Tryptophan

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Amino acids

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Overview

Tryptophan

Definition:

Tryptophan is an amino acid necessary for normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is an essential amino acid, which means your body cannot produce it -- you must get it from your diet.

Information:

The body uses tryptophan to help make niacin 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, there needs to be enough vitamin B-6, riboflavin, and iron in the body.

Tryptophan can be found in:

Turkey
Chicken
Milk
Cheese
Fish
Eggs
Tofu
Soy
Sesame seeds
Pumpkin seeds
Nuts
Peanuts
Peanut butter

Review Date: 5/1/2006
Reviewed By: Caroline M. Apovian, M.D., FACN, Associate Professor of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine and Director, Nutrition & Weight Management Center, Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMedHealthcare Network.

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