Protein - Tryptophan

Question 1

Tryptophan

Answer 1

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid.

Question 2

Food Sources

Answer 2

Food sources: brown rice, quinoa, pumpkin seeds, oats, bananas, turkey, fish, eggs.

Question 3

Functions: Endocrine Health

Answer 3

Functions:
* Used for serotonin and melatonin synthesis.
* Tryptophan is assisted across the blood brain barrier by insulin. So, if supplementing, consume with a carbohydrate-rich snack. This also explains why low serotonin levels cause carbohydrate cravings.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Depression
* Insomnia
* Stress and anxiety
* PMS
* Migraines
* Weight control (reducing cravings)
* Overcoming smoking addiction

Question 4

Functions: ATP Synthesis

Answer 4

Functions:
* Tryptophan is used to make vitamin B3, which is needed to form two coenzymes (NAD, NADP) involved in ATP production.
Therapeutic Uses:
* Fatigue
* Fibromyalgia
* Alzheimer’s and other neuro-degenerative diseases

Question 5

Other applications

Answer 5

Enhances the release of growth hormone thus making it an item of interest for athletes and anti-ageing studies

Question 6

Tryptophan Pathways

Answer 6

1) Protein synthesis
2) 5HTP – Serotonin – Melatonin
3) Vit B3

Question 7

Supplementation: Dosage

Answer 7

100-600mg/day [5HTP is usually preferred as it cannot be used for anything other than serotonin and melatonin production].

Question 8

Drug Interactions:

Answer 8

Antidepressants, Sedatives, Tramadol, Phenothiazines, Pentazocine, Demerol, Dextromethorphan.

Question 9

Adverse effects:

Answer 9

L-tryptophan can cause some side effects such as heartburn, abdominal pain, flatulence, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and a loss of appetite. It can also cause headaches, light headedness, drowsiness, dry mouth, visual blurring, muscle weakness, and sexual problems.