What is serotonin

Serotonin is created by a biochemical conversion process which combines tryptophan, a component of proteins, with tryptophan hydroxylase, a chemical reactor. Together, they form 5-hydroxyltryptamine (5-HT), also referred to as serotonin.

• Serotonin is an important chemical neurotransmitter in the human body.
• It is commonly regarded as a chemical that is responsible for maintaining mood balance.
• Serotonin is created by a biochemical conversion process.
• Serotonin is manufactured in the brain and the intestines. The majority of the body's serotonin, between 80-90%, can be found in the gastrointestinal tract.
• Serotonin that is used inside the brain must be produced within it.
• It is thought that serotonin can affect mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory and sexual desire and function.
• An association has been made between depression and serotonin. Scientists remain unsure whether decreased levels of serotonin contribute to depression or depression causes a decrease in serotonin levels.
• Drugs that alter serotonin levels have important clinical uses such as in the treatment of depression, nausea andmigraine.
• Medical research continues to evaluate the role of serotonin in obesity and Parkinson's disease.
• Other ways to increase body serotonin levels include mood induction, light, exercise and diet.