Tryptophan

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Tryptophan

Tryptophan (pronounced: /ˈtrɪptəfæn/) is an amino acid that is vital for the normal growth in infants and for nitrogen balance in adults. It is an essential amino acid, meaning that it cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet.

Etymology

The term "Tryptophan" is derived from the Greek words "trypsin" (an enzyme which digests proteins) and "phanero" (meaning to show or make visible). This is due to the fact that tryptophan was first isolated by hydrolysis of casein (a protein found in milk) using trypsin.

Function

Tryptophan is a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is involved in sleep, appetite, and mood regulation. It also plays a role in the synthesis of melatonin, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle.

Dietary Sources

Tryptophan is found in most protein-based foods or dietary proteins. It is particularly plentiful in chocolate, oats, bananas, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, red meat, eggs, fish, poultry, sesame, chickpeas, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, buckwheat, spirulina, and peanuts.

Related Terms

  • Amino Acid: Organic compounds that combine to form proteins. Amino acids and proteins are fundamental building blocks of life.
  • Serotonin: A neurotransmitter that is involved in the transmission of nerve impulses. Serotonin can affect mood, sexual desire, appetite, sleep, memory and learning, temperature regulation, and some social behavior.
  • Melatonin: A hormone that is produced by the pineal gland in the brain. Melatonin is known to regulate sleep and wakefulness.

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