A: Sort of, said Susan Nitzke, UW-Madison emeritus professor of nutritional science. But let?s start by eliminating from consideration an amino acid commonly known as tryptophan. ?Tryptophan and sleepiness probably deserves classification as an urban legend,? Nitzke said. ?It?s true that tryptophan can make a person tired if it?s ingested on its own on an empty stomach. In truth, it doesn?t happen that way for anybody ? especially on Thanksgiving.?
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