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When taken by mouth: L-tryptophan is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth, short-term. L-tryptophan can cause some side effects such as heartburn, stomach pain, belching and gas, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. It can also cause headache, lightheadedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, visual blurring, muscle weakness, and sexual problems in some people. In 1989, L-tryptophan was linked to over 1500 reports of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) and 37 deaths. EMS is a neurological condition that causes many different symptoms. These symptoms tend to improve over time, but some people may still experience symptoms up to 2 years after they develop EMS. In 1990, L-tryptophan was recalled from the market due to these safety concerns. The exact cause of EMS in patients taking L-tryptophan is unknown, but some evidence suggests it is due to contamination. About 95% of all EMS cases were traced to L-tryptophan produced by a single manufacturer in Japan. Currently, under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, L-tryptophan is available and marketed as a dietary supplement in the United States.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-tryptophan is safe when taken by mouth long-term.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: L-tryptophan is
LIKELY UNSAFE in pregnancy because it may harm the unborn child. There isn't enough reliable information to know if L-tryptophan is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid L-tryptophan during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
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