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Tryptophan

Meaning

Tryptophan is an essential alpha-amino acid, meaning it cannot be synthesized by the human body and must be obtained through dietary intake. It serves as a crucial biochemical precursor for several vital neurohormones and signaling molecules, including the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin. Its availability in the central nervous system is a rate-limiting factor in the synthesis of these compounds, making it highly relevant to the regulation of mood, sleep, and overall endocrine balance.