ABSTRACT
For many years, tryptophan has been considered an important nutrient that may affect a number of biological processes in animals and humans. The implication that tryptophan itself may act on or influence important processes merits review. In some cases, the results suggest that tryptophan may act directly, in others it may act indirectly, and in some it may not act at all. This chapter reviews data available on tryptophan’s possible involvement in pregnancy and infant development, on aging, alcoholism, cardiovascular diseases, liver disease, and cancer.
