Approximately five hundred amino acids occur in nature. Twenty of these are amino acids that serve as building blocks for proteins in the human body, these are referred to as 'fundamental amino acids'. These fundamental amino acids can be further subdivided into the categories 'essential', 'semi-essential' and 'non-essential'. 'Essential' means that the body cannot produce the amino acid itself from other amino acids, and that one is completely dependent on food in order to meet one's daily needs.

This product contains L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 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 for 5-HTP over L-tryptophan
There has been more than thirty years of experience with dietary 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 suffer from competition with other amino acids. It does not require a (shared) transport molecule like other amino acids (including L-tryptophan). Another advantage over L-tryptophan is that 5-HTP does not first have to be converted in the body. In addition, more than 95% of the L-tryptophan taken is converted into proteins and other molecules and only a small part is available as a precursor of serotonin and melatonin. For these reasons, 5-HTP is preferred over L-tryptophan and significantly lower doses are sufficient.

Permitted health claims:
No.

Griffonia simplicifolia extract (naturally contains 5-HTP), anti-caking agent (rice fibre), vegetable capsule (pullulan, from fermented cassava starch).