Main centres: | 1-3 business days |
Regional areas: | 3-4 business days |
Remote areas: | 3-5 business days |
5-HTP 200mg 60 Caps Weight Management/Insomnia/Stress/Anxiety/Depression Relief, Mood Enhancer
5-HTP has been studied and shown to be of benefit in the following conditions:
5-HTP 5-hydroxy L-tryptophan is a naturally occurring metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan. 5-HTP is converted in the brain to serotonin, a neurotransmitter substance found at the junctions synapses between neurons. 5-HTP helps maintain mental and emotional well-being, plays a key role in controlling appetite and promotes healthy sleep. 5-HTP is extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.
As a precursor of serotonin, 5-HTP helps to normalize serotonin activity in the body. Considerable research has been conducted regarding the activity of 5-HTP. Some of the clinical studies are summarized below:
MOOD - Dysregulation of serotonin metabolism in the central nervous system has been shown to affect mood. 5-HTP helps to normalize serotonin levels and, thereby positively affect mood. In a double-blind study using objective assessments of mood, researchers in Zurich, Switzerland and Germany reported significant improvements in mood with 5-HTP.
SLEEP - Many studies have shown that depletion of serotonin results in insomnia, which is reversed by administration of 5-HTP. Likewise, Soulairac and Lambinet reported that 100mg of 5-HTP resulted in significant improvement for people who complained of trouble sleeping.
APPETITE - Food intake is thought to suppress appetite through the production of serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan. Because it is an intermediary in the conversion process of tryptophan to serotonin, 5-HTP may reduce appetite in a similar manner as food intake, but without the calories. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study, subjects taking 5-HTP lost significant weight compared to control subjects. A reduction in carbohydrate intake and early satiety were seen in the 5-HTP group.
OTHER - There have even been several studies that show the supplement works as well as certain antidepressants known as Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac and Zoloft. It also serves to balance out the mood and usually leads to a reduction in stress and anxiety levels. As users are better able to relax, this also often leads to more restful sleep with greater REM duration in the sleep cycle. Those who suffer from frequent migraines may find 5-HTP supplements to offer relief as well. There is also some crossover showing that the supplement may improve brain systems responsible for impulse control, which may reduce the severity of panic attacks.
Physicians suggest taking a 5-HTP supplement instead of a serotonin supplement because 5-HTP can access the brain from the bloodstream, while serotonin cannot.
Dosage: The generally recommended dose for 5-HTP in healthy adults is 100 mg one to three times per day. Due to potential toxicity in high doses, it is not advisable to take more than 300 mg per day under any circumstances. In fact, new users should always start out at the lowest possible effective dose of 5-HTP supplements. More does not necessarily mean better results as you may start to reach a point of diminishing return due to an occurrence known as receptor down regulation.
Cautions: It is not recommended to take 5-HTP in conjunction with other supplements or prescribed drugs for mood support. Keep out of reach of children. Not intended for persons under 18 years of age. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing or at risk of or being treated for high blood pressure and heart disease.