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Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential, hydrophobic amino acid.

Chemical Formula: C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂

Other names: 2-Amino-3-(1H-indol-3-yl)-propionic acid

Layman's explanation: Tryptophan is highly important as it is the metabolic precursor to serotonin. Serotonin is well-known for the psychological effects resulting from an imbalance of this neuroactive chemical. Food sources of tryptophan are dairy products, beef, poultry, barley, brown rice, fish, soybeans, and peanuts. Intake of tryptophan can increase the desire to sleep, hence the inclination to nap after Thanksgiving turkey eating. Although highly necessary, tryptophan is only obtained in about 1 to1.5 grams in a normal diet. Luckily, smaller amounts of tryptophan are more well-accepted by the body than larger amounts (6-9 g). A deficiency of tryptophan can cause aggressive behavior. Shown in the applet is the cationic part of L-tryptophan hydrochloride, (C11H13N2O2)+.

Keywords: serotonin, niacin, sleep

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