TRYPTOPHAN DEFICIENCY:

Edited by, Vaishnavi

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid needed for normal growth of infants.

Why Tryptophan's are essential?

They maintain the body's proteins, enzymes and neurotransmitters. It is an essential amino acid and needed to be taken through diet. It produces serotonin in the body. Tryptophan is vital for a wide range of metabolic activities as mood stabilizer, in cognitive processes, learning, memory skills and behavior and has a role in providing healthy sleep.

CAUSES OF TRYPTOPHAN DEPLETION:

Commonly less amounts of tryptophan ingestion (allowance per day 3.5 to 6.0 mg/kg of body weight) and rarely alcoholism.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS:

• Mood impairment

• Motion sickness

• Depression worsening

• Memory decline

• Manic symptoms

• Increased anxiety and irritability

• Reduced levels of serotonin, melatonin, niacin and other molecules.

FOODS WHICH INCREASE TRYPTOPHAN ABSORPTION:

Milk is the largest source of tryptophan. Canned tuna (type of fish which are canned in edible vegetable oils, brine, water or any sauces), Turkey, chicken, oats, nuts, seeds chocolate, fruits, bread are also other sources of tryptophan.

WHAT IT IS USED FOR?

Tryptophan drug is marketed with the brand name Tryptan and used in cases of insomnia, sleep apnea, anxiety,  facial pain, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), smoking cessation, Tourett's syndrome, bruxism(grinding teeth during sleep), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD)