The Benefits of 5-HTP

5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an intermediate in the natural conversion of the essential amino acid tryptophan, to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter. Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP increases the amount and availability of serotonin produced by the body. Support your healthy moods, eating habits, and sleep cycles with the science of Source Naturals 5-HTP today.

Source Naturals 5-HTP is naturally derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.

How 5-HTP Works

5-HTP works because it helps support your body’s balanced production of two important sleep regulating hormones, serotonin, and melatonin. Eventually, the serotonin in your body is converted into melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate healthy 24-hour sleep cycles known as circadian rhythms.

Aging, hormone imbalance, and various forms of physical or emotional stress can decrease your melatonin levels and disrupt your sleep cycle. Fortunately, that balance can be recouped. When 5-HTP increases serotonin production, melatonin production is also increased, helping you regain a healthy circadian rhythm. However, you need adequate serotonin levels to maintain this balance.

Increased brain serotonin levels may produce positive effects on:

• emotional well-being
• appetite regulation
• melatonin production
• maintaining a healthy sleep cycle

5-HTP The Science of Sleep

Sleep is especially important in today's world. It's the time when your body repairs, rebuilds, and replenishes the tissues and compounds that have been damaged or depleted by the demands of your life. But when there is too much stress, imbalances occur that can keep you from getting enough sleep. Source Naturals 5-HTP can help promote healthy sleep cycles. 5-HTP is created when the tryptophan in your body is converted into serotonin. 5-HTP can cross the blood-brain barrier and is associated with increasing active serotonin levels as well as serotonin production.

Other Uses

Depression
Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute to the development of depression. Many drugs prescribed for depression increase serotonin levels. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and physical symptoms.

Fibromyalgia
Although many factors can influence the stiffness, pain, and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia, evidence from several studies indicates that low serotonin levels may play a role in the development of this condition. 5-HTP has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression in individuals with fibromyalgia.

Headaches
Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in adults with various types of headaches including migraines.

Obesity
There is some evidence that low tryptophan levels may contribute to excess fat and carbohydrate intake (which can result in weight gain). A study of overweight individuals with diabetes suggests that supplementation with 5-HTP may decrease fat and carbohydrate intake by promoting a feeling of satiety (fullness). Additional similar studies of obese men and women without diabetes found that supplementation with 5-HTP resulted in decreased food intake and weight loss.

Precautions

Individuals taking the antidepressant medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, and tranylcypromine) should not use 5-HTP, as it enhances the action of these drugs and may increase the risk for developing a dangerous condition known as "serotonin syndrome." Serotonin syndrome is characterized by mental status changes, rigidity, hot flashes, rapidly fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate, and possibly coma.

Similarly, other drugs for depression that interfere with the uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, namely trazodone and venlafexine, may also lead to serotonin syndrome when used along with 5-HTP. If you are currently taking any of the above prescription medications, you should not use 5-HTP without first talking to your health care provider.

5-HTP may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea, heartburn, flatulence, feelings of fullness, and rumbling sensations in some people. Pregnant or nursing women and individuals with high blood pressure or diabetes should consult a healthcare practitioner before taking 5-HTP.

References

Birdsall, T. (1998). 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically effective serotonin precursor. Alt Med Rev 3(4): 271-280.

Magnussen, T., et al. (1981). Plasma accumulation and metabolism of orally administered single dose L-5-Hydroxytryptophan in man. Acta Pharm et Tox 49:184-189.

Magnussen, T., et al. (1980). Bioavailability and related pharmacokinetics in man of orally administered L-5-hydroxytryptophan in steady state. Acta Pharm et Tox 46: 257-262.

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