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

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by Best Naturals

Tablet Or Pill Category: Amino Acid/protein
Most serious interaction: Major
The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Major

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg is a dietary supplement by Best Naturals 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 L-Tryptophan 1000 mg by Best Naturals

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 involved in mood and sleep. The tablet also contains several inactive ingredients — dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, silica, vegetable stearate, stearic acid, croscarmellose sodium, and pharmaceutical glaze — which are fillers and binders that hold the tablet together.

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: mood and sleep support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Anxiety, Depression, Seasonal affective disorder (SAD), Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), Premenstrual syndrome (PMS), insomnia — 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 for L-Tryptophan is mixed. For depression, the data we hold rates it possibly ineffective — meaning it's unlikely to help.

For anxiety, athletic performance, teeth grinding (bruxism), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), there isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether it works or not. If you're considering it for any of these reasons, talk it through with your doctor to explore options with stronger evidence behind them.

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 it does carry a notable safety history. Most side effects are mild — belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting.

In 1989, over 1,500 cases of a serious neurological disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) were linked to L-Tryptophan supplements, though about 95% of those cases came from contaminated product made by a single Japanese manufacturer; that batch was recalled in 1990. Modern L-Tryptophan from reputable sources is considered safer, but the incident serves as a reminder to buy from trustworthy companies.

During pregnancy, there isn't enough safety data — the facts note conflicting guidance, so talk with your doctor. While breastfeeding, safety is not established, so it's best avoided; check with your own 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 taking L-Tryptophan, double-check with your doctor or pharmacist if you're on any central nervous system depressants (like sleep aids, pain relievers, anxiety medications, or antihistamines) — the risk of excess drowsiness is Major. Also confirm any serotonergic drugs (such as SSRIs, SNRIs, other antidepressants, or migraine medications) — the Moderate risk of serotonin-related side effects is real.

Don't assume it's safe just because it's natural.

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 appeal to you if you're looking to support serotonin naturally, but the evidence for depression and anxiety is weak, and the interaction risks with sedatives and serotonergic drugs are serious. If you take any CNS depressants or antidepressants, you'll want to clear this with your doctor or pharmacist first.

The historical contamination scare, though tied to a single old batch, is worth keeping in mind — buy from established brands. This is a decision to discuss with your own healthcare provider before you start.

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 Jun 16, 2022.

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 L-Tryptophan 1000 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand Best Naturals
Barcode (UPC) 817716015835
Net contents 60 Tablet(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jun 16, 2022
DSLD ID 270649
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Tablet Or Pill
Dietary claims / uses Nutrient, All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), Gluten Free, Sugar 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 L-Tryptophan 1000 mg by Best Naturals, 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 Tablet(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Tablet(s)
Servings per container
60
UPC/BARCODE
817716015835
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Tryptophan1000 mg--

Other ingredients: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Silica, Vegetable Stearate, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Pharmaceutical Glaze

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.
Formula

L-Tryptophan is an essential amino acid; therefore, it is not synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. L-Tryptophan is critical for the production of serotonin and melatonin, which help to support a positive mood, healthy sleep patterns, and immune system function. Best Naturals L-Tryptophan is extremely pure and is regularly tested to ensure the highest standards of quality. Certain research publications indicate that it may help support the following: Supports circulation & positive mood Supports relaxation & restful sleep Supports healthy immune function

Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, take one (1) tablet one to three times daily on an empty stomach, with final dose at bedtime, or as directed by your qualified healthcare professional. Consider taking these other Best Naturals products: Inositol and Magnesium.

Precautions

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not use if safety seal is broken or missing.

Caution: For adults only, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

Caution: For adults only, if you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use. Discontinue use and consult your doctor if any adverse reactions occur.

Storage

Keep in 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.

Seals/Symbols

Made in USA

GMP Good Manufacturing Practice Product

Formulation

Premium formula

3rd party lab tested

No artificial color, flavor or sweetener, no preservatives, no sugar, no corn, no soy, no egg, no lactose, no gluten, no wheat, no fish, no yeast.

FDA Statement of Identity

Dietary Supplement

General Statements

For additional information call 1-877-659-6004

See for yourself

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg by Best Naturals label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Tryptophan 1000 mg by Best Naturals

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

Serving size1 Tablet(s) Dosage formTablet Or Pill Servings per container60 Amounts shown are per serving.

L-Tryptophan

Interacts with
394 drugs
1000 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: Dicalcium Phosphate, Cellulose, Silica, Vegetable Stearate, Stearic Acid, Croscarmellose Sodium, Pharmaceutical Glaze. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg by Best Naturals Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Tryptophan 1000 mg?

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 L-Tryptophan 1000 mg 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 L-Tryptophan 1000 mg, from the product label.

Best Naturals

See all Best Naturals products
Name
Best Naturals
Street Address
PO Box 394
City
Kenilworth
State
NJ
ZipCode
07033
Phone Number
1-877-659-6004
Web Address
www.shopbestnaturals.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg by Best Naturals: Common Questions

Does L-Tryptophan 1000 mg by Best Naturals interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Tryptophan 1000 mg 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?
L-Tryptophan 1000 mg 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 this if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
During pregnancy, the safety data is conflicting — some ratings suggest possibly unsafe, so talk with your doctor or pharmacist about whether it's right for you. While breastfeeding, safety is not established and it's best avoided; check with your own healthcare provider before taking it.
What side effects should I watch for?
Most common ones are mild: belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting. Serious effects are rare, but in 1989 a contaminated batch was linked to a neurological disorder called EMS; almost all cases came from that one manufacturer and were recalled in 1990.
Will this help my depression or anxiety?
For depression, the evidence rates it possibly ineffective — it's unlikely to help. For anxiety, there isn't enough reliable evidence to know whether it works. If you're struggling with either, talk to your doctor about treatments with stronger proof behind them.
Why are there so many drug interactions?
L-Tryptophan is a building block for serotonin, a brain chemical. It can add to the drowsiness of sedatives and sleep aids, and it can boost serotonin levels in combination with antidepressants and similar drugs — that's why it touches so many medications. Always check your exact list before starting.
Is this product safe after the 1989 contamination scare?
Modern L-Tryptophan from reputable manufacturers is considered safe; nearly all the 1989 cases came from one contaminated batch that was recalled in 1990. Still, buy from established, trusted brands and check the product's origin and testing if it matters to you.

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

Not sure if L-Tryptophan 1000 mg 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.

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Tryptophan 1000 mg'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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