5-HTP

What is 5-HTP?

The amino acid L-tryptophan, which is found in foods such as dairy and bananas, is used by our bodies to produce serotonin. Initially, tryptophan is converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is then transformed into serotonin in the brain with the help of vitamin B6, and can subsequently be converted into melatonin.

Where does 5-HTP come from?

While tryptophan is widely found in nature, ready-made 5-HTP is rarer. The primary source we know of is Griffonia simplicifolia. The seeds of this shrub are naturally rich in 5-HTP.

Common dosages for 5-HTP range between 50 and 250 mg per day.