Because in health food stores and
pharmacies across Texas and the country,
the amino acid tryptophan has
immense popularity.
It is very popular for
sleep disorders,
also depression.
It also has been known to boost the
immune system.
The over-the-counter supplement, which
comes in liquid capsule and powder
and is marketed by numerous companies,
is also taken for premenstrual
syndrome.
But now the Food and Drug Administration
has issued a warning asking consumers to
temporarily discontinue the use
of our tryptophan.
This amino acid has been linked to some
30 cases of a blood disorder.
At least three cases of the disorder
eosinophilic involve Texans.
If anyone is having unexplained symptoms
of muscular pain or weakness
or skin rashes or fever and
has taken tryptophan and they should see
their personal physician and get a blood
count.
The Food and Drug Administration says in
most cases discontinued use
of the supplement restores health.
The FDA says so far no one has
been hospitalized because of using our
tryptophan.
The FDA is investigating the possibility
that a shipment of our tryptophan from
Japan has caused the problems.
Shelley Kofler, Texas News 5.