Question

Amino acid which can be converted to niacin in the body:

• A. Phenylalanine
• B. Tyrosine
• C. Tryptophan
• D. Histidine

Hint:

Tryptophan is a precursor for niacin (Vitamin B3). Ensuring adequate intake of tryptophan can help maintain niacin levels in the body, especially when dietary niacin is low.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Niacin (Vitamin B3) is an essential nutrient that can be synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. This process occurs in the liver, where tryptophan is converted into niacin through a series of biochemical steps.
- Phenylalanine: This amino acid is essential for the production of tyrosine and other neurotransmitters but does not directly convert into niacin.
- Tyrosine: Tyrosine, derived from phenylalanine, is involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters but is not directly converted to niacin.
- Tryptophan: Correct! Tryptophan can be converted into niacin in the body, making it the correct answer. This conversion is especially important when dietary intake of niacin is insufficient.
- Histidine: Histidine is an essential amino acid involved in protein synthesis and enzyme regulation but is not involved in the conversion to niacin.
Thus, the correct answer is (3) Tryptophan.