Tryptophan

Tryptophan

Tryptophan

Formal Name: L-2-amino-3-(indole-3-yl) propionic acid
Supplement Forms: Pills, food, liquid

Recommended Daily Allowance

  • Infants: (0 to 12 Months) 19 mg/kg of body weight
  • Children: (1 to 13 years) N/A
  • Adolescents: (14 to 18 Years) N/A
  • Adults: (19 and Older) 3 mg/kg of body weight
  • Lactating Women: N/A
  • Pregnant Women: N/A

Notes: mg stands for milligrams and kg stands for kilograms.

Additional Information

Tryptophan is one of the more well known essential amino acids due to its association with sleepiness and the key neurotransmitter serotonin. Via serotonin, tryptophan is able to have a considerable influence on overall mental health, and in particular sleep and mood regulation.

Bodily Functions Tryptophan Assists

Trytophan is prevalent in several processes that occur in the central and peripheral nervous system. About 3% of ingested tryptophan is initially converted into the vitamin niacin. Tryptophan is an important precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. This neurotransmitter is present in various activities such as sleep regulation, appetite and mood. Furthermore, it is considered a natural painkiller that has influence in preventing symptoms of premature aging.

Symptoms Of Deficiency:
  • Can cause general protein deficiency symptoms such as weight loss and stunted growth.
  • Can result in pellagra, when combined with niacin deficiency.
  • May also lead to serotonin deficiency with symptoms of depression, anxiety, irritability, weight gain, insomnia and poor concentration.
Foods High In Tryptophan

Tryptophan can generally be found in a large variety of food sources that include nuts, seeds, vegetables, meats and dairy products. The

Ailments That Tryptophan Helps Against:
  • Helps treat insomnia
  • Contributes to the treatment of depression and anxiety
  • may contribute in treatment of Parkinson's disease
  • Used therapeutically to reduce anger and aggression
Side Effects And Toxicity

No known toxicity report of tryptophan, although it may lead to muscle and joint pain, swelling of the limbs, headaches and sleepiness.