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Tryptophan Deficiency

Even though tryptophan is an essential amino acid, it is freely available in a wide variety of foods (not just meat), so deficiency is usually rare. The only groups of people who may experience deficiency are:

• People on low protein diets
  People who are on low protein diets may become deficient not just in tryptophan but all of the amino acids (and especially the essential amino acids) if their protein intake is not sufficient.
• Strict vegans and vegetarians
  Some really strict vegans and vegetarians may become deficient not just in tryptophan but all of the amino acids (and especially the essential amino acids) if they are not combining their foods correctly to get the correct balance of protein and amino acids.

Even though tryptophan is an essential amino acid, it is freely available in a wide variety of foods (not just meat), so deficiency is usually rare

Tryptophan Deficiency Symptoms

Symptoms of tryptophan deficiency include:

• Anxiety and panic
• Insomnia
• Irritability
• Mood swings

People with any of these symptoms should seek advice from their medical practitioner to determine if tryptophan supplementation is required.

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