Posted by Larry Hoover on May 1, 2009, at 17:30:11
In reply to Re: I'm better (recovered from Tryptophan) now what?, posted by Tepidarium on May 1, 2009, at 15:16:46
> Hi Larry,
>
> Thanks for your reply (I was hoping you'd comment on this thread). Can you explain why people with low cholesterol may have "upregulated" tryptophan conversion to0 serotonin (you mentioned this in the previous thread.I don't recall specifically saying that. Are you referring to this: "First, gut tryprophan hydroxylase activity is regulated by an LDL (low-density lipoprotein) receptor. High activity at that receptor suppresses TRP. I'm not sure that messing around at that level would be clear-cut, as we're still very much in the dark with respect to cholesterol regulation." From: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20081204/msgs/866984.html
This effect is specific to low-density lipoprotein, not cholesterol. High LDL -->low TRP1 activity, and thus low peripheral serotonin.
> I thought taking tryptophan over 5-htp would avoid the problem with serotonin conversion in the gut as opposed to the brain.
It reduces the likelihood, but does not eliminate it.
If you want to maximize brain uptake of tryptophan, you should take it on an empty stomach. Maybe half an hour later, consume something with a high glycemic index, but low protein. This will cause a small insulin spike, which will clear the blood of most aminos, but not tryptophan. That leaves little competition for tryptophan to access the LNAAT (or sometimes called LAT), which transports it accross the blood/brain barrier.
> I'm thinking about a dosage of 1 500mg capsule a day. Unless I buy powder, I think this is lowest I can dose.
That's a good starting point. I used to use 6 g/day. I understand that your tolerance is less than mine, however.
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:892501
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20090426/msgs/893769.html