5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is one of the twenty amino acids that your body produces. Amino acids are important compounds in many molecules in the body and 5-HTP is required in serotonin production.
The main condition associated with a serotonin imbalance is depression. It is thought that increasing levels of 5-HTP by taking supplements improves serotonin production and therefore could alleviate symptoms of depression.
It could also help to treat the condition fibromyalgia (a condition that causes chronic pain) and decrease the frequency of migraines as these are thought to be triggered by a serotonin imbalance.
Serotonin can also be converted to melatonin, a hormone associated with controlling the sleep cycle. Levels of Melatonin rise in the evening to help you sleep and fall in the morning to help you wake up.
Taking a 5-HTP supplement could improve sleep by improving serotonin and therefore melatonin production. It is most effective when taken with gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) which acts as an inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain producing a calming effect.
If you are interested in purchasing 5-HTP supplements or have any further questions, please give us a call on 01483 452555.
