Tryptophan and Related Diseases: What You Need to Know(트립토판과 관련된 질환 알아보기)

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Tryptophan?

English:
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the human body cannot produce on its own. It plays a vital role in protein synthesis and is a precursor to important compounds such as niacin (Vitamin B3), serotonin, and melatonin. Because tryptophan helps regulate mood, sleep, and energy, a deficiency or problem with its metabolism can lead to serious health issues.

Korean (한국어):
트립토판은 인체에서 스스로 합성할 수 없는 필수 아미노산입니다. 단백질 합성뿐만 아니라 니아신(비타민 B3), 세로토닌, 멜라토닌의 전구체로 작용합니다. 따라서 트립토판은 기분, 수면, 에너지 조절에 중요한 역할을 하며, 결핍되거나 대사에 문제가 생기면 심각한 건강 문제가 발생할 수 있습니다.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Diseases Related to Tryptophan

(트립토판과 관련된 질환)

1. Pellagra (펠라그라)

• Definition (정의):
  A disease caused by niacin (Vitamin B3) deficiency, often linked to inadequate tryptophan intake or metabolism.
• Symptoms (증상):
  Famous for the “3 Ds”:
  • Dermatitis (피부염 – sun-exposed rash)
  • Diarrhea (설사)
  • Dementia (치매, 인지기능 저하)
    → If untreated, can lead to Death (사망).
• Main Characteristics (특징):
  Occurs in people with poor diets (corn-based diets low in tryptophan) or chronic alcoholism.
• Treatment/Therapy (치료):
  • Niacin (Vitamin B3) supplementation
  • Balanced diet with tryptophan-rich foods (meat, fish, eggs, nuts).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Hartnup Disease (하트납병)

• Definition (정의):
  A rare genetic metabolic disorder where the body cannot properly absorb tryptophan and other neutral amino acids from the intestines and kidneys.
• Symptoms (증상):
  • Pellagra-like skin rash (햇빛 노출 피부 발진)
  • Ataxia (운동실조, 균형 장애)
  • Mood changes (우울, 불안)
  • Intermittent episodes triggered by stress, illness, or poor diet.
• Main Characteristics (특징):
  • Autosomal recessive genetic condition
  • Deficiency in niacin production due to lack of tryptophan absorption.
• Treatment/Therapy (치료):
  • High-protein diet (단백질이 풍부한 음식 섭취)
  • Niacin or nicotinamide supplementation
  • Avoiding excessive sun exposure

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Common Drugs/Therapy Options (치료 및 약물)

• Niacin (니아신, 비타민 B3) – the main therapy for pellagra and Hartnup-related niacin deficiency
• Nicotinamide (니코틴아미드) – often used because it does not cause flushing
• Antidepressants / Serotonin regulators (항우울제, 세로토닌 조절제) – in some cases where serotonin levels are affected

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Diet and Lifestyle (식이요법 및 생활습관)

Foods rich in tryptophan (트립토판이 풍부한 음식):

• Turkey, chicken, tuna, salmon (칠면조, 닭고기, 참치, 연어)
• Eggs, milk, cheese (달걀, 우유, 치즈)
• Nuts and seeds (견과류, 씨앗류)
• Soy products (콩 제품)

Balanced nutrition and early supplementation can prevent severe complications of tryptophan-related conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Conclusion (결론)

English:
Tryptophan is more than just an amino acid—it is a foundation for brain health, energy, and skin function. Diseases such as pellagra and Hartnup disease highlight the importance of proper tryptophan metabolism. With a good diet, supplements, and timely medical care, these conditions are manageable and preventable.

Korean (한국어):
트립토판은 단순한 아미노산이 아니라 뇌 건강, 에너지, 피부 기능을 지탱하는 중요한 요소입니다. 펠라그라와 하트납병은 트립토판 대사의 중요성을 보여주는 대표적인 질환입니다. 균형 잡힌 식단과 보충제, 그리고 적절한 치료를 통해 이러한 질환은 관리와 예방이 가능합니다.