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L-Tryptophan Safety: What the 1989 Recall Taught and What a Drop Holds
L-tryptophan safety has two parts: a 1989 outbreak and today's drug interactions. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome affected over 1,500 people and 37 deaths were attributed to it. Payarmin lists L-tryptophan 21st in a 200 mg blend, so one mL holds at most 9.5 mg.
Written by the Payarmin daily deskUpdated · 4 min read
Why did FDA recall L-tryptophan in 1989?
Because of an outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) linked to manufactured L-tryptophan supplements. FDA issued a nationwide warning and recall in November 1989 (NORD, Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome).
More than 1,500 people were affected and 37 deaths were attributed to it. Nearly all cases traced back to one manufacturer's products.
| Condition | Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome |
|---|---|
| People affected | More than 1,500 |
| Deaths attributed | 37 |
| Source | Nearly all from one manufacturer |
How much L-tryptophan is in Payarmin?
The label prints no figure. L-tryptophan is 21st of 22 lines, so one mL holds at most 200 divided by 21, or 9.5 mg.
That is a small ceiling, and an even split is 9.09 mg, so the spread between best and worst case is narrow.
The 1989 trouble is tied to one maker's products, not to the amino acid by itself. Payarmin's manufacturer is not named, so we cannot say who made this ingredient.
Related amino acids sit together on the amino acid page.
Which medicines clash with L-tryptophan?
MAO inhibitors, tramadol, dextromethorphan, meperidine and sedatives should not be combined with it without medical advice (Drugs.com, L-tryptophan).
The same source warns against pairing it with other serotonin-raising supplements such as 5-HTP and St. John's wort, and calls it likely unsafe in pregnancy.
Do not stop an antidepressant or any prescription on your own. Show your pharmacist the full label first.
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See packsIs L-tryptophan in a supplement safe today?
Safety depends on your medicines and on who made the ingredient. A small amount of a well-made one is a lower worry than a large amount of an unknown one.
Payarmin's label names a distributor, not a manufacturer, and publishes no lab report. That gap is worth weighing.
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FAQ01
More about L-tryptophan in Payarmin
Is L-tryptophan the same as the tryptophan in turkey?
It is the same amino acid, but food gives it in small amounts alongside other protein. A supplement line is a separate concentrated source. The Payarmin label prints no amount for it.
Can L-tryptophan be taken with antidepressants?
Not without medical advice. Combining it with MAO inhibitors or other serotonin-raising drugs and supplements is flagged as a risk (Drugs.com, L-tryptophan). Ask your prescriber and pharmacist before using drops that list it.
Is L-tryptophan safe in pregnancy?
It is considered likely unsafe in pregnancy by the drug reference we cite. Payarmin's label also advises pregnant or nursing mothers to consult a physician before using this or any dietary supplement.
Who wrote this02
Written and reviewed by
Pages built from the label, the sales page and linked NIH, FDA, CDC, FTC and peer-reviewed sources.
Last updated . See our editorial standards and how we check reviews. This website is a stocked U.S. counter for Payarmin, not the manufacturer or the label's distributor. We are paid when you buy through our order links.
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