Definition:
Tryptophan is an amino acid found in certain protein-containing foods, such as turkey, chicken, milk, cheese, fish, eggs, tofu, soy, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, nuts, peanuts, and peanut butter.
Tryptophan is essential for normal growth and metabolism in humans. Your body can convert tryptophan into the neurotransmitter serotonin (involved in mood regulation), melatonin (involved in sleep regulation), and the B vitamin niacin.
Alternate Spellings: tryptophane
