5-HTP is a natural, isolated nutrient extracted from Ghanaian-sourced Griffonia seeds and it is the essential building block to your feel good chemical messenger; serotonin (5-HT). Serotonin plays a crucial role in regulating mood[1]. At night, serotonin is converted into melatonin to aid sleep[2,3].
Our 5-HTP 100mg tablets contain 99% 5-HTP making it the smallest and nutrient-dense 5-htp supplement available. They are free from unnecessary bulking agents and are manufactured in an FDA-registered facility in the UK under strict GMP, ISO 9001, and ISO 22000 certified conditions.
what is 5HTP?
5HTP, is naturally created in the body from the dietary consumption of protein-rich foods which contain the amino acid tryptophan. Whilst both are building blocks to serotonin, 5HTP provides a more direct and efficient route to increasing serotonin levels because :
- It can freely cross your brain’s protective layer known as the blood-brain-barrier [4].
- Tryptophan must bind with a transporter molecule to enter the brain. It competes poorly with other nutrients for this molecule hindering its entry [5].
- 95% of serotonin is produced in the gut [6]. Serotonin produced in the digestive tract is unable to enter the brain or directly influence mood.
As a result, the brain relies on its own internal production of serotonin [7]. This is why supplements to increase serotonin, such as 5HTP, support healthy serotonin levels in the brain and are considered effective serotonin supplements.
In the US and Canada, 5HTP is categorised as a dietary supplement for mood support, while in the UK, it is considered a food supplement. In Ireland, Denmark, and Japan it’s classified as a medicine.
what is serotonin ?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter naturally produced in your body . Higher serotonin levels are associated with feeling positive whereas low serotonin levels have been linked to mood and sleep disorders [8,9,10,11]. Factors that can influence your serotonin levels include :
- Dietary intake of tryptophan or 5HTP [12]
- Functioning of your brain’s serotonin receptors
- Genetics [13,14]
- Inflammation [15]
- Chronic stress [16]
what does serotonin do in the brain ?
Happiness, joy and a sense of contentment are all part of serotonin's role in regulating mood. Likewise, serotonin plays a role in regulating sleep patterns as it’s the building block of your sleep hormone melatonin[17].
Elsewhere in the body serotonin plays a role in appetite control, helping to regulate feelings of hunger and satiety [18].
how to stimulate serotonin release?
Before you can release serotonin, ensure your body has enough of its building blocks, as adequate production is necessary to reap its feel good effects. Serotonin’s release is stimulated by activities including :
- Exercise – Mice that ran on treadmills had higher brain serotonin levels compared to sedentary mice [19].
- Social interaction - Feelings of belonging and emotional support are linked to higher serotonin [20]. Caring for others, through volunteering or nurturing loved ones, may also provide a serotonin lift [20].
- Listening to music - In adults, pleasant music increased serotonin levels compared to unpleasant music [21]
- Sunlight - Serotonin levels are higher in the summer compared to winter, likely due to increased sunlight exposure.
- Physical touch - Getting regular massages can increase your serotonin levels by up to 30% [22].
FAQ's
When should I take 5htp ?
+
-
Is 5htp safe ? How long can I take it for ?
+
-
5htp vs tryptophan - can you take serotonin tablets ?
+
-
Are there any 5-htp side effects or contraindications ?
+
-