46:81-8.
  14. Horwitz RI, Daniels SR. Bias or biology: evaluating the epidemiologic studies of L-tryptophan and the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. J Rheumatol Suppl 1996;46:60-72.
  15. Shapiro S. Epidemiologic studies of the association of L-tryptophan with the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: a critique. J Rheumatol Suppl 1996;46:44-58.
  16. Mayeno AN, Gleich GJ. The eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome: lessons from Germany. Mayo Clin Proc 1994;69:702-4. PubMed
  17. Carr L, Ruther E, Berg PA, Lehnert H. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome in Germany: an epidemiologic review. Mayo Clin Proc 1994;69:620-5. PubMed
  18. Ullrich SS, Fitzgerald PCE, Giesbertz P, Steinert RE, Horowitz M, Feinle-Bisset C. Effects of intragastric administration of tryptophan on the blood glucose response to a nutrient drink and energy intake, in lean and obese men. Nutrients 2018;10(4). pii: PubMed

See these in context on the L-tryptophan monograph →

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

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