5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a naturally occurring essential amino acid and chemical precursor of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin. Tryptophane is metabolized into 5-HTP, which is then converted into serotonin. 5-HTP supplements work by increasing the supply of the major building block material needed to create serotonin, which plays a central role in mood, hunger and sleep.

There are many health benefits in ensuring that the body is producing regular amounts of serotonin. Low levels of this key neurotransmitter have been associated with fibromyalgia, chronic pain, altered mood, insomnia, PMS, and headaches. Chronic headaches have been known to be caused by low levels of serotonin, and many in the medical community have come to regard migraines as “low serotonin syndrome”.

Preventing migraines by using 5-HTP can provide a considerable advantage over other drug therapy, as many of the other available treatments come with significant side effects. 5-HTP can have a large impact on the mood of depressed patients and is able to help a great deal with panic attacks and anxiety. 5-HTP has also been shown to be a very effective tool to combat depression if taken in conjunction with St. John’s wort.

5-HTP has many benefits in terms of weight loss and insomnia. Proper serotonin levels can help with weight loss by suppressing appetite. A major obstacle in successful weight loss programs is the cravings for carbohydrates and binge eating that follow dieting. Craving food that is full of carbohydrates is associated with low serotonin levels in the brain. 5-HTP can significantly help weight loss by increasing serotonin levels.

When it comes to sleep aid, melatonin regulates sleep cycles, and because serotonin is converted into melatonin by the pineal gland, serotonin is then an effective sleep aid. It has also been suggested that 5-HTP products, as opposed to melatonin products, can help to improve sleep quality and not simply sleep regularity.