What is tryptophan?

The human body contains about 9 kg of pure protein. Each cell, if the water is removed, consists of about 50% protein. Muscles, hormones, hair, skin, blood, enzymes are particularly high in proteins.

The constituent blocks of proteins are called amino acids. 20 of them are encoded in the human genome, 8 of which are essential. This means that we have to ingest them with food, because the body cannot produce them itself.

The essential amino acids are tryptophan, valine, methionine, leucine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, threonine and lysine.

Where is it found in food?

Tryptophan is the least present amino acid in food compared to most amino acids. Many protein in food is low in tryptophan.

Therefore, supplementation of one gram per day can make a significant difference in protein synthesis.

The food rich in tryptophan are cashew nuts (450 mg/100 g), calf (350 mg/100 g), tuna (300 mg/100g), egg (165mg/100g), oats (190mg/100g).

As a precursor to serotonin, tryptophan is responsible for the antidepressant effect of chocolate.

Functions

In addition to its use in protein production, the body also uses tryptophan to produce serotonin. Serotonin, also known as the “happiness hormone”, plays an important role in transmitting nerve signals.

For tryptophan to cross the bloody meninge barrier, it needs help to ward-seal amino acids. This task is performed by insulin. It involves other amino acids absorbed by muscle cells, so that more amount of tryptophan enters the brain.

That's why sugar makes you happy. Fats also start serotonin. High levels of fat in the blood produce more acids in the blood, which dissolves tryptophan out of protein. This is probably why mixed crisps and chocolate cause addiction.

The body can produce vitamin B3 (niacin) from tryptophan. It takes, however, 60 mg of tryptophan to make 1 mg of vitamin B3. People with low vitamin B3 levels can therefore easily be deficient in tryptophan.

A metabolite of tryptophan, the so-called picolic acid, encourages the absorption of zinc.

Molecular ortho uses

• SommeilSleep: Tryptophan shortens time of falling asleep significantly and can therefore be used in insomnia.
• DouleurPain: Tryptophan can alleviate pain of various kinds, including those caused by arthritis, cancer and chronic headaches.
• Blood pressure: Tryptophan may help to lower high blood pressure, especially when it is taken with calcium.
• AppétitAppetite: Tryptophan reduces hunger from carbohydrates. This alternately has a good effect on the level of blood sugar.