Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

As we get closer to Thanksgiving, I am reminded of an argument I had with a friend years ago as to the contribution of turkey - more specifically, the amino acid L-Tryptophan - on our typical feelings of lethargy and sleepiness after the big Thanksgiving meal.  I wrote this post way back then, and I thought I'd re-post it now (t'is the season).  I would encourage all of you who read it to spread the truth.  When someone blames the poor turkey for your sluggishness, stand up (stagger to your feet) and say, "It's not the turkey!".  Perhaps, together, we can make the world a happier, more informed place! The Original Post (my additions are in purple ): OK, I'm getting tired of having to explain this to people every time Thanksgiving rolls around. I'm not sure how these myths get started, or what perpetuates them, but nothing irritates me more than bad science. So I decided to post this to set the record straight. First, the facts about L-Tryptophan ....