SerotoninDeficit

Tryptophan, also known as L-tryptophan, can be converted into serotonin, as well as other substances such as kynurenine. Which path of conversion it takes depends on the situation at hand as well as the current levels of tryptophan in the blood. At the same time, tryptophan uptake can be negatively affected by other amino acids that are ingested, for example, through food.

Chronic stress and inflammation are also tryptophan thieves. The two key enzymes TPH1 and TPH2, in particular, are extremely sensitive to stress and the increased cortisol released in the process. All of these factors can lead to an increase in the conversion of tryptophan into kynurenine, which ultimately negatively affects the release of serotonin.

During youth, the need for tryptophan can be well covered by the diet. For example, walnuts, dairy products and eggs contain particularly high amounts of tryptophan, as do cocoa, bananas, pineapple and soybeans. With increasing age, however, it is no longer possible to correct a tryptophan deficiency or meet increased tryptophan requirements through the diet. In these cases, targeted supplementation is necessary.

Unlike tryptophan, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is always metabolized into serotonin because it cannot be converted into any other substance. It is therefore significantly less prone to disruption, making it an ideal vehicle for increasing serotonin levels as quickly as possible. The conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin occurs in the peripheral organs as well as in the brain.

Another property of 5-HTP: It is absorbed independently of food or any other amino acids. However, in addition to estrogens, it also needs sufficient B vitamins, especially vitamins B3 and B6, to be converted into serotonin. Vitamin B3 is found primarily in peas, poultry, beef, pork and sardines. Wheat germ, wheat bran, poultry, egg yolk and fish are, in turn, important sources of vitamin B6.