Featured:
Allergies
Grilling Guide
eHow Now Blog

Role of L-Tryptophan in Serotonin

Role of L-Tryptophan in Serotonin thumbnail
Tryptophan is found in turkey meat

L-tryptophan, also known just as tryptophan, is an essential amino acid that is needed for normal development in infants. It is also required for nitrogen balance in adults. L-tryptophan is also involved in the synthesis of serotonin.

  1. Sources of Tryptophan

    • Tryptophan is present in turkey meat and is often blamed for causing tiredness after traditional Thanksgiving meals. Tryptophan is also found in bananas, milk, cheese and bread.

    Serotonin Precursor

    • Serotonin is a chemical that plays a role in transmitting signals between nerve cells. It is created in the brain and is found in the digestive tract, blood platelets as well as in the brain itself. Serotonin has been linked to elevating moods and is believed to facilitate sleep. Serotonin levels in the central nervous system play a role in depression, appetite and the sensation of pain. Due to its role as a precursor to serotonin, tryptophan is used as a sleep aid and anti-depressant.

    Food and Tryptophan

    • Food affects the production of serotonin and tryptophan plays a role in this cycle. After eating a meal rich in carbohydrates, insulin is produced and has the effect of lowering the levels of most amino acids in the blood. However, tryptophan is not affected by insulin in the same way and as a result it now enters the brain via the blood-brain barrier at an increased rate. The result is an increase in serotonin production.

Related Searches:

References

  • Photo Credit turkey image by Diane Stamatelatos from Fotolia.com

You May Also Like

  • Serotonin Depletion

    The brain controls all of our responses, including our emotions. Serotonin depletion, a lack of sufficient quantities of an essential neurotransmitter, can...

  • What Are Sources of Serotonin in Foods?

    Serotonin is a neurotransmitter or chemical that helps to transmit nerve impulses between the nerve cells in the body. It is found...

  • Uses of L-Tryptophan

    With today's hectic lifestyles, eating a balanced, nutritional diet isn't always possible. As a result, many have turned to dietary supplements as...

  • Tryptophan Treatment for Depression

    Tryptophan is a biochemical that can help those suffering from sleep deprivation, anxiety and mood caused by low serotonin levels. Tryptophan supplements...

  • Serotonin Effects

    Serotonin affects the body processes facilitated by the neuroendocrine system, central nervous system and vascular system. Emotional effects, including depression ...

  • Tryptophan & Weight Loss

    Since serotonin plays a role in mood, sleep and weight gain, it is this compound that most research into tryptophan focuses on....

  • L-Tryptophan Side Effects

    An alternative medicine derived from plant or animal sources, L-Tryptophan is an amino acid that is found in several varieties of natural...

  • Serotonin Deficiency Disease

    Found in dairy products, fish, poultry, nuts, and grains, tryptophan plays a pivotal role in the prevention of serotonin deficiency. Caffeine and...

  • The Role of Serotonin

    Serotonin is a neurotransmitter in the brain. This chemical helps to relay signals from one area of the brain to another. Ninety...

  • How to Elevate Serotonin Naturally

    If you suffer from depression, insomnia or anxiety, you may have low levels of serotonin -- a neurotransmitter in the brain that...

  • The Role of Proteases

    Proteases are critical components of every living cell . They break down protein chains. There are numerous reasons why cells would want...

  • How Can I Increase My Serotonin Production?

    Serotonin is an essential neurotransmitter in the human brain. Neurotransmitters allow cells to send signals to one another. A lack of serotonin...

  • Natural Methods of Serotonin Uptake

    Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are anti-depressants used to keep high levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin circulating through the brain, beneficial due ...

  • L-Tryptophan Information

    L-tryptophan is widely known for its benefits in treating depression and mood disorders. It has also gained some popularity as an aid...

  • How to Raise Serotonin Deficiency Levels

    Serotonin levels control the body's ability to sleep, to suppress carbohydrate cravings, and to regulate moods of depression. Many people, especially women,...

  • Foods That Produce Serotonin in Your Brain

    Serotonin is a vital brain chemical for happiness, problem-solving, and concentration. Fluctuations in serotonin can lead to changes in mood, sleep, appetite,...

  • Food That Increases Serotonin

    Serotonin is a brain chemical involved in regulating mood, behavior, mental clarity, appetite and sleep. Some foods can increase serotonin, but it...

  • What Is the Difference Between L-Tryptophan & 5-Htp?

    L-tryptophan is a naturally-occurring amino acid found in animal and plant proteins. After being absorbed into the body, it's converted into 5-HTP(...

  • How to Raise Your Serotonin Levels Through Diet and Amino Acid Supplementation

    Supplement your normal diet with the amino acid L-Tryptophan---the raw material from which serotonin derives. Under low L-Tryptophan levels, the body cannot...

  • L-Tryptophan and Weight Loss

    With so many weight loss supplements available on the market, how do you choose? L-Tryptophan, widely known for its benefits in treating...

Related Ads

thumbnail
Featured