Serotonin: The Happiness Hormone
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are small molecules that enable communication between brain cells.
5-HTP is a molecule used for the production of serotonin. 5-HTP ( 5-hydroxytryptophan) is an endogenous* amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins within the organism. The amino acid 5-HTP is the precursor* for the essential neurotransmitter serotonin.
Serotonin, also known as the "happiness hormone", regulates the mood and the feelings of well-being. It helps enable brain activity by optimizing the neural transmissions between brain cells. When serotonin levels are increased, the mood is stabilized which leads to the feeling of being more focused and calm.
The secretion of serotonin is vital in periods of stress because it makes you feel more relaxed, and therefore increases your ability to focus while studying. StudyBoost is a vitamin that aids in brain focus and concentration especially during periods of intense stress. This is achieved through the aforementioned 5-HTP precursor which is actively converted into serotonin and is one of the constituents of StudyBoost.
Neurotransmitters work in synergy. Serotonin works together with dopamine to enable communication between brain cells. StudyBoost also contains the necessary ingredients for the production of dopamine.
To read more about dopamine and its effects click here
*endogenous: produced inside the organism
*precursor: a substance by which another one is formed
Bibliography
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2. Bancos, M.D., Irina. “Serotonin.” Serotonin | Hormone Health Network, Dec. 2018, www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/serotonin.
3. Lynn-Bullock, Christina P, et al. “The Effect of Oral 5-HTP Administration on 5-HTP and 5-HT Immunoreactivity in Monoaminergic Brain Regions of Rats.” Journal of Chemical Neuroanatomy, Elsevier, 12 Apr. 2004, www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891061804000274.
4. “Vitamins and Minerals.” HelpGuide.org, www.helpguide.org/harvard/vitamins-and-minerals.htm.
5. Walle, Gavin Van De. “5 Science-Based Benefits of 5-HTP (Plus Dosage and Side Effects).” Healthline, Healthline Media, 21 May 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/5-htp-benefits.
About the Author
Andromachi Christakou is an MPharm student at the University of Nottingham with interests in pharmacology and pharmaceutics.