Tryptophan

Category:
Amino Acids

Type:
Essential Amino Acids

Functions:
Precursor for serotonin (which aids sleep and anxiety), niacin production

Deficiencies:
Rare. Stunted growth

Toxicity:
Unknown. Eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (potentially fatal) resulted from a contaminated batch of supplemental tryptophan: resulting in a ban from the FDA

Recommended Intakes:
(1985 Joint FAO/WHO/UNU Report)
12.5 mg/kg/day - Preschool, 2-5 yrs
3.3 mg/kg/day - Schoolchildren, 10-12 yrs
3.5 mg/kg/day - Adults, 18yrs and older

Food Sources:
Dairy, beef, poultry, barley, brown rice, fish, soybeans, peanuts