Is it better to tryptophan be eaten with food? 

when it comes to consuming tryptophan, timing is key! It’s generally recommended to take tryptophan supplements on an empty stomach because protein in food can compete with tryptophan for absorption into the brain. 

However, if you pair tryptophan with a carbohydrate-rich snack or meal, the carbohydrates stimulate the release of insulin, which helps to clear other amino acids from the bloodstream, allowing tryptophan to enter the brain more easily.

Now, let’s talk about the Bruut Nutrition Sleep Bar. This little snack is jam-packed with tryptophan, glycine, magnesium, and tart cherries – all nutrients that may help to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms of anxiety. Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood and sleep, while glycine has a calming effect on the brain and may improve sleep quality. Magnesium is crucial for healthy sleep and can help reduce symptoms of anxiety, while tart cherries contain natural melatonin, which regulates sleep.

So, if you’re looking for a convenient way to get these nutrients in one tasty snack, the Bruut Nutrition Sleep Bar may be just what you need! By consuming this bar as a bedtime snack and pairing it with a carbohydrate-rich snack or meal, you can increase the uptake of tryptophan into the brain and support a restful night’s sleep

• Richard Wurtman, et al. “Carbohydrate craving, mood changes, and obesity.” The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry 45.5 (1984): 13-16. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6146922/
• Wurtman, Richard J., and Judith J. Wurtman. “Brain serotonin, carbohydrate-craving, obesity and depression.” Obesity Research 3.S4 (1995): 477S-480S. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/j.1550-8528.1995.tb00218.x
• Fernstrom, John D., and Madelyn H. Fernstrom. “Brain amino acids and proteins in relation to brain neurotransmitters and protein synthesis.” The Journal of Nutrition 132.3 (2002): 883S-887S. https://academic.oup.com/jn/article/132/3/883S/4687369

Note: The sources don’t specifically address the timing of tryptophan consumption in relation to food, but they do provide information on the relationship between tryptophan, carbohydrates, and serotonin.