Tryptophan is one of the essential amino acids. This simply means that it cannot be synthesized by the body, yet it is essential for normal growth and development. Our supply of trytophan must be obtained from external sources. It is contained in many plant and animal proteins. In addition to being an essential amino acid used to build proteins for growth and development.
Supplemental tryptophan is useful in treating sleep problems, depression and anxiety orders.
In relatively large amounts produces an increase in the chemical serotonin for which it acts as a precursor in certain cells of the brain. Serotonin functions as a neurotransmitter. An increase in serotonin levels not only tends to induce sleep but also may be useful in the treatment of certain kinds of pain, mental depression and other behavioral conditions. The FDA ordered the recall of manufactured tryptophan in any form and all dosage levels. It was later shown that the problem was not the tryptophan, but a contaminate produced in the manufacturing process.