Tyrosine and tryptophan are amino acids that the body needs to synthesize protein and neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. While tyrosine can be made by the body, tryptophan must come from food. Foods rich in both amino acids include meats, fish, dairy, soy, and seeds.
Tyrosine and tryptophan are two of the 20 amino acids, molecules that are arranged in chains to form proteins. The human body requires both to synthesize protein, an important component of multiple metabolic functions, but while tyrosine can be manufactured naturally by the body and obtained through the diet, tryptophan can only be consumed in food. Foods that supply tyrosine and tryptophan include meats such as chicken and turkey, fish, milk, cheese, soy, and pumpkin and sesame seeds.
Protein found in food, as well as protein that the body can make on its own, is made up of smaller units known as amino acids, which are arranged in chains. Of these, eight are considered essential amino acids, meaning they cannot be made by the body and therefore must come from food in the diet. Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, one that the body needs to synthesize serotonin and niacin, as well as other chemical compounds.
By contrast, the remaining 12 non-essential amino acids are those that the human body can synthesize. Tyrosine is often grouped here, although it is sometimes referred to as a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning that in certain circumstances it may be advisable to obtain it through food or in supplement form. For example, people prone to depression may benefit from tyrosine supplementation during times of high stress, as tyrosine is known to raise levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, also known as norepinephrine, a stress hormone.
Both tyrosine and tryptophan, then, are amino acids that act as chemical precursors to hormonal neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. A precursor is a substance that is needed to make a different chemical. In other words, these amino acids are used in chemical reactions that create certain neurotransmitters in the body, chemicals that deliver electrical signals along neurons between the central nervous system and the body.
It is often recommended that people eat foods rich in tryptophan and tyrosine to ensure they meet their needs for both amino acids. Since many animals that humans eat can synthesize both amino acids, eating meat or other animal products can supply tyrosine and tryptophan. Poultry, like turkey and chicken, are rich in both, as are fish like salmon and cod. Milk, cheese, and other dairy products also provide these amino acids. Several plant foods also naturally contain tyrosine and tryptophan. Those that contain both include sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, soybeans, and other soy products.
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