Category Archives: L-tryptophan

How Much Tryptophan Is Converted to Niacin?

Posted on October 27, 2015 by Robert Barrington

There are a number of substances that fall into the grey area between essential and nonessential dietary compounds. Vitamin D is a classic example of this, as in reality vitamin D is a steroid hormone synthesised in the skin through … Continue reading →

Posted in L-leucine, L-tryptophan, Niacin, Pyridoxine, Vitamin B | Comments Off on How Much Tryptophan Is Converted to Niacin?

Why Is Depression So Difficult To Treat?

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Robert Barrington

The aetiology of depression is complex. The reason for this may be that depression is caused by different things is different people. The traditional view of depression is that it s caused by a deficiency of serotonin in the brain. … Continue reading →

Posted in 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Brain, Depression, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine | Comments Off on Why Is Depression So Difficult To Treat?

The Tryptophan Paradox

Posted on April 30, 2015 by Robert Barrington
Posted in Bananas, Brain, Carbohydrate, Depression, L-tryptophan, Melatonin, Serotonin | Comments Off on The Tryptophan Paradox

L Tryptophan for Anxiety or Depression

Posted on March 1, 2015 by Robert Barrington
Posted in 5-Hydroxytryptophan, Anxiety, Depression, L-tryptophan, Serotonin | Comments Off on L Tryptophan for Anxiety or Depression

The Niacin Paradox

Posted on November 29, 2014 by Robert Barrington

The niacin paradox describes the paradoxical situation that results from some important sources of niacin being low in actual niacin. This arises because while some foods are low in niacin, they are high in tryptophan, itself being able to be … Continue reading →

Posted in L-tryptophan, Niacin | Comments Off on The Niacin Paradox

5-Hydroxytryptophan

Posted on November 20, 2014 by Robert Barrington
Posted in 5-Hydroxytryptophan, L-tryptophan, Serotonin | Comments Off on 5-Hydroxytryptophan

L-Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Robert Barrington

L-tryptophan is an essential amino acid. That means without a dietary source, humans die. Amazing then that its sale as a supplement was banned in the United Kingdom and the United States. It is present in most foods in the … Continue reading →

Posted in L-tryptophan, Serotonin, Sleep | Comments Off on L-Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan

Foods That Affect Mood

Posted on July 29, 2014 by Robert Barrington
Posted in Carbohydrate, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, Protein, Serotonin | Comments Off on Foods That Affect Mood

Aspartame and Glucose: Bad Combination?

Posted on July 17, 2014 by Robert Barrington

Although the dangers of aspartame are well known to the public, the scientific community appears reluctant to research the biochemistry and neurophysiology of the sweetener. The reason for this is quite simple. The food industry is very powerful and rich … Continue reading →

Posted in Aspartame, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, Phenylalanine, Serotonin | Comments Off on Aspartame and Glucose: Bad Combination?

Protein: Its Role as a Brain Food

Posted on June 17, 2014 by Robert Barrington

Amino acids are nitrogenous compounds required by the body to form proteins. Many people are aware that protein is an important structural component of the body. Protein makes a good construction material because it can be twisted and bonded to … Continue reading →

Posted in Brain, Branched Chain Amino Acids, L-phenylalanine, L-tryptophan, L-tyrosine, Protein, Serotonin | Comments Off on Protein: Its Role as a Brain Food