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Can You Take L-Alanine and L-Tryptophan Together?
May affect absorption
The short answer
L-Alanine and L-Tryptophan compete for intestinal amino acid transporters. As a small neutral amino acid, alanine in high doses can reduce tryptophan absorption, potentially affecting serotonin synthesis.
How to arrange timing
Separate L-Alanine and L-Tryptophan by at least 1 hour for optimal absorption.
Reference
Reference noted for this combination: Fernstrom JD. Large neutral amino acids: dietary effects on brain neurochemistry and function. Amino Acids. 2013;45(3):419-430.
Important context
Whether supplements suit you together also depends on dose, product formulation, health conditions, and medication use. Ask a doctor or pharmacist first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have a chronic condition.