What Happens to Excess Tryptophan in the Body?
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3 min read
Over 95% of dietary tryptophan not used for protein synthesis is processed through the kynurenine pathway. When the body has an excess of this essential amino acid, it activates specialized enzymes, primarily in the liver, to catabolize the surplus, rather than converting it all into serotonin. This process is a crucial homeostatic mechanism that prevents dangerously high levels of tryptophan in the bloodstream.
