What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that plays an important role in the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter known to be associated with the feeling of well-being. In addition to supporting a healthy mental outlook and mood, studies have also shown serotonin to encourage deeper sleep and to support healthy appetite regulation. Unlike oral serotonin, 5-HTP is able to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and increase synthesis of serotonin in the central nervous system. 5-HTP is extracted naturally from the seed of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.
Overview
Stressful lifestyles and poor diets often cause a depletion of serotonin levels. 5-HTP has been used for many years to replenish serotonin levels and support a healthy mood and sleep cycle regulation. Supplementation with 5-HTP has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the central nervous system. The essential amino acid, tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. Tryptophan hydroxylase can be inhibited by a number of factors including stress, insulin resistance, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency and insufficient magnesium levels. Supplementation with 5-HTP bypasses the conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP and thus supports optimal levels of serotonin.[1,2] 5-HTP also readily crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and bypasses competition with other amino acids, making it a more efficient precursor for serotonin production.[1-3]
Mood and Comfort†
Adequate levels of serotonin are associated with a sense of calmness and relaxation.[1-4] Several studies have demonstrated that 5-HTP supports a healthy frame of mind, good energy levels, comfortable movement and restful sleep.[1,5,6,7] Published studies of doses between 100-600 mg/day have also shown 5-HTP to support occasional headaches. [ 8-10]
Sleep Support†
Clinical studies have shown 5-HTP helps to maintain healthy sleep cycle regulation. 5-HTP improves quality of sleep by extending the rapid eye movement (REM) phase as well as increasing the deep sleep stages of non-REM sleep without increasing total sleep time. In addition, 5-HTP promotes the release of melatonin by the pineal gland inside the brain and increases the length of REM.[3,11] In children, supplementation with 5-HTP may help support peaceful sleep[12] and decrease the incidence of night terrors.[13] 5-HTP has also been found to raise plasma cortisol levels, causing a transient increase in growth hormone (at 150 mg dose) and, in men only, to support healthy levels of thyroid stimulating hormone.[14,15]
Appetite Regulation†
5-HTP has been found to assist with carbohydrate cravings. 5-HTP is known to support normal hypothalamic regulation, which includes appetite homeostasis.[16] In one study, sublingual 5-HTP administered 5 times per day for 8 weeks in adult overweight women significantly supported feelings of post-meal hunger satisfaction. [17] An additional double-blind study using 900 mg daily of 5-HTP was found to produce significant weight loss in obese women. Reduced carbohydrate intake and improved satiety was observed following 5-HTP administration.[18]
Directions
1 or more capsules per day or as recommended by your health care professional.
Does Not Contain
Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors and flavors.
Cautions
Do not consume this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician for further information.
References
1. Juhl JH. Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway. Altern Med Rev 1998 Oct;3(5):367-75.
2. Gutknecht L, Jacob C, Strobel A, et al. Tryptophan hydroxylase-2 gene variation infuences personality traits and disorders related to emotional dysregulation. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2007 Jun;10(3):309-20.
3. Birdsall TC. 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Altern Med Rev 1998;3(4):271-80.
4. Agren H, Reibring L, Hartvig P, et al. Low brain uptake of L-[11C]5-hydroxytryptophan in major depression: a positron emission tomography study on patients and healthy volunteers. Acta Psychiatr Scand1991;83(6):449-55.
5. Zmilacher K, Battegay R, Gastpar M. L-5-hydroxytryptophan alone and in combination with a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor in the treatment of depression. Neuropsychobiology 1988;20(1):28-35.
6. Caruso I, Sarzi Puttini P, Cazzola M, et al. Doubleblind study of 5-hydroxytryptophan versus placebo in the treatment of primary fibromyalgia syndrome. J Int Med Res. 1990 May-Jun;18(3):201-09.
7. Puttini S, Caruso I. Primary fibromyalgia syndrome and 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan: a 90-day open study J Int Med Res. 1992 Apr;20(2):182-89.
8. Ribeiro CA. L-5-hydroxytryptophan in the prophylaxis of chronic tension-type headache: a double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled study. Headache 2000 Jun;40(6):451-56.
9. Nagata E, Shibata M, Hamada J, et al. Plasma 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in migraine during an attack-free period. Headache 2006;46(4):592-96.
10. Nicolodi M, Sicuteri F. L-5-hydroxytryptophan can prevent nociceptive disorders in man. Adv Exp Med Biol. 1999;467:177-82.
11. Wyatt RJ, Zarcone V, Engelman K, et al. Effects of 5-hydroxytryptophan on the sleep of normal human subjects. Electroencephalogr Clin Neurophysiol. 1971 Jun;30(6):505-09.
12. Bruni O, Ferri R, Miano S, et al. L -5-hydroxytryptophan treatment of sleep terrors in children. Eur J Pediatr 2004;163(7):402-07.
13. Bruni O, Ferri R, Miano S, Verrillo E. L -5-Hydroxytryptophan treatment of sleep terrors in children. Eur J Pediatr. 2004 Jul;163(7):402-7. Epub 2004 May 14.
14. Lee MA, Nash JF, Barnes M, et al. Inhibitory effect of ritanserin on the 5-hydroxytryptophan-mediated cortisol, ACTH and prolactin secretion in humans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 1991;103(2):258-64.
15. Mashchak CA, Kletzky OA, Spencer C, et al. Transient effect of L-5-hydroxytryptophan on pituitary function in men and women. J Clin Endocrinol Metab1983; 56(1):170-76.
16. Schott DA, Nicolai J, de Vries JE, et al. Disorder in the serotonergic system due to tryptophan hydroxylation impairment: a cause of hypothalamic syndrome? Horm Res Paediatr 2010;73(1):68-73.
17. Rondanelli M, Klersy C, Iadarola P, et al. Satiety and aminoacid profile in overweight women after a new treatment using a natural plant extract sublingual spray formulation. Int J Obes (Lond) 2009;33(10):1174-82.
18. Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cascino A, et al. Eating behavior and adherence to dietary prescriptions in obese adult subjects treated with 5-hydroxytryptophan. Am J Clin Nutr 1992;56:863-867.
