Does tryptophan cause weight gain? (7 factors)
By
Ivan Kahwa
Author bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether tryptophan causes weight gain. Furthermore, we will talk about the role of tryptophan in the body, related research findings, contributing factors, tryptophan-rich foods, and weight management strategies while using tryptophan.
Does tryptophan cause weight gain?
Tryptophan does not cause weight gain. Tryptophan supplements may cause weight loss in some individuals when taken in recommended doses because they control the appetite by increasing serotonin synthesis in the synaptic regions of the brain.
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid which is an important constituent of the human diet. However, tryptophan is not synthesized in our bodies and has to be taken in the form of food or supplements. Tryptophan supplements may also be considered an effective therapy for depression and sleep disorders in some individuals (1).
What is the role of tryptophan in the body?
Tryptophan has a significant role in the body by being involved in the synthesis of serotonin, melatonin, and other important compounds needed for normal body functions. Tryptophan affects various metabolic processes and immune functions.
Tryptophan levels may also be used in the clinical setting for the diagnosis of various disorders. Tryptophan is used for depression and sleep disorders due to its involvement in the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin (1).
Serotonin regulates various body functions including sleep, appetite control, mood, emotions, and the body’s stress response. Melatonin is involved in the regulation of the sleep-wake cycle (2).
What does research suggest about tryptophan’s effects on weight?
According to research studies, when tryptophan is taken regularly in the form of a diet or supplement, may help in preventing overeating and promote weight loss. Tryptophan-rich diet gives a feeling of fullness and satisfaction by increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
However, when the levels of tryptophan exceed the recommended limits, tryptophan may cause some unwanted adverse effects. Therefore, it is important to be cautious while using tryptophan-rich diets or supplements (3).
Another research study indicated that when tryptophan is given to such individuals who are obese or have a tendency to weight gain, may lose weight while using tryptophan. This weight loss may be temporary and might be reversed when the medicine is stopped.
Other issues such as fatty liver, high blood sugar, or insulin resistance may also be resolved while using tryptophan supplements. Tryptophan may also affect certain other substances in the blood such as lowering cholesterol, or specific amino acids, but does not pose any harmful effects on kidneys or liver (4).
Which tryptophan-rich foods affect weight?
The dietary sources of tryptophan may include tuna fish, turkey, chicken, bread, cheese, nuts, eggs, or chocolate etc. Incorporating these tryptophan-rich diets is necessary for a healthy lifestyle and weight management but these foods should also be taken in portion sizes to achieve the desired effect (5).
Tryptophan-rich diet or supplements should not be taken in excess as they may cause some adverse effects. The usual adult dose of tryptophan supplements is 60mg and it is safe when taken for 3 months. However, your doctor may determine the suitable dose for you according to your specific needs (6).
What other factors may contribute to weight gain?
The other factors that may contribute to weight gain may include:
- Lack of physical activity in daily routine.
- Poor sleeping pattern or lack of sleep.
- Overeating or unhealthy eating habits.
- Side effects of certain medications such as Effexor, Pristiq, or others.
- Genetic factors or the tendency of weight gain.
- Health problems such as hormonal imbalances.
- Psychological issues or stress may make you overeat and gain weight (7).
What are the weight management strategies while taking tryptophan?
The weight management strategies while taking tryptophan may include:
- Avoid junk food and always eat healthy homemade food.
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day to flush out toxins from your body.
- Stay active and do some kind of physical activity such as yoga, aerobics, swimming, walking etc.
- Set realistic goals and achieve your targets step by step to lose weight effectively (8).
In my opinion, tryptophan does not cause weight gain. Tyrptophan raises serotonin levels and control the appetite, as a result of this mechanism, tryptophan when taken in sufficient quantities, may reduce food intake due to feeling of fullness and satisfaction caused by sertonin.
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References
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Kałużna-Czaplińska J, Gątarek P, Chirumbolo S, Chartrand MS, Bjørklund G. How important is tryptophan in human health? Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2019;59(1):72-88. doi: 10.1080/10408398.2017.1357534. Epub 2017 Sep 1. PMID: 28799778. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28799778/
2.-
Bamalan OA, Moore MJ, Al Khalili Y. Physiology, Serotonin. 2023 Jul 30. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 31424752. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31424752/
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Coşkun S, Ozer C, Gönül B, Take G, Erdoğan D. The effect of repeated tryptophan administration on body weight, food intake, brain lipid peroxidation and serotonin immunoreactivity in mice. Mol Cell Biochem. 2006 Jun;286(1-2):133-8. doi: 10.1007/s11010-005-9103-5. Epub 2006 Jan 24. PMID: 16432760. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16432760/
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Sivaprakasam S, Ramachandran S, Sikder MOF, Bhutia YD, Wachtel MW, Ganapathy V. α-Methyl-l-tryptophan as a weight-loss agent in multiple models of obesity in mice. Biochem J. 2021 Apr 16;478(7):1347-1358. doi: 10.1042/BCJ20210100. PMID: 33720280; PMCID: PMC8038855. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33720280/
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Friedman M. Analysis, Nutrition, and Health Benefits of Tryptophan. Int J Tryptophan Res. 2018 Sep 26;11:1178646918802282. doi: 10.1177/1178646918802282. PMID: 30275700; PMCID: PMC6158605. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6158605/
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L-Tryptophan-MedlinePlus [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); [Last reviewed – 05/12/2023]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/natural/326.html
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Apovian CM. Obesity: definition, comorbidities, causes, and burden. Am J Manag Care. 2016 Jun;22(7 Suppl):s176-85. PMID: 27356115. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27356115/
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Bray GA, Frühbeck G, Ryan DH, Wilding JP. Management of obesity. Lancet. 2016 May 7;387(10031):1947-56. doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(16)00271-3. Epub 2016 Feb 10. PMID: 26868660. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26868660/
