Disorder’s Link to L-Tryptophan Is ‘Significant’

The federal Centers for Disease Control said Friday that a “statistically significant” link exists between the nutritional supplement L-tryptophan and a blood disorder now reported in 360 cases.

A 58-year-old New York woman died from the disorder, known as eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. The death “emphasizes the potential severity of this condition,” the CDC said, adding that more fatalities possibly linked to the product are under investigation.

L-tryptophan is an amino acid, a building block of protein, and is found naturally in many foods. Supplements containing L-tryptophan are taken by some people for insomnia, depression, premenstrual syndrome or weight control.

The Food and Drug Administration recently announced its intention to seek a nationwide recall of products in which L-tryptophan is the sole or major component. The FDA previously alerted the public to refrain from taking it.