The neurotransmitter serotonin has been known to researchers for nearly 50 years and new studies continue to demonstrate how it influences mood and emotion. Serotonin produces an inhibitory effect on the nervous system that soothes, calms and creates a feeling of contentment.

Modern living, stress and poor nutritional status can lead to an imbalance in serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter produced naturally by the body from the essential amino acids L-Tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). Serotonin is produced via the following pathway: L-Tryptophan >> 5-Hydroxytryptophan >> Serotonin. By encouraging serotonin production, 5-HTP helps support conditions where there may be low serotonin levels.

The brain chemical serotonin is important for soothing and calming the nervous system and creates a feeling of wellbeing. Serotonin supports good mood, emotion and natural sleep patterns and is receiving attention for assisting weight management. 5-HTP therefore assists low serotonin conditions. It may also benefit those who have depleted ability to produce serotonin due to stress or over use of recreational drugs.

5-HTP is well absorbed from an oral dose, with about 70 percent ending up in the bloodstream. 5-HTP easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and effectively increases central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin. In the CNS, serotonin levels have been implicated in the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation.

5-HTP cannot be taken with anti-depressants due to the possible side effect known as serotonin syndrome, a serious condition where serotonin levels are too high.

Derived from the bean of an African herb, Griffonia simplicifolia, 5-HTP is available as a dietary supplement to support the natural production of serotonin. Conditions where supplementation of 5-HTP is appropriate include difficulty with sleeping, mild depression and the assistance of weight management.