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Dietary supplement

100% Pure L-Tryptophan Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NutraBio

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

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 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 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 (a brain chemical that affects mood and sleep) and niacin (a B vitamin). The powder contains absolutely no inactive ingredients or fillers.

Does it work?

Not established
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 established

The graded evidence we hold for these ingredients covers different conditions than the ones this product is marketed for, so there's no established rating for its stated use — see L-tryptophan's own graded uses on its monograph.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: sleep aid and mood support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Depression, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), Sleep quality — and 1 related terms.
  • The closest evidence on file: L-tryptophan is rated "Possibly Ineffective" for Depression (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: L-tryptophan is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Anxiety, Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), Seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

The evidence on L-tryptophan for depression is mixed — research suggests it's possibly ineffective for that purpose. For anxiety, PMDD, bruxism (teeth grinding), and athletic performance, there isn't enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works or not.

If you're considering it for any of these reasons, talk with your pharmacist or doctor about what the science actually shows.

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, but common side effects include belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, flatulence, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting. Rarely, L-tryptophan has been linked to eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious neurological condition with muscle weakness and skin changes — but nearly all those cases in 1989 came from contaminated L-tryptophan made by one Japanese manufacturer, not modern products.

Because of that history and safety concerns, L-tryptophan is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

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 taking this product, check with your pharmacist if you use any CNS depressants (sedatives, sleeping pills, anxiety medications, alcohol) or serotonergic drugs (antidepressants like SSRIs and SNRIs, certain migraine medications). These are the two categories with documented interactions we need to flag.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with no established evidence rating for its marketed use. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-tryptophan may be worth considering if you're looking into natural approaches to mood or sleep, but it interacts with a large number of medications — especially sedatives and antidepressants. If you're on any prescription drugs, check them carefully before you start.

Talk with your pharmacist about whether this is right for you and safe alongside what you're already taking.

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 Feb 26, 2020.

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, straight from the product label.

Brand NutraBio
Barcode (UPC) 649908235505
Net contents 5.3 Oz(s); 150 Gram(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Feb 26, 2020
DSLD ID 213022
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Powder
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, 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 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:
0.5 Gram(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Gram(s)
Servings per container
300
UPC/BARCODE
649908235505
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Tryptophan500 mg--

Other ingredients: Absolutely None

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

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take 1-2 scoops mixed with your favorite beverage 1-2 times daily on an empty stomach, or as directed by your physician. For maximum benefit, take up to 3 grams per day. As a sleep aid, take 1-2 servings 30 minutes before bedtime, during the night if required, or as needed.

Formulation

Vegetarian

Non-GMO Gluten free BSE/TSE free

No fillers No excipients Free of harmful impurities

HPLC lab tested for potency

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. 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.

Discontinue use two weeks prior to surgery.

General Statements

Manufactured in our GMP & FDA inspected facility FDA Registration: 16906175560 Since 1996

This product is sold by weight, not volume. Some settling of contents may have occurred during the shipping and handling.

Serving scoop included (may settle to the bottom during shipping.)

Seals/Symbols

Made in our GMP & FDA inspected facility OU (Kosher)

Made in USA with ingredients sourced worldwide

Formula

OU (Kosher)

Pure grade amino acid

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.

See for yourself

100% Pure L-Tryptophan 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 by NutraBio

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

Serving size0.5 Gram(s) Dosage formPowder Servings per container300 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: Absolutely None. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

100% Pure L-Tryptophan by NutraBio Drug Interactions

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

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 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, 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 by NutraBio: Common Questions

Does 100% Pure L-Tryptophan by NutraBio interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, 100% Pure L-Tryptophan 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 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.
Can I take L-tryptophan while I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
There isn't enough safety data to know if it's okay during pregnancy, so it's best to avoid it then. The safety data for breastfeeding is also not established, so you should avoid it while nursing too. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before considering L-tryptophan if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most people who take it experience mild effects like belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, or headache. Serious side effects are rare, but L-tryptophan has a history — back in 1989, contaminated products were linked to a neurological condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Modern L-tryptophan products are not believed to carry that risk, but it's something to be aware of.
Does L-tryptophan actually help with depression?
Research suggests it's possibly ineffective for depression specifically. If you're dealing with depression, your doctor can discuss options with real evidence behind them.
What is L-tryptophan and what does it do in your body?
L-tryptophan is an amino acid — a building block your body needs. You use it to make serotonin, a brain chemical that affects mood and sleep, and also niacin, a B vitamin your body needs for energy and cell health.
Is this product just L-tryptophan with nothing else?
Yes. This powder is 100% L-tryptophan with no fillers, binders, or other inactive ingredients.
Can I take L-tryptophan with my antidepressant?
Not without checking with your pharmacist first. L-tryptophan can interact with serotonergic drugs like SSRIs and SNRIs — combining them might raise serotonin too high and cause side effects including serotonin syndrome. Your pharmacist needs to review your specific medication before you start.

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

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

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

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 label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

100% Pure L-Tryptophan'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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