FluidEssentials re-launches natural sleep aid containing tryptophan

ESCONDIDO, Calif. FluidEssentials is reintroducing the dietary supplement tryptophan, a natural sleep aid, into the U.S. market after the ingredient was initially banned in 1989, the company announced earlier this week.

In 1989, Japanese manufacturer Showa Denko exported tryptophan containing a harmful contaminant, FluidEssentials stated in a press release. The contaminant caused severe health problems, resulting in an FDA ban on tryptophan imports into the United States that was lifted May 2005.

So now FluidEssentials has launched TotalSleep, a single packet drink mix containing tryptophan.

According to the company, tryptophan is an essential amino acid that crosses the blood-brain barrier and naturally produces the calming hormone serotonin, which is responsible for healthy sleep, mood regulation, stress reduction and overall well-being. As night falls, tryptophan converts to serotonin, and serotonin to melatonin, resulting in sleep.