Tryptophanis an essential amino acid.
It is converted intoserotonin,melatonin, and vitamin B-3 (niacin).
Tryptophan is found in plant and animal foods and is not produced by the body.
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This may lead to serious symptoms when a deficiency occurs, though it is uncommon in the United States.
Drug interactions can occur in conjunction with tryptophan supplements.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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What Is Tryptophan?
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning the body cannot produce it.
Tryptophan is necessary for vital bodily processes, so it must be acquired throughplant and animal sourcesin our diet.
What Does Tryptophan Do?
Tryptophan is also necessary for the production of the body’s:
Does Turkey Make You Tired?
The notion that the tryptophan in turkey is responsible for post-Thanksgiving drowsiness is a myth.
The amount of tryptophan we get from food doesn’t usually significantly impact our wakefulness.
Consumingcarbohydrateswith tryptophan-containingproteinfoods can help tryptophan get past the brain’s gatekeeper.
When you consume carbohydrates, the body produces insulin.
Should You Take Tryptophan Supplements?
Tryptophan is available as an herbal supplement, but its safety and efficacy are debated.
Some experts advise against taking it.
Tryptophan supplements are considered unsafe to use during pregnancy and also may be unsafe to take while breastfeeding.
They may cause side effects such as blurred vision, dizziness, and fatigue.
Tryptophan Supplements Warning
Tryptophan supplements may worsen some health conditions and/or interact with some medications.
If you are considering taking a tryptophan supplement, talk to your healthcare provider first.
What Happens if Your Tryptophan Is Out of Balance?
Pellagra is rare in developed countries.
Symptoms of pellagra can include:
Pellagracan be fatal if left untreated.
The body’s ability to effectively use tryptophan can also be affected by how it moves through the body.
When this pathway is overactive, tryptophan is led away from serotonin synthesis and eventually melatonin synthesis.
The kynurenine pathway is necessary for functions such as the synthesis of niacin.
Researchers continue to explore the potential effects of imbalances related to tryptophan on the body.
Summary
Tryptophanis an essential amino acid.
The body uses it to produce serotonin, melatonin, and niacin.
It also helps to produce proteins,enzymes, and muscle tissue.
The body does not produce tryptophan.
Pairing carbohydrates with these foods helps tryptophan enter the brain more readily.
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PubChem.Tryptophan.
University of Rochester Medical Center.L-tryptophan.
Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health.Why does tryptophan in turkey make us sleepy?
