Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential α-amino acid used in the biosynthesis of proteins. It contains an α-amino group, an α-carboxylic acid group, and a distinctive indole side chain, making it a non-polar aromatic amino acid. Since humans and many animals cannot synthesize tryptophan, it must be obtained through the diet, making it essential.

Appearance: Solid, slightly yellowish-white crystalline powder with no odor and a bland or flat taste..

Solubility: Sparingly soluble in water (~11.4 g/L at 25 °C), soluble in hot alcohol, alkali hydroxides, acetic acid, and ethanol; insoluble in ethyl ether, chloroform, formaldehyde.

Melting Point: 290.5 °C

Tryptophan nutritional information is as follows:

• Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that must be obtained through diet since the body cannot synthesize it.

• It is typically reported in foods in the range of about 0.1 to 0.5 grams of tryptophan per 100 grams of food, varying based on the source (animal or plant-based).

• Typical dietary intake averages around 800 to 1000 mg (0.8-1 g) per day for most adults.

• Concentrations in foods include examples such as beef liver providing approximately 0.35 to 0.37 g per 100 g.

• Tryptophan content is often expressed as grams per 16 g of nitrogen (protein content), which reflects its proportion within dietary protein.

• It contributes no fat or carbohydrates but is part of protein nutrition, providing about 4 kcal per gram of amino acid/protein from the foods containing it.

Tryptophan benefits mainly derive from its role as an essential amino acid involved in producing key molecules such as serotonin and melatonin, which affect mood, sleep, and cognitive function:

• Mood Regulation: Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that influences mood, anxiety, and stress. Increasing tryptophan intake may improve mood and help with mild anxiety or depression, although evidence is mixed for severe mood disorders.

• Sleep Improvement: Tryptophan is converted into melatonin, the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Supplementation or a tryptophan-rich diet may improve sleep quality, helping you fall asleep and stay asleep longer.

• Age-related Cognitive Decline: Higher tryptophan intake may help delay cognitive decline with age by supporting serotonin production and neuroplasticity, as suggested by animal studies.

• Cardiovascular Health: Elevated tryptophan levels have been associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular disease, possibly by modulating inflammation and protein synthesis.

• Additional Potential Benefits: Tryptophan may support athletic performance by reducing fatigue, help modulate immune function, aid in gastrointestinal health, and have a role in managing migraines.

• Autism Spectrum Disorder: Some studies suggest tryptophan levels may influence symptoms in children with autism, but more research is needed to clarify its role.