5-HTP Supplements

5-HTP (short for L-5-hydroxytryptophan) is the building block for serotonin. 

You may be low in serotonin if your mood is down, you fall asleep but wake up earlier than you like, you’re experiencing constipation, your muscles are aching everywhere, you’re more obsessive and compulsive about things or you find yourself binging on junk foods or consuming alcohol more than you like.

 

How does 5-HTP support healthy serotonin levels? Serotonin is made by your DDC enzyme. Your DDC enzyme needs 5-HTP to make serotonin.^†

 

How long does 5-HTP last in your body? The half-life of 5-HTP is about four hours. In about 20 minutes after taking 5-HTP, you may feel a healthy mood, relaxed and more inclined to make healthy food choices. Normal Bowel movements may be supported as well, but the effect takes about a day or two for changes.^† 

 

When to take 5-HTP? It’s very flexible. You may take 5-HTP anytime of day with or without food. Take it before bed if you find yourself falling asleep just fine but are waking up frequently.^† 

 

If you need sleep support that has 5-HTP, consider Optimal Sleep II^† before bed. Optimal Sleep supports healthy sleep duration.^† 

 

Want a more consistent level of 5-HTP throughout the day or night? Consider our 5-HTP Extended Release. Since the half-life of 5-HTP is only 4 hours, you may find that a healthy mood and muscles are more consistently supported throughout the entire day with 5-HTP Extended Release.