Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that can not be synthesized by our body and therefore must be supplied by diet. A company of glucogenic amino acids is that their carbon skeletons can be converted into glucose and (glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, phenylalanine, tyrosine, aspartate. Glutamate, proline, arginine, serine, threonine.). It also belongs to the group of aromatic amino acids those with aromatic rings in its molecule such as phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan. The dietary tryptophan is taken up by neurons that use it for the synthesis of serotonin.
Properties of tryptophan
* An essential amino acid helps the body produce its own proteins.
* Tryptophan is essential for the brain to produce brain neurotransmitter serotonin.
* As sleep-inducing as serotonin is a precursor of the hormone melatonin which regulates the daily cycle of sleep-wakefulness.
* In some cases it may be observed an antidepressant effect because it increases the level of serotonin in the brain.
* Tryptophan may be useful in obesity or overweight problems where the anxious component is important (problems with Bulimia). The Tryptophan enhance production of the neurotransmitter serotonin and anxiety influences the food, its use is interesting in people with appetite control dieting.
* It acts on stress and can help control insulin levels, this hormone is affected by the state of our nervous system, interest in people with impaired glucose control.
* Supports the formation of vitamin B3 or Niacin. For every 60 milligrams of tryptophan we get from our diet, our body produces 1 mg. Niacin.
* It is very important to take it half an hour before or between meals because otherwise act as a single amino acid.
* Tryptophan should not be used when taking antidepressant drugs or tranquilizers without consulting your doctor or specialist because it may interfere with the results.
* The L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the most effective form of tryptophan. (more…)
