5-HTP | 50 mg L-5-Hydroxytryptophan | 100 Easy-To-Swallow Vegetarian Capsules | Free of Common Allergens | No Magnesium Stearate

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood regulation, melatonin production, and appetite control. Many mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, are associated with inadequate serotonin levels. Low levels of serotonin can lead to low melatonin levels, and consequently to a disrupted sleep cycle and poor sleep quality. Serotonin is also a key player in appetite regulation, in part by helping to signal satiety. Additionally, research indicates that abnormal serotonin levels may play a role in both fibromyalgia and migraine headaches.

Serotonin is manufactured in the brain from the essential amino acid, tryptophan. Once carried across the blood-brain barrier, tryptophan is metabolized to serotonin via the intermediate 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). In order to maintain healthy serotonin levels, the brain requires an adequate supply of tryptophan. However, many obstacles can impede tryptophan transport into the brain, including competition with other amino acids for transport carriers across the blood-brain barrier, activity of the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase (which catalyzes the conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP), and competing needs for tryptophan elsewhere in the body. Unlike tryptophan, 5-HTP can easily cross the blood-brain barrier without a transport carrier and is transported into the brain without competition. Many studies have cited benefits of supplemental 5-HTP in mood regulation, sleep quality, and appetite control in individuals with mood imbalances, disrupted sleep cycles, and unhealthy weight levels, respectively.

50 mg of 5-HTP is supplied in each easy-to-swallow vegetarian capsule. It absorbs faster than most 5-HTP supplements and is a natural extract of the seeds of the Griffonia plant and is certified free of Peak X. This formula contains no wheat, dairy, soy, corn, lactose, artificial colors, sweeteners or preservatives.