Tryptophan

Tryptophan

What's

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is a fascinating essential amino acid that your body can't produce on its own, so it must be obtained from the food you eat. It's a vital building block for protein and plays a key role in maintaining your overall health. One of its most interesting functions is its role in the production of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite. In fact, Tryptophan is often associated with the feeling of contentment you get after a big Thanksgiving meal, as turkey is a rich source of this amino acid. Other foods like cheese, nuts, and fish are also good sources of Tryptophan. So, in a nutshell, Tryptophan is a crucial nutrient that helps keep your body healthy and your mood balanced.

If Your Levels Are High

High levels of Tryptophan in the body could indicate a variety of things. It could mean that you're consuming a diet rich in Tryptophan-containing foods like turkey, cheese, nuts, and fish. It could also be a result of taking certain medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are often used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. These medications can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, and since Tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin, this could potentially lead to elevated Tryptophan levels. Additionally, certain genetic conditions, like Hartnup disease, can cause the body to improperly absorb and metabolize Tryptophan, leading to high levels in the bloodstream. It's also worth noting that while Tryptophan is essential for health, excessively high levels can lead to a condition called serotonin syndrome, which is characterized by an overactive serotonin system.

Symptoms of High Levels

Symptoms of high levels of Tryptophan could include restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, dilated pupils, loss of muscle coordination, heavy sweating, diarrhea, headaches, and shivering. These are signs of serotonin syndrome, a potentially serious condition caused by an excess of serotonin in the brain.

If Your Levels are Low

Low levels of Tryptophan in your body could mean that you're not getting enough of this essential amino acid from your diet. Tryptophan is important because it helps your body make protein and serotonin, a brain chemical that controls your mood, sleep, and appetite. If you're not getting enough Tryptophan, it could affect these functions. This might happen if you're not eating enough foods that are rich in Tryptophan, like turkey, cheese, nuts, and fish. Certain medications, like those used for depression (SSRIs) or pain (opioids), can also affect how your body uses Tryptophan. Other factors like stress, aging, or having a condition like diabetes or kidney disease can also lower your Tryptophan levels.

Symptoms of Low Levels

Symptoms of low levels of Tryptophan could include mood changes, difficulty sleeping, and a decreased appetite.

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See References

Test for

Metabolomix+ by Genova Diagnostics

Urine

The Metabolomix+ combines a variety of tests to analyze key nutritional biomarkers, including organic acids, amino acids, and oxidative stress markers. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

NutrEval® Plasma by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

Plasma

The NutrEval® Plasma evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 2 years of age.

NutrEval® FMV by Genova Diagnostics

Whole Blood

Urine

Serum

The NutrEval® FMV evaluates a variety of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and other biomarkers to determine nutritional deficiencies and imbalances. This test cannot be ordered for patients under two years of age.

Neurotransmitters by ZRT Laboratory

Urine

The Neurotransmitters profile, formerly the NeuroAdvanced Profile, measures a variety of neurotransmitters to assess neurochemical imbalances and a variety of common issues such as mood disorders, sleep problems, and ADD/ADHD.

Cellular Micronutrient Assay by Cell Science Systems

Whole Blood

The Cellular Micronutrient Assay measures the effect of micronutrients on a patient's immune function to identify nutrient insufficiencies. This test cannot be ordered for patients under 9 years of age.

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