Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter , a type of chemical that helps relay signals from one area of the
brain to another. Although
serotonin is manufactured in the brain, where it performs its primary functions, some 90% of our
serotonin supply is found in the digestive tract and in blood platelets.
Serotonin is made via a unique biochemical conversion process. It begins with tryptophan, a building block to proteins.
Cells that make
serotonin use tryptophan hydroxylase, a chemical reactor which, when combined with tryptophan, forms 5-hydroxytryptamine, otherwise known as serotonin. As a neurotransmitter,
serotonin helps to relay messages from one area of the
brain to another. Because of the widespread distribution of its cells, it is believed to influence a variety of psychological and other body functions. Of the approximately 40 million
brain cells, most are influenced either directly or indirectly by serotonin.
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