tryptophan

importance and proccess

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that serves several important purposes, like
nitrogen balance in adults and growth in infants. It also creates niacin, which is essential in
creating the neurotransmitter serotonin.

There are two types of tryptophan: L-tryptophan and D-tryptophan. The only difference between
the two types is the orientation of the molecule.

You can get tryptophan through certain foods or a supplement in powder form.

Foods with tryptophan-Tryptophan can be found in some foods, especially those high in

protein. Foods known to be high in tryptophan include:

 chicken

 eggs

 cheese

 fish

 peanuts

 pumpkin and sesame seeds

 milk

 turkey

 tofu and soy

 chocolate
In order for tryptophan to be converted into niacin, however, your body needs to have
enough iron, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-2.

Side effects of tryptophan-Tryptophan can have plenty of health benefits, but the supplement

can cause a number of unpleasant side effects in people.

The most common are gastrointestinal side effects, which include:

 heartburn

 stomach pain

 belching

 vomiting and nausea

 diarrhea

 loss of appetite

Other common side effects include:

 headaches

 sexual dysfunction

 dry mouth

More serious side effects, which warrant immediately stopping consumption, include:

 drowsiness

 lightheadedness

 visual blurring

 muscle weakness

 fatigue
Health benefits-There are a number of health benefits from the naturally-occurring tryptophan

found in foods. Most of these health benefits come from the potential increase of niacin and thus

serotonin. The benefits from more serotonin include:sa

 promoting healthier and better quality sleep

 relief from depression and anxiety

 increased emotional well-being

 managing pain tolerance

Health risks

While tryptophan consumed through food is typically safe, some people experience adverse
effects from the supplement form.

According to the National Organization for Rare Disorders, tryptophan supplements were linked
to over 1,500 reports of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) and 37 deaths in an epidemic in
the late 1980s. This is a rare disorder that affects multiple organ systems within the body,
including the skin, lungs, and muscles. It’s often sudden and progresses rapidly. It can be
disabling and it can even cause death. Symptoms include:

 muscle pain or weakness

 skin rashes

 cramping

 difficulty breathing

 fatigue
 What is tryptophan
Tryptophan (symbol Trp or W)[2] is an α-amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins.
Tryptophan contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a side chain indole,
making it a non-polar aromatic amino acid. It is essential in humans, meaning the body cannot
synthesize it; it must be obtained from the diet. Tryptophan is also a precursor to
the neurotransmitter serotonin, the hormone melatonin and vitamin B3.[

function
Tryptophan is an amino acid needed for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen
balance in adults. It is an essential amino acid. This means your body cannot produce it,
so you must get it from your diet.
Function
The body uses tryptophan to help make niacin, melatonin, and serotonin. Serotonin is
thought to produce healthy sleep and a stable mood.

In order for tryptophan in the diet to be changed into niacin, the body needs to have
enough:

 Iron

 Riboflavin

 Vitamin B6

More information

Neurotransmitters are endogenous chemicals that enable neurotransmission. It is a type of

chemical messenger which transmits signals across a chemical synapse, such as a
neuromuscular junction, from one neuron (nerve cell) to another "target" neuron, muscle cell, or
gland cell.

-A carboxylic acid is an organic compound that contains a carboxyl group (C(=O)OH).[1] The

general formula of a carboxylic acid is R–COOH, with R referring to the alkyl group. Carboxylic
acids occur widely. Important examples include the amino acids and acetic acid. Deprotonation
of a carboxyl group gives a carboxylate anion.

Aromatic amino acids are amino acids that have an aromatic ring in the side-chain. Amino

acids are biologically important organic compounds that contain amine (-NH2) and
carboxylic acid (-COOH) functional groups, with a side-chain (-R) specific to each amino acid.
The general formula of an amino acid is NH₂CHRCOOH.
A molecule is the smallest particle in a chemical element or compound that has the chemical
properties of that element or compound. Molecules are made up of atoms that are held
together by chemical bonds. These bonds form as a result of the sharing or exchange of
electrons among atoms.

niacin
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an important nutrient. In fact, every part
of your body needs it to function properly.

As a supplement, niacin may help lower cholesterol, ease arthritis and boost
brain function, among other benefits.

Melatonin

 Melatonin is a hormone made by the pineal gland. That's a pea-sized gland found just above
the middle of your brain. It helps your body know when it's time to sleep and wake up. Normally,
your body makes more melatonin at night

Serotonin

Serotonin is a chemical nerve cells produce. It sends signals between your

nerve cells. Serotonin is found mostly in the digestive system, although it’s
also in blood platelets and throughout the central nervous system.

Serotonin is made from the essential amino acid tryptophan. This amino acid
must enter your body through your diet and is commonly found in foods such
as nuts, cheese, and red meat. Tryptophan deficiency can lead to lower
serotonin levels. This can result in mood disorders, such as anxiety or
depression.