Tryptophan
Tryptophan is an amino acid essential for the human body's ability to regulate itself, and to perform its most vital functions. The human body is unable to synthesize Tryptophan itself; therefore we must include a regular supply of Tryptophan in our diet. Fortunately, Tryptophan is found in many common foods and is also available as a diet supplement.
When absorbed by the human body, Tryptophan is converted to a number of important biochemical compounds which are required by the body to function. Among the compounds synthesized from tryptophan are serotonin (which is a neurotransmitter), melatonin and niacin.
Tryptophan is found naturally in high protein foods like oats, bananas, dates, cheese, red meat, eggs, sunflower seeds, peanuts, etc. The levels of tryptophan from the diet are adequate for most bodily needs however the benefits of tryptophan can be significantly increased when it is taken as a dietary supplement.
Tryptophan as a dietary supplement is recommended for many reasons. Some individuals use Tryptophan for sleep improvement, others use it for the treatment of behavioral problems. Many sufferers of depression or and other kinds of mental illness, have low levels of serotonin in the brain, Tryptophan is widely prescribed by psychiatrists to boost the brain's serotonin levels and counter the effects of depression. The majority of people who take tryptophan report improved quality of sleep, better concentration and improved memory.
Side effects of tryptophan supplements are generally mild, and can be counteracted by simply reducing ones the intake of tryptophan gradually, until a comfortable dosage is found. Doctors and scientist are extremely comfortable with tryptophan as a diet supplement as it is a naturally occurring and vital amino acid.
Today, tryptophan is widely available in pharmacies and health stores. It is usually sold in 500 mg tablets for daily consumption to treat insomnia or depression. Tryptophan is also recommended for those looking to improve their memory function.