5 HTP / 5-hydroxy-tryptophan

5 HTP or 5-hydroxy-tryptophan is used by the human body to produce serotonin. Serotonin is a key neurochemical that plays a significant role in mood, sleep, appetite and pain control. A deficit of serotonin can result in amongst other things, severe depression. 

Basic Facts

5HTP is manufactured in the body from the natural amino acid L-tryptophan which is found in dietary proteins. Eating foods that contain L-tryptophan does not increase levels of 5HTP dramatically.

L-tryptophan has roles throughout the body whereas the effects of 5HTP are primarily concentrated in the brain.

Supplemental 5HTP is produced from the seeds of an African medicinal plant called the Griffonia simplicifolia.

Effects / Indications

5HTP has been used to combat cases of insomnia, alleviate age-related depression, anxiety and alcohol withdrawal.

• 5HTP has been described as natures answer to Prozac
• Improve your sleep naturally

Fibromyalgia sufferers often have low serotonin levels in their blood and 5HTP has proved useful in raising these levels. Fibromyalgia sufferers have also reported the reduction of other symptoms such as morning stiffness, pain and disturbances to sleep when taking 5HTP.

• 5HTP has wide reaching benefits for sufferers of Fimbromyalgia

Abnormal serotonin function is related to the cause of migraine headaches 5HTP’s serotonin promoting effects have proved beneficial.

5HTP has also been used for tension headaches and appetite reduction.

Dosage

Normal doses are between 50mg and 100mg (200mg maximum) daily.
Very high doses of 5HTP must be avoided unless you are also taking carbidopa (contained in Sinemet) to avoid serotonin crossing into the blood stream. Avoid use with other serotonin enhancing agents such as L-Tryptophan or other serotonin enhancing drugs such as SSRI drugs like Prozac ® etc. without your physician's guidance.

5HTP

• Combat depression naturally
• 5HTP can help you sleep better
• Offers a myriad of general health benefits such as well being and reduced anxiety