| A decreasing number of people are making | | | | before they are synthesized and absorbed by the |
| regular access to varied tryptophan sources. | | | | body in differing key functions. |
| Although considered very essential in attaining and | | | | Tryptophan has been shown as beneficial for |
| maintaining a well-balanced life, not everyone are | | | | people with sleeping problems. Regular intake of |
| getting abundant supply of this natural compound, | | | | nutritional supplements enriched with the said |
| necessitating alternative sources, such as | | | | amino acid has been established to help people to |
| nutritional supplements. | | | | alleviate their insomnia problem. This is largely |
| Introducing amino acids | | | | because of its action in increasing the level of |
| Tryptophan is one of the twenty compounds | | | | serotonin level found in the brain. Other ailments |
| regarded as standard amino acids. In fact, it | | | | certified to be improved by the said amino acid |
| belongs to the more exclusive group of essential | | | | are premenstrual dysphoric disorder, seasonal |
| amino acids so considered because they cannot | | | | affective disorder and major depressive disorder, |
| be produced by the body. In addition, they are all | | | | among others. |
| considered extremely necessary for almost all | | | | Common food sources |
| biochemical reactions and processes normally | | | | Tryptophan is found in various common food |
| taking place within the cellular level. | | | | sources, although there are serious concerns |
| Since the said amino acid cannot be produced | | | | raised by health experts saying that there is a |
| naturally by the body, it has to be sourced out | | | | decreasing number of people having regular |
| from the diets and supplementation. Basically, all of | | | | access to these sources. Some of the most |
| those essential amino acids are used as building | | | | common sources are egg white, spirulina, cod, |
| blocks in protein biosynthesis. | | | | soybeans, cheese, caribou, sesame seeds, |
| Basic functions | | | | sunflower seeds, pork, turkey, chicken, beef, |
| Tryptophan is used as a biochemical precursor of | | | | lamb, salmon, perch, milk, potatoes and banana. |
| serotonin, an important neurotransmitter, used in | | | | Experts recommend that these food types be |
| cellular signaling. Cellular signaling is the process | | | | eaten first alone or on an empty stomach to aid |
| where information gathered by sensory neurons | | | | quicker and fuller absorption. |
| is transmitted to the brain for processing and the | | | | Dietary supplements were formulated to fill in |
| consequent transmittal of action-based information | | | | what is missing or lacking in regular diets. Modern |
| to the motor neurons for proper action. In more | | | | urban diets are mostly made up of excessive |
| obvious practical terms, when a person's body | | | | empty carbohydrates, which are, in turn, |
| part is exposed to the flame, for example, the | | | | converted to fats when not used fully. Common |
| sensory neurons on the skin sends signal to the | | | | diets are mostly high in fatty content, increasing |
| brain and the central nervous system transmits | | | | the risk of various coronary hearts diseases, |
| information that the particular part so exposed be | | | | among others. |
| taken away from the fire. | | | | Amidst continuing decline in food quality, it is |
| Niacin is another important biosynthetic | | | | extremely necessary to augment food commonly |
| intermediate, which is processed from the said | | | | found in the dining table. Nutritional supplements |
| amino acid variant through kynurenine and | | | | seldom contain only one nutrient type. Various |
| quinolinic acids. Auxin, a phytohormone, is another | | | | nutrients are usually combined with others. Despite |
| beneficiary of the biochemical reactions of the | | | | tryptophan sources being so common, it is |
| amino acid type. These molecules are largely | | | | recommended to take nutritional supplements for |
| dependent on tryptophan for normal function and | | | | better health condition. |