Tryptophan facts

• Tryptophan is an essential amino acid
• Tryptophan functions as a building block of protein in the body
• Vitamin B6 is needed to help synthesise tryptophan
• Tryptophan is needed to make vitamin B3 (niacin)

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid. This means the body cannot make it at all, or not in sufficient amounts for good health and it needs to be eaten as part of the diet every day.

Tryptophan, just like all the other amino acids, is one of the building blocks of all proteins in the body, which not only include muscles, but also all the other proteins required for normal function of the body.

The body requires a significant amount of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) to help synthesise adequate amounts of tryptophan.

Tryptophan is required for the body to be able to synthesis and use vitamin B3 (niacin) more effectively so that it can help to rid the body of toxic substances.