Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid needed for general growth and development, producing niacin, and creating serotonin in the body. Serotonin is thought to produce healthy sleep and a stable mood which is why tryptophan in turkey is sometimes attributed to making people sleepy. The truth, however, is that lots of other foods contain more tryptophan than turkey and do not cause drowsiness.

High tryptophan foods include nuts, seeds, cheese, oats, beans, lentils, and eggs. The recommended daily intake for tryptophan is 4mg per kilogram of body weight or 1.8mg per pound. So, a person weighing 70kg (~154 pounds) should consume around 280mg of tryptophan per day. 

Note

Information does not replace the advice of your physician or other health care provider. Before undertaking any course of treatment, the reader must seek the advice of their physician or other health care provider.