L-Tryptophan

L-Tryptophan is a large neutral amino acid essential to human metabolism because it is the metabolic precursor of serotonin (a neurotransmitter), melatonin (a neurohormone), and niacin (vitamin B3) which assist in the regulation of sleep, positive mood and immune function. L-Tryptophan is not synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet. As a component of dietary protein, tryptophan is particularly plentiful in chocolate, oats, bananas, dried dates, milk, cottage cheese, meat, fish, turkey, and peanuts.