Amino Acid
Key benefits
Healthy brain function*
Nutritionally supports healthy brain function by helping to maintain proper serotonin levels. Learn moreSupport for sleeplessness and stress*
May provide support for occasional sleeplessness and stress.* Learn moreIngredients
| 5-HTP 5-Hydroxytryptophan |
50 mg |
| Vitamin B-6 Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate |
50 mg |
The Science
5-HTP (or 5-hydroxy tryptophan) is an amino acid intermediate that helps the body create the neurotransmitter serotonin, an important chemical messenger for sleep, mood balance and healthy appetite.
5-hydroxy-tryptophan or 5-HTP is an amino acid intermediate that is the reduced form of L-tryptophan, an essential amino acid. It is one enzymatic step away from the neurotransmitter Serotonin, and is often the preferred form since it is easier for the body to convert it to serotonin than using the parent amino acid L-tryptophan.
Conversion of 5-hydroxy-tryptophan to serotonin requires the presence of nutrient co-factors such as vitamin b-6, magnesium, folate, and vitamin C. Serotonin is involved in many functions in the body such as mood balance, sleep cycle, pain signaling, appetite, and sensory signaling. Serotonin plays a role in healthy sleep patters by converting into melatonin.
References
- Das, Yesu T., et al. "Safety of 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan." Toxicology letters 150.1 (2004): 111-122. 2.Haleem, Darakhshan Jabeen. "Improving therapeutics in anorexia nervosa with tryptophan." Life Sciences (2017).
