5-Hydroxytryptophan

5-Hydroxytryptophan is a chemical hydrogen compound (H for hydrogenium) of the amino acid tryptophan. It is one of the essential amino acids for humans, from which the human metabolism forms numerous hormones, including the important learning and happiness hormone serotonin.

Tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan and serotonin are components of serotonin synthesis. Serotonin can only be absorbed by the body from food to a very limited extent and must therefore be produced for the most part in the human body from the amino acid tryptophan. In this process, 5-hydroxytryptophan is an intermediate product before the molecule is completely converted into serotonin.

Serotonin is needed in the intestine as well as in the brain. The amount of serotonin needed locally must be produced locally, because serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
5-Hydroxytryptophan, on the other hand, has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, which is why there can be an increase in serotonin levels in the brain when
5-hydroxytryptophan accumulates here. It is also needed in the organism for the formation of the sleep hormone melatonin. A high concentration has a mood-regulating and anxiety-relieving effect. In addition, a high serotonin level has a positive influence on sleep rhythm, appetite, memory and blood circulation in the vessels.

Serotonin deficiencies can be due to a lack of precursors and/or a lack of the enzymes needed to carry out the biochemical processes involved in the formation of serotonin. They can also be caused by an imbalance in the gut flora, as these microbes also use tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan to synthesise cellular serotonin, serotonin which is then only available to the body to a very limited extent. The end results of a deficiency, however caused, vary, but can almost always have negative consequences for well-being and quality of life.

In order to naturally increase serotonin levels and/or compensate for a deficit, targeted supplementation with foods that have a high concentration of 5-hydroxytryptophan by themselves can be useful. The seeds of the African black bean Griffonia simplicifolia are one such food source.

If the intake of 5-Hydroxytryptophan from the diet is not sufficient or there is an increased need, this substance can be supplemented with special food supplements.