What Is Tryptophan?

After the Thanksgiving feast has come and gone for another year, without fail, your relatives will probably comment on how sleepy they feel and blame it on the turkey. While a heavy case of the 'holiday-itis' is normal following the big meal, its cause is not necessarily cut and dry. What is tryptophan, anyway? Far from a mere scapegoat on which to blame the enjoyable excesses of festive feasting, this interesting chemical plays an important role in the human body that is worth knowing about.

Keep reading to learn what tryptophan is and how it affects the human body now.

What Is It?

Talk of tryptophan is as ubiquitous as the Thanksgiving turkey, but what is it exactly? Simply put, tryptophan is an essential amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of the various proteins the body needs to repair muscle fibers and create hormones that regulate an individual's system. They are called essential because the body cannot make these building blocks itself, relying entirely on dietary sources for its supply. Turkey isn't the only source of tryptophan, either. It is found in almost all sources of animal protein, including eggs, other meats, and dairy products.

Now that you have an idea of what tryptophan is, let's have a look at its function in the human body.

Its Function In The Human Body

The primary use of tryptophan in the human body is for the processing of B-series vitamins. It uses this amino acid to transform them into niacin. Niacin plays various roles within the body, as it regulates the hormone serotonin, which is the chief culprit in any sleepiness individuals may feel after a protein-rich meal. It also helps regulate cholesterol by cleansing an individual's body of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which is responsible for arterial plaques that can cause strokes. Niacin also regulates the metabolic enzymes in an individual's cells that allow food to be broken down into useful forms of energy.

Next, find out how tryptophan helps the body.

How It Helps The Body

The human body has a complex host of chemical needs that have to be met with a wide variety of materials. The food individuals eat isn't just delicious, it is a supply line for these necessary materials. There is also a need in the body for compounds that can process these materials, similar to individuals sorting items on a mass production line in a factory. Tryptophan is similar to these workers, as its primary purpose in helping the body is as a catalyst for the creation of essential nutrients, such as the previously mentioned niacin so various cellular processes can take place.

Continue reading to uncover the hidden side effects of this natural chemical now.

Side Effects Of Tryptophan

The claim that tryptophan found within turkey makes individuals sleepy is largely a myth. While it is true the side effects of it can make individuals tired, the amount present in turkey is not high enough to cause drowsiness, even if individuals overeat. This is usually a consequence of high-carbohydrate consumption. In quantities individuals would consume during a meal, tryptophan can cause digestive discomforts such as a feeling of being bloated or heartburn. It can also be dangerous when taken in pharmaceutically relevant doses, which is why L-Tryptophan pills were taken off the market in the early 1990s after they caused a host of issues such as skin rashes and muscle pain.

Keep reading to reveal the different dietary sources that contain tryptophan now.

Dietary Sources

As mentioned earlier, the dietary sources of tryptophan are numerous. While it is present in seafood and ham, it is most abundantly found in poultry. Eggs, particularly egg yolks, are also a great source of it, which is why eggs are an excellent food source that helps control bad cholesterol, even though eggs contain traces of cholesterol. Amino acids are fairly chemically stable and are present even in your favorite highly processed dairy products, like yogurt and cheese. Beyond animal-based protein sources, tryptophan can be found in legumes, seeds, and oats as well. This helpful amino acid is so common that most individuals have probably been eating it virtually every day, with no unfortunate symptoms to complain of!

Read about the conditions tryptophan treats next.

Conditions Tryptophan Treats

There are a few different conditions tryptophan treats, though more research is needed to determine the exact efficacy. Scientists aren't sure why or how well tryptophan works for treating different conditions. Some doctors will recommend tryptophan to treat sleep apnea and other sleep disorders. The amino acid is also sometimes used to treat insomnia and help make an individual's sleep-wake cycles more regular. Tryptophan needs to be more deeply researched regarding its use for sleep conditions. Some studies indicate tryptophan may relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). There is also older research indicating tryptophan can be used to help individuals quit smoking or reduce the amount they smoke each day.

Uncover the medications that can interact with natural tryptophan now.

Medications That Interact With Natural Tryptophan

When individuals are increasing their intake of natural tryptophan, it's important to understand how this amino acid interacts with other medications. Some medication interactions are major enough to be dangerous. Tryptophan increases serotonin levels in the brain, and when combined with antidepressant drugs like SSRIs and MAOIs, there's a chance the brain will be flooded with excess serotonin, causing a life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome. Central nervous system depressants like benzodiazepines can also interact dangerously with tryptophan because the combined drugs cause too much sleepiness. Any other medications that affect serotonin levels or the central nervous system should be monitored with caution. Patients should always talk to their doctor about the medications they're taking before they start taking any additional supplements.

Uncover the link between tryptophan and eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome now.

Tryptophan And Eosinophilia-Myalgia Syndrome

In rare cases, ingesting tryptophan supplements can lead to a disorder called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome affects multiple systems in the body, has no known cure, and can sometimes be fatal. There are many potential symptoms that vary widely from person to person. It's common to experience pain in the muscles, cramping, weakness, difficulty with breathing, fatigue, and rashes on the skin. Individuals with this condition have increased white blood cell levels in different places around their bodies. At first, when the disease was discovered, all L-tryptophan supplements were pulled off the market. However, after the Food And Drug Administration's control over dietary supplement regulations was diminished, L-tryptophan began to be sold on the market again. It's important for individuals to keep an eye out for symptoms of this syndrome if they take tryptophan supplements, because the complications can be permanent and disabling.