5-HTP and Serotonin


5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is created from the essential amino acid L-Tryptophan in the human body. 5-HTP, produced from L-Tryptophan, goes through another chemical process in the body to turn into the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT). Taking 5-HTP can increase the amount of serotonin in the body. Serotonin is known to create feelings of relaxation, happiness, and confidence, and also plays a role in a wide range of bodily functions, including appetite control, mood and behavior regulation, cardiovascular function, sleep, muscle contraction, regulation of thyroid hormone secretion, enhancement of memory and learning, and body temperature regulation. While the raw materials for 5-HTP, such as chicken or turkey meat and milk, can be consumed as food, 5-HTP itself cannot be consumed through regular foods.


Serotonin and Happiness


The right amount of serotonin can help regulate happiness. According to the research of Dr. Charles Grisham and Dr. Reginald Garrett, serotonin begins to be created in the brain through various signals, one of which is consuming carbohydrates. People often feel happy while snacking on sugary or starchy foods because the consumption of these kinds of food increases serotonin production. In order to treat depression, doctors often prescribe medications that increase serotonin levels, such as 5-HTP, because it can have similar effects to antidepressants while having fewer side effects.


Serotonin and Sleep


Serotonin is converted into melatonin in the body. Melatonin is a hormone that helps the body fall and stay asleep, and the relationship between 5-HTP and melatonin can be explained chemically as follows:


Protein → L-Tryptophan (essential amino acid) → 5-HTP → Serotonin → N-Acetyl Serotonin → Melatonin


Melatonin is a hormone that is closely related to the sleep cycle and is often used for jet lag or adjusting to different day and night schedules. As a result, serotonin is closely related to falling asleep or waking up, and if there is not enough serotonin, other stimulating neurotransmitters may be secreted instead, leading to disrupted sleep patterns. One study on 5-HTP and sleep patterns found that taking 5-HTP can lead to falling asleep faster and having deeper sleep. According to the journal "Sleep," there is a risk of insomnia when the brain is lacking in serotonin transporters or they are not functioning properly.





1. Nicolodi M and Sicuteri F. Fibromyalgia and migraine, two faces of the same mechanism. Serotonin as the common clue for pathogenesis and therapy. Adv Exp Med Biol 1996;398:373-379.
2. Poldinger W, Calanchini B, and Schwarz W. A functional-dimensional approach to depression: serotonin deficiency as a target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine. Psychopathology 1991;24(2):53-81.
3. Zmilacher K, Battlegay R, and Gastpar M. L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone and in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor in the treatment of depression. Neuropsychobiology 1988;20(1):28-35.
4. Angst J, Woggon B, and Schoepf J. The treatment of depression with L-5-hydroxytryptophan versus imipramine. Result of two open and one double-blind study. Arch Psychiatr Nervenkr 1997;224:175-86.

Adults: 1 capsule 3 times per day. Take with food.

To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, start dosing at 1 per day and slowly increase to effective dose over 2 weeks period.

1. Shipping

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Note: Orders shipped to Yukon, NWT, and Nunavut may incur an additional shipping charge, and we will contact you by email if this applies. Free shipping offers are not available for items sold and shipped by third-party Marketplace Sellers.

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Returns are typically processed within two weeks of receipt. Once processed, please allow 2-10 business days for the refund to appear on your payment method, although it may take up to one billing cycle depending on your provider.

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Caforia.ca
1111 Flint Road, #25
North York, ON, Canada
M3J 3C7
Tel: 416-739-8228

For any further questions regarding shipping, returns, or refunds, our Customer Service team is here to help. Thank you for choosing Caforia, and we hope you enjoy a healthy and satisfying shopping experience with us!