tryp·to·phan

(trĭp′tə-făn′) also tryp·to·phane (-fān′)

An essential amino acid, C₁₁H₁₂N₂O₂, formed from proteins during digestion by the action of proteolytic enzymes. It is necessary for normal growth and development and is the precursor of several substances, including serotonin and niacin.

[trypt(ic), of trypsin (formed on the model of pepsin, peptic); see trypsin + -phan(e).]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

tryptophan

(ˈtrɪptəˌfæn) or

tryptophane

(Biochemistry) an essential amino acid; a component of proteins necessary for growth

[C20: from trypsin + -phan from Greek phainō appear]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

tryp•to•phan

(ˈtrɪp təˌfæn)

also tryp•to•phane

(-ˌfeɪn)

n.

an essential amino acid, (C₈H₆N)CH₂CH(NH₂)COOH, released from proteins by the enzyme trypsin during digestion. Abbr: Trp;Symbol: W

[< German (1890), =trypto- (representing Greek trīptós rubbed; see trypsin) + -phan < Greek phaínein to show]

tryp·to·phan

(trĭp′tə-făn′)

An essential amino acid. See more at amino acid.

The American Heritage® Student Science Dictionary, Second Edition. Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:

Noun

tryptophan - an amino acid that occurs in proteins; is essential for growth and normal metabolism; a precursor of niacin

tryptophane

essential amino acid - an amino acid that is required by animals but that they cannot synthesize; must be supplied in the diet

Translations

Tryptophan

τρυπτοφάνη

tryptophane

tryptofan

tryp·to·phan

n. triptófano, aminoácido cristalino presente en las proteínas, esencial a la vida animal.

English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012

tryptophan

n triptófano

Mentioned in

References in periodicals archive

The current research examined the impacts that dietary BCAAs and other essential amino acids such as tryptophan had on the health and body composition of mice.

Balanced protein intake better for health

Two components of foods that are shown to be most helpful in improving sleep quality are melatonin and tryptophan.

Foods That Help You Sleep and Foods That Keep You Up at Night: Fiber-rich foods, as well as those with melatonin and tryptophan, can help you fall asleep

The tryptophan-kynurenine pathway controls tryptophan availability for serotonin synthesis in the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system.

Xanthurenic Acid, Kynurenic Acid, Liver Function, and Blood Sugar Control

"Serotonin release varies with brain tryptophan levels".

Electrochemical behavior of tryptophan (TRP) in the presence of interfering agents using a vitreous carbon electrode modified with thiourea (TIO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)/Comportamiento electroquimico del Triptofano (TRP) en presencia de interferentes empleando un electrodo de carbon vitreo modificado con Tiourea (TIO) y nanoparticulas de oro (AuNPs)

One prevalent notion is that food containing tryptophan increases serotonin levels in the brain and alters neural processing in mood-regulating neurocircuits," Marijn C.W.

Eating: Nothing more than emotions

One of the biggest influence on our melatonin levels appears to be our intake of a type of protein called tryptophan. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid - the building blocks of proteins.

Meat and dairy are good for your body clock, claims nutritionist

In order for serotonin to be produced, a precursor known as tryptophan is required.

Elevate your mood with food

* Xanthurenic acid (XA)--a tryptophan metabolite--is high in serum in gestational diabetes

Prevent and Cure Gestational Diabetes

TAMPA -- The far higher rate of eating disorders in women than men appears to be explained at least in part by a greater acute depletion of tryptophan, which is essential for the formation of serotonin, a key mediator of risk, according to a research review presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Psychiatrists.

Tryptophan depletion linked to eating disorders in women

* Regular exercise--Exercise Increases the synthesis of serotonin in the brain and boosts brain levels tryptophan, en essential amino acid that is the source material for the production of serotonin.

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