5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) boosts the brain's relaxation neurotransmitters.** It promotes focus, memory, and learning while optimizing bright, positive moods.** Additionally, 5-HTP supplements can:
- Support calm tranquility.**
- Help encourage deep, restful sleep.**
What is 5-HTP?
5-hydroxytryptophan is a natural amino acid that serves as a precursor to serotonin, the brain’s "feel good" neurotransmitter.** By supporting healthy serotonin levels in the brain, 5-HTP benefits emotional wellness in many ways.** It is most commonly used to support a bright mood, calm disposition, and positive state of mind.** In addition to elevating serotonin, 5-HTP naturally supports other neurotransmitters including dopamine, beta-endorphin and melatonin.**
A serotonergic agent, 5-hydroxytryptophan easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. In the brain, it rapidly changes into serotonin -- optimizing neural messaging where it is needed most.** By directly influencing serotonin levels in the brain, 5-HTP supports the healthy neurotransmitter signaling that is associated with emotional and cognitive health.**
Serotonin Supplements
5-HTP supplement products are derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a woody shrub found in West-Central Africa. Because of 5-HTP’s primary biological actions, Griffonia simplicifolia nutritional products are considered by some to be serotonin supplements.**
5-hydroxytryptophan cannot be obtained directly through diet. The body can synthesize 5-hydroxytryptophan from tryptophan, the tranquility-inducing amino acid found in foods like turkey, milk and potatoes.** However, eating foods containing tryptophan generally does not raise 5-HTP levels significantly enough to deliver therapeutic benefits for emotional wellness. Supplements supply pure 5-HTP in a highly absorbable and bioavailable form.**
5-HTP Directions for Use
Always consult with your health care professional before taking beginning any nutritional supplement regimen. For mood support, 5-HTP supplements are is most commonly taken at a level of 50 mg, between one and three times per day. For sleep support, dosage is 100-300 mg immediately before bedtime.
