Trivia Tidbits: What is L-tryptophan and how is does it help horses feel more relaxed and at ease?

This week’s Trivia Tidbits: SmartSupplements question is: What is L-tryptophan and how is does it help horses feel more relaxed and at ease?
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Last week’s answer: Magnesium is a macro-mineral that is crucial for healthy muscle contractions. Horses deficient in Magnesium can exhibit nervousness and muscle tension, so this ingredient is often found in calming supplements.

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Permalink Reply by Lisa Haueisen on February 20, 2012 at 10:54am

This essential amino acid is converted into serotonin, a hormone that may increase feelings of wellbeing and contentment, helping to calm and soothe.

Permalink Reply by D.J. Malloy on February 20, 2012 at 11:28am

L-Tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid found in both plant and animal sources. In fact L-Tryptophan is the exact cause of that lazy/sleepy feeling we get after eating turkey at the Thanksgiving feast! A few examples of food that contain L-tryptophan are turkey, chicken, pork, cheese, soy, and even oats (although soy contains almost 5 times as much L-Tryptophan than does oats). L-Tryptophan is also used by the body to make niacin, a B vitamin that is important for digestion, skin and nerves. In horses, this amino acid works as a precursor for serotonin and then so melatonin (Since serotonin, in turn, is converted in the brain into melatonin.) Serotonin is a brain chemical that plays a large role in mood and can help to create a feeling of well-being and relaxation in horses, and humans alike.

Permalink Reply by Kathy Miller on February 20, 2012 at 3:08pm

Horses are unable to produce L-tryptohan. The body uses L-tryptohan to make serotonin, a neuratransmitter. Increased levels of serotonin in the brain have been associated with sedation, increased sleepiness, reduced aggression and reducted fearfulness.

Permalink Reply by Melany Moore on February 22, 2012 at 5:35pm

I think it is an amino acid complex and works on the brain of a horse in the same section as dopamine in humans.....it produces a relaxing euphoric state in the mentality of the equine. Not very scientific. just off the cuff answer.

Permalink Reply by Barnmice Media on February 27, 2012 at 9:27am