What is tryptophan?
According to information contained in the booklet of the 1991 Hearing on the dietary supplement L-tryptophan before a congressional subcommittee, tryptophan is “the least abundant” of the various amino acids but has been studied the most. Tryptophan is what is called “an essential amino acid for protein synthesis and also serves as a precursor for the synthesis of important small molecules, including serotonin and niacin.” Other statements of interest on tryptophan from page 207 of the report include the following: “In animal studies, tryptophan was found to be one of the most toxic of the common amino acids. A number of metabolic disturbances, including hypoglycemia, have been described in certain animal species.” Furthermore, the report on page 207 by Dr. L. Leiter suggests that tryptophan supplements may be unsafe in pregnancy based upon the fact that pregnant hamsters fed tryptophan showed “a reduction in embryo and neonate survival.” Again, the analysis offered by Dr.
We put this to John Fry, consultant in food science, nutrition and dietetics. There’s been a question about sleepiness caused by tryptophan in turkey and this is a popular myth in the United States that a feeling of sleepiness arises after the Thanksgiving meal and it’s caused by the Thanksgiving turkey having a high content of a substance called tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid, one of the building blocks of protein which means that pretty much all proteins contain some Tryptophan but turkey’s not unusual in its tryptophan content. It has about the same amount as chicken or beef. Tryptophan is involved in the desire to sleep after a heavy meal but only indirectly. The root cause of the drowsiness but only indirectly. The root cause is the large carbohydrate intake that usually accompanies a celebratory festive meal. All those roast potatoes, the stuffing, not to mention sugar-rich puddings. They all result in a burst of insulin in the blood stream as the body tries to cope with
Tryptophan is one of the 10 essential amino acids that the body uses to synthesize the proteins it needs. It’s well-known for its role in the production of nervous system messengers, especially those related to relaxation, restfulness, and sleep. How it Functions What is the function of tryptophan? Preventing Niacin Deficiency Tryptophan has two important functions. First, a small amount of the tryptophan we get in our diet (about 3%) is converted into niacin (vitamin B3) by the liver. This conversion can help prevent the symptoms associated with niacin deficiency when dietary intake of this vitamin is low. Raising Serotonin Levels Second, tryptophan serves as a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps the body regulate appetite, sleep patterns, and mood. Because of its ability to raise serotonin levels, tryptophan has been used therapeutically in the treatment of a variety of conditions, most notably insomnia, depression, and anxiety. Deficiency Symptoms What are deficie
Tryptophan is an essential Amino Acid. Tryptophan is a component of many plant and animal proteins, and a normal part of the diet that humans must get from outside sources. It is a precursor (starting material) for serotonin from which our brains make serotonin, which is then used to calm you down and make you sleepy. Tryptophan also helps in niacin (B vitamins) production. Foods that are considered sources of tryptophan are dairy products, beef, poultry, barley, brown rice, fish, soybeans, and peanuts. L-tryptophan, in substantial quantities, is a natural sedative. It is normally found in turkey meat, and many people believe it to be the cause of a sleepiness common after a Thanksgiving feast.horizontal ruleIs tryptophan safe as a dietary supplement? L-tryptophan was a very popular sleeping aid in the United States until recently, and was also used for premenstrual syndrome and depression. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) removed it off the market in 1990 because of a sudden out
Tryptophan is an amino acid famously found in turkey. In fact, it is also found in chicken and pork. The body metabolizes tryptophan and eventually turns it into a well-studied neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin is known to induce a calming effect after its release in the brain, and is thought to help regulate sleep in the human body.
