Some amino acids help form important hormones in the body. Thyroxine, dopamine, and epinephrine are all dependent on amino acid tyrosine. Histamine, a neurotransmitter that influences allergic and immune reactions, is based on histidine. The pineal gland in the brain produces and releases the sleep-regulating hormone melatonin, which derives from tryptophan. Tryptophan is also a component of serotonin.

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