5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan) is a natural supplement that converts in the brain into serotonin. Serotonin is an important brain chemical involved in mood, behavior, appetite, and sleep. Serotonin is also involved in impulse control. For instance, low serotonin levels may lead to addictive behavior such as gambling or other habits caused by weak will power. Serotonin is known as 5-HT, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, and is found in many places in the body particularly the brain, gastrointestinal system, and blood cells.

     5-HTP has been helpful for some people, but the effects are not consistent in everyone who uses it. Some people are deficient in serotonin and hence 5-HTP may be helpful to them whereas other people may have depression, anxiety, and other symptoms that may appear to be due to serotonin deficiency in the brain, but may actually be from other causes. There's really no easy way -- for instance blood studies in a doctor's office -- to tell whether someone is deficient in serotonin, and if they are, whether 5-HTP would help them.

Additional 5HTP Information