Natural 5-HTP supplements
5-HTP is the abbreviation for 5-hydroxytryptophan. The substance comes from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. The herb is also called California poppy and grows in West and Central Africa, among other places. This is one of the few natural sources of 5-HTP.
The substance is also produced naturally by the body itself. In our bodies, it's used as a building block for the production of the happiness hormone serotonin.
Natural 5-HTP
The natural version of 5-HTP is widely used as a "serotonin booster." It's often combined with various vitamins and minerals that also promote serotonin production.
5-HTP supports mood and well-being. Although it's a popular supplement, new European legislation prohibits any information about its effectiveness.
We can, however, explain what 5-HTP naturally occurs in the body and how it's produced. Below, we'll explain in simple terms how 5-HTP is produced and how it's subsequently used by the body.
Production of the body's own 5-HTP
The body's own 5-HTP forms the basis for, among other things, the happiness hormone serotonin and the sleep hormone melatonin. Its production begins with proteins, which you ingest through food.
Proteins are made up of amino acids, so they're best visualized as a string of beads, with each bead representing an amino acid. See the image below.
When you digest food, your body uses stomach acid to break down these proteins into amino acids, making them easily absorbed.
These absorbed amino acids can then be used to build other substances, such as new proteins or signalling substances (neurotransmitters).
One of these amino acids, tryptophan, forms the basis for 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). As the scientific name suggests, tryptophan is a component of 5-HTP. The body attaches another substance to tryptophan, creating a new substance (5-HTP).
Of course, the actual process is more complex than the simple explanation above. The conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP involves several substances, such as folate, iron, calcium, and vitamin B3, as well as an auxiliary substance, the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase.
Conversion of the body's own 5-HTP to serotonin
Natural 5-HTP has no function of its own in the body. It is primarily used by the body to produce serotonin. Serotonin is known as the happiness hormone, but it's also involved in other bodily processes.
For example, it's involved in appetite, sleep, sexuality, and memory. To convert 5-HTP into serotonin, the body uses magnesium, zinc, vitamin B6, and vitamin C, along with an important "helper"—the enzyme 5-hydroxytryptophan decarboxylase.
Not only 5-HTP influences the production of serotonin, but also external factors such as stress and exercise.
Conversion of serotonin to melatonin
The body's own serotonin, which is produced from the body's own 5-HTP, is used to produce the sleep hormone melatonin. In this way, 5-HTP is indirectly responsible for the production of this hormone.
Melatonin regulates the day-night rhythm, among other things, and ensures that you feel tired in the evening and sleep well. To convert serotonin into the natural sleep hormone, the body uses magnesium, B12, and SAMe, along with an important "auxiliary substance," the enzyme serotonin N-acetyltransferase.
Light is also an important factor in melatonin production. Too much light, for example from screens, can disrupt this production. This is also why it's always advised not to watch TV or use your phone late at night.
Difference between 5-HTP and tryptophan
People often confuse 5-HTP and tryptophan. While they appear quite similar, there are some significant differences and similarities.
- 5-HTP is more easily absorbed into the brain (crosses the blood-brain barrier) than tryptophan, because it does not compete with other amino acids.
- You need less 5-HTP than tryptophan to produce the same amount of serotonin. Tryptophan has to undergo two reactions, while 5-HTP only has to undergo one.
- 5-HTP is used only for the production of serotonin, while tryptophan is also used to build proteins. As a result, only a very small portion of the tryptophan is actually converted into serotonin.
Want to buy a serotonin booster with natural 5-HTP?
Serobooster is our natural 5-HTP supplement with active B6 (pyridoxal-5-phosphate), which is beneficial for mood and well-being. B6 is also good for reducing fatigue and can support mental balance.
This supplement contains one of the best natural Griffonia extracts, which contains 98% natural 5-HTP. The capsule is also made with cellulose, a natural plant substance that provides strength.
A package of Serobooster contains 60 capsules, which lasts for 30 to 60 days. Most of our customers use one capsule per day.
Want to buy a sleeping pill with natural 5-HTP?
Our product, Night Rest & Mood, is a natural sleep aid that, among other things, helps you fall asleep faster and supports natural sleep. One of the key ingredients in this product is 5-HTP from Griffonia extract.
Along with 11 other natural ingredients, this makes up our natural sleep aid. It's currently our most popular supplement.
