NOW Foods L-Tryptophan Double Strength 1000mg 60 Tablets

What it is

NOW Foods L-Tryptophan Double Strength is a dietary supplement supplying 1,000 mg of free-form L-tryptophan in a single tablet, sold here in a 60-tablet bottle. The label describes tryptophan as an essential amino acid — one the body does not make and has to obtain from the diet. The bottle front is marked Vegetarian/Vegan and Non-GMO, and the panel records that the product is manufactured by NOW Foods in Bloomingdale, Illinois. It sits in our Amino Acids range alongside the rest of our single-ingredient supplements.

The bottle explains its own "Double Strength" name in plain terms: the panel states that this version carries twice the L-tryptophan per unit as NOW's regular-strength product, at 1,000 mg per tablet against 500 mg per capsule. That is the whole of the difference the label draws, and it is why this bottle holds tablets rather than capsules.

What's inside

The Supplement Facts panel on this bottle is a single-ingredient panel. One tablet supplies L-Tryptophan (Free-Form) 1 g (1,000 mg), and the panel marks that figure with a double dagger carrying the note "Daily Value not established" — no official Daily Value has been set for tryptophan, so the panel prints no percentage.

"Free-form" is the label's own wording and describes the amino acid presented on its own rather than bound into a protein chain. Tryptophan also occurs naturally in everyday protein foods. For general background on how single-ingredient products like this one are labeled and regulated, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements guide to dietary supplements is a neutral starting point; it is general information and does not refer to this product.

The rest of the panel is the tablet itself. The label lists the other ingredients as croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, stearic acid (vegetable source), magnesium stearate (vegetable source), a Vegetarian Coating made up of hypromellose (cellulose), calcium carbonate and glycerin, and silicon dioxide. Three of those — croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose and the hypromellose in the coating — are modified forms of cellulose, the structural carbohydrate that makes up plant cell walls. Stearic acid and magnesium stearate are a fatty acid and its magnesium salt; the label specifies a vegetable source for both. Silicon dioxide is the mineral better known as silica, and calcium carbonate is the mineral found in limestone and chalk. The panel names these as ingredients and assigns no role to any of them, so neither do we. None is present in a quantity the panel reports, and none is a nutrient source this product is sold for.

If you want to compare this panel against other labels in the same category, the NIH's Dietary Supplement Label Database holds label records for tens of thousands of marketed supplements.

Supplement Facts

Every line above is transcribed from the panel printed on this bottle. The servings figure is the one derived number on the table and is marked as such.

How to use it

The label's Suggested Usage reads: take 1 tablet 1 to 3 times daily on an empty stomach, with the final dose at bedtime, or as directed by your physician. That is the full instruction as printed — the bottle sets no interval between doses beyond the daily count, and it gives no instruction about taking the tablet with or away from any particular food.

For storage the label says to store in a cool, dry place after opening. One further detail the bottle itself records: the container is made from 100% PCR, or post-consumer recycled, resin.

Who it's for

This is a single-ingredient amino acid supplement for adults 18 and over who already know they are looking for L-tryptophan specifically, rather than a blended formula. The 1,000 mg tablet is the higher of the two strengths NOW prints on this line, so it suits someone who wants that amount from one tablet instead of from several smaller units. At a 1-tablet serving, the 60-count bottle is a mid-size pack rather than a trial size.

It is not suitable for anyone under 18 — the bottle says "For adults only" — and the caution below names specific circumstances in which you should speak to a physician before starting. Our wider health and wellness range carries the other formats in this category.

Good to know

The bottle's Caution reads: for adults only; consult a physician if pregnant or nursing, taking medication (especially antidepressants such as SSRIs and MAOIs), or if you have a medical condition; may cause drowsiness; do not use with alcoholic beverages or while operating heavy machinery; keep out of reach of children. Because drowsiness is named on the label, take the timing instruction seriously and do not drive after a dose until you know how it affects you.

On allergens the panel states: not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or sesame ingredients, and produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens. The second half of that sentence matters as much as the first if you are highly sensitive. The bottle also carries a "GMP Quality Assured" seal and the line "Family owned since 1968."

General consumer guidance on choosing and using supplements is available from the FDA's questions and answers on dietary supplements; it is general background and does not refer to this product.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much L-tryptophan is in each tablet?

Each tablet supplies 1,000 mg — printed on the panel as 1 g (1,000 mg) — of free-form L-tryptophan, and the bottle holds 60 tablets. The serving size is one tablet, so one tablet is one full serving.

When does the label say to take it?

The label directs you to take 1 tablet 1 to 3 times daily on an empty stomach, with the final dose at bedtime, or as directed by your physician. It gives no other timing instruction and sets no minimum gap between doses.

Is this product suitable for a vegetarian or vegan diet?

The bottle front is marked Vegetarian/Vegan by the manufacturer. Separately, the panel lists the tablet's coating as a Vegetarian Coating and specifies a vegetable source for both the stearic acid and the magnesium stearate.

Does it contain common allergens?

The panel states the product is not manufactured with wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or sesame ingredients. It adds that the product is produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing those allergens, so it is not made in an allergen-free plant.

How will my order arrive?

Your order ships in plain, unbranded outer packaging. It will not show the Gear Isle name. Inside is the manufacturer's own labeled bottle.

Product information compiled and reviewed by the Gear Isle product team. We transcribe supplement facts directly from manufacturer packaging. Found an error? Tell us.

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. Dietary supplement for adults 18 and over. Consult a licensed healthcare professional before use, especially if you have a medical condition, heart concerns, or take prescription medication (including nitrates). Keep out of reach of children.