Tag: High tryptophan foods

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning your body cannot produce it and you must get it from your diet. It is a precursor to several important compounds, including serotonin, which plays a role in regulating mood and sleep. Understanding what food is the highest in tryptophan can help you strategically incorporate it into your meals for various health benefits.

Dried egg whites and dried spirulina are among the foods with the highest concentration of tryptophan per 100 grams, containing approximately 1.00g and 0.92g, respectively. However, these are not typical serving sizes, and many other common foods offer significant amounts of this essential amino acid.

While turkey is famously associated with it, research from the USDA FoodData Central and other studies indicates that dried egg whites and certain seeds offer an even higher concentration of the essential amino acid, tryptophan. This article delves into the top sources, both animal and plant-based, to help you understand which foods truly provide the highest amounts.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that is not produced by the human body and must be obtained through diet. Its conversion into serotonin and niacin is vital for regulating mood, sleep, and energy metabolism. Knowing the largest source of tryptophan can help individuals optimize their dietary intake for overall well-being.