Tryptophan

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Amino acids

Food guide pyramid

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.

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: 05/01/2006
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.