What Is Tryptophan?

Tryptophan And Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome

In rare cases, ingesting tryptophan supplements can lead to a disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome affects multiple systems in the body, has no known cure, and can sometimes be fatal. There are many potential symptoms that vary widely from person to person. It's common to experience pain in the muscles, cramping, weakness, difficulty with breathing, fatigue, and rashes on the skin. Individuals with this condition have increased white blood cell levels in different places around their bodies. At first, when the disease was discovered, all L-tryptophan supplements were pulled off the market. However, after the Food And Drug Administration's control over dietary supplement regulations was diminished, L-tryptophan began to be sold on the market again. It's important for individuals to keep an eye out for symptoms of this syndrome if they take tryptophan supplements, because the complications can be permanent and disabling.