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Dietary supplement

L-Tryptophan 500 mg Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by VitalBulk

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

L-Tryptophan 500 mg is a dietary supplement by VitalBulk 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 500 mg by VitalBulk

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.

VitalBulk's L-Tryptophan 500 mg is a single-ingredient supplement containing 500 mg of L-tryptophan, an amino acid your body uses to make serotonin—a chemical in your brain linked to mood and sleep. The capsule also holds cellulose and magnesium stearate, which are inactive ingredients (fillers and binders) used to make the capsule itself.

Does it work?

Insufficient evidence
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
Insufficient

There isn't enough reliable clinical evidence to rate this product's ingredients for its stated purpose.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: Sleep support.
  • We looked for evidence on: Insomnia, Sleep quality, Sleep onset.
  • The closest evidence on file: L-tryptophan is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Sleep apnea (Natural Medicines).

The data we hold show L-tryptophan is rated possibly ineffective for depression. For anxiety, athletic performance, bruxism (teeth grinding), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, the evidence is too sparse or unreliable to say whether it works.

If you're considering L-tryptophan for any of these uses, talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist—they can help you understand what the current science supports and whether it makes sense for you.

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 orally. The most common side effects are belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, flatulence, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting.

The supplement has a past safety concern: in 1989, a contaminated batch from a single Japanese manufacturer was linked to over 1,500 cases of a rare neurological disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS). About 95% of those cases came from that contaminated source.

L-tryptophan was recalled and strict import limits were placed on it; modern products are far more carefully monitored, but the history warrants caution. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data are mixed.

Pregnancy safety ratings in our data show both "possibly unsafe" and "likely safe," which means there isn't clear agreement on whether to use it during pregnancy—talk with your doctor before taking it if you're pregnant or trying to become pregnant. For breastfeeding, safety is not established, so it's best avoided unless your doctor advises otherwise.

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.

Check before combining L-Tryptophan with CNS depressants (prescription sleep aids, sedatives, alcohol, opioids) due to a risk of major additive drowsiness and sedation. Also double-check any serotonergic drugs you take—antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclics), migraine medications, and certain pain or nausea drugs—because combining them with L-tryptophan carries a moderate risk of serotonin-related side effects.

Your doctor or pharmacist can confirm whether your medications are safe to take together with this supplement.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with insufficient evidence for its stated purpose. Major medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

L-Tryptophan may appeal to someone exploring natural mood or sleep support, but the evidence for depression and anxiety is weak, and its interaction profile is real—especially with antidepressants and sleep aids. The safety data on pregnancy lean cautious, and breastfeeding warrants a conversation with your doctor.

Check your exact medications on this page and talk it over with your doctor or pharmacist 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 Oct 22, 2021.

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 500 mg, straight from the product label.

Brand VitalBulk
Net contents 0 Not Present
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Oct 22, 2021
DSLD ID 258742
Product type Amino Acid/protein
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other
Intended target group(s) Adult (18 - 50 Years), 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 L-Tryptophan 500 mg by VitalBulk, 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 Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
1 Capsule(s)
IngredientAmount% DV
L-Tryptophan500 mg--

Other ingredients: Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate

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: Take one (1) capsule 30-60 minutes before bedtime. Do not exceed recommended daily dose unless directed by your health care practitioner.

Precautions

Do not exceed recommended daily dose unless directed by your health care practitioner.

Keep out of the reach of children in a cool, dry place.

This product may be produced in a facility that also makes products containing milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, and soy.

Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet.

In case of adverse event: 855-885-2855

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children in a cool, dry place.

Formulation

Tested gluten free Certified nonGE tested

Seals/Symbols

Tested gluten free Certified nonGE tested

See for yourself

L-Tryptophan 500 mg by VitalBulk label

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

What’s inside

The Ingredients in L-Tryptophan 500 mg by VitalBulk

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

Serving size1 Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule 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: Cellulose, Magnesium Stearate. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

L-Tryptophan 500 mg by VitalBulk Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against L-Tryptophan 500 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 500 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 500 mg, from the product label.

VitalBulk

See all VitalBulk products
Name
VitalBulk
Street Address
294 Anna St.
City
Watsonville
State
CA
ZipCode
95076
Phone Number
855-885-2855
Web Address
www.vitalbulk.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

L-Tryptophan 500 mg by VitalBulk: Common Questions

Does L-Tryptophan 500 mg by VitalBulk interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, L-Tryptophan 500 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 500 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.
Does L-Tryptophan help with sleep?
The evidence we hold doesn't establish whether L-tryptophan is effective for sleep. What we do know is that clinical research shows it can cause drowsiness and fatigue as side effects, so some people may notice sedation, but that's not the same as proven effectiveness for sleep disorders.
Will L-Tryptophan help my depression?
The data rates L-tryptophan as possibly ineffective for depression. If you're dealing with depression, talk with your doctor about treatments with stronger evidence behind them.
What are the common side effects?
The most common ones are belching, diarrhea, drowsiness, dry mouth, gas, headache, heartburn, lightheadedness, nausea, stomach pain, blurred vision, and vomiting. Most people tolerate it well, but these milder effects do happen.
Is L-Tryptophan safe to take during pregnancy?
The data we have on file show conflicting ratings—both "possibly unsafe" and "likely safe." That uncertainty means you should talk with your doctor before taking it if you're pregnant or trying to become pregnant, so you can decide together based on your individual situation.
Can I breastfeed while taking L-Tryptophan?
Safety is not established for breastfeeding, so it's best avoided unless your doctor advises you otherwise. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you're nursing.
What is L-Tryptophan and why is it in this product?
L-Tryptophan is an amino acid your body uses to make serotonin, a brain chemical tied to mood and sleep. The supplement is marketed to support those functions, though as noted, the evidence for specific conditions is limited or weak.

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

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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 500 mg label
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

L-Tryptophan 500 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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