Vitals 5-HTP 100 mg 60 capsules

This product contains L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is extracted from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP is the already converted and biologically active form of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. It is the direct precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin.

Preference of 5-HTP over L-tryptophan
There is already more than thirty years of experience with food supplements containing 5-HTP. This form is excellently absorbed, even when taken with a meal, and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier. 5-HTP does not compete with other amino acids. It does not require a (common) transport molecule, unlike other amino acids (including L-tryptophan). Another advantage over L-tryptophan is that 5-HTP does not need to be converted in the body. In addition, more than 95% of the L-tryptophan ingested with food is converted into proteins and other molecules, and only a small part is available as a precursor to serotonin and melatonin. For these reasons, 5-HTP is preferred over L-tryptophan, and significantly lower doses are sufficient.