Quit Smoking Lollipops? The L-Tryptophan in Smoking Sucks® is Key.

April 27, 2011 - PRLog -- L-Tryptophan may seem like just a boring old amino acid, but now Dr. Tanya Gurvich believes there is evidence that this naturally occurring substance just may help smokers break the habit. Smoking Sucks® by Three Lollies, has just released great tasting lollipops containing L-Tryptophan, proven to relax and ease cravings while trying to quit smoking.

L-tryptophan, is one of the 23 essential amino acids in humans, which is used for protein synthesis. It is a precursor to niacin (a vitamin used in lowering cholesterol), melatonin ( substance we produce which helps regulate the sleep and wake cycle)  and serotonin ( a chemical which has been shown to improve depression). Tryptophan supplementation has been used as a sleep aid.  One of the reasons we always feel relaxed  after drinking a glass of milk or eating a turkey sandwich, is because both milk and turkey are high in L-tryptophan.  Along the same line of thought, it is believed that L-tryptophan can play a role in assisting smoking cessation due to its relaxing properties. This hypothesis is based on the concept of connecting serotonin transmission to cigarette craving and smoking behavior. Animal models had shown that acute and chronic nicotine administration enhances serotonin release in the brain. This leads to speculation that nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms might be linked to serotonin regulation.

Several recent research articles point to the fact that L-tryptophan aids in smoking cessation by reducing the urge to smoke.  It also appears to improve withdrawal symptoms and negative mood states associated with attempts to stop smoking.

L-Tryptophan is a natural dietary supplement. It is an amino acid, and in it’s pure form its consumption is safe. There have been no side effects or toxicities reported when pure L-tryptophan is used.


References

1) Hitsman B, Spring B, Pingitore R, Munafo M, Hedeker D. Effect of tryptophan depletion on the attentional salience of smoking cues. Psychopharmacology. 2007; 192 (3):317-24.

2) Perugini M, Mahoney C, Ilivitsky V, Young SN, Knott V. Effects of Tryptophan depletion on acute smoking abstinence symptoms and the acute smoking response. Pharmacology, Biochemistry & Behavior. 2003; 74(3):513-22.

3) L-tryptophan: Side Effects & Safety. WebMD. Retrieved on 2/21/2011. In: WebMD [Internet].webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-326-l-tryptophan.aspx?activeingredientId=326&activeIngredientName=l-tryptophan

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