$Unique_ID{BRK00986}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases}
$Title{What's the story on L-tryptophan?}
$Subject{L-tryptophan eosinophilic-myalgia}
$Volume{N}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What's the story on L-tryptophan?


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QUESTION:  What's the story on L-tryptophan?  I have been taking it for years,
and now it has been removed from the shelves.  I believe it is a natural
product, so there should be no cause for this action.

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ANSWER:  Yours is but one of many letters with similar questions.
L-tryptophan is one of the many essential amino acids that are used by the
body to construct proteins.  Many people have used this product to overcome
insomnia, depression, premenstrual tension, and attention deficit disorders in
children.  However when several doctors reported a new and mysterious disorder
involving the blood in three cases, the common factor in the history was
L-tryptophan, and so, after additional research, the Food and Drug
Administration required it be removed from sale and warned people against its
use.  The new disease, now called eosinophilic-myalgia syndrome, causes high
fever, weakness, muscle and joint pain, swelling of the arms and legs, as well
as a rash and shortness of breath.  Blood counts reveal the presence of
extremely high numbers of eosinophils, a type of white cell found in the
blood.  At present, 475 cases have been identified in 44 states and the
District of Columbia.  Although the cause is still unclear, scientists are
exploring the possibility that contaminants or impurities might have been
present in the bottles, or that manufacturing processes may have changed the
chemical in some way.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
