tryptophan

Protein building block

Tryptophan is an amino acid essential to human nutrition, obtained through diet rather than synthesized by the body.

It serves as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter affecting mood and sleep.

Turkey famously contains tryptophan, often blamed for post-Thanksgiving drowsiness—though the effect owes more to overeating than to the amino acid itself.

thanksgiving

turkey

Wattled North American fowl

postprandial · myth · dinner · holiday meal · overeating · carbohydrates · sleepiness · digestion

nutrition

dietary

Of food consumption

deficiency · absorption · bioavailability · intake · RDA · food source · eggs · cheese · milk · seeds

biochemistry

amino acid

Protein's molecular subunit

essential amino acid · metabolism · biosynthesis · niacin · indole · precursor · codon · peptide · nitrogen · molecule

sleep

drowsiness

State of near-sleep

rest · bedtime · fatigue · somnolence · REM · circadian · sedation · sleep aid · warm milk · natural remedy

mood

depression

Prolonged low state

happiness · brain chemistry · emotion · neurotransmitter · cognition · SSRI · antidepressant · regulation · psychology · calm

Categories
Opposites
dietary requirement

tryptophanglycine

Simplest amino acid

alanine · glutamate · serine · asparagine · aspartate

physiological effect

tryptophancaffeine

Methylxanthine stimulant compound

epinephrine · amphetamine · adrenaline · dopamine · cortisol

nutrient classification

tryptophanvitamin

Essential organic nutrient

vitamin C · vitamin B12 · mineral · iron · zinc

Family

serotonin

Familiarity
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