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5-HTP is short for 5-hydroxy-tryptophan, and it is a building block in the body for serotonin production. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect on brain chemistry and can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness, which could have an effect on weight management. Besides mood and weight management, some studies suggest that 5-HTP can help support proper digestion and nutrient absorption as serotonin plays a role in gut function and digestive health. We regularly recommend Metabolic Maintenance’s brand of 5-HTP to our patients.  This formula provides extra glycine, a gently calming amino acid, that supports your circadian rhythm (sleep-wake cycles), calms the nervous system, and promotes relaxation; benefits that can result in sound and restful sleep.

About this product

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is obtained commercially from the seeds of Grifonia simplicifolia, which is a tropical shrub native to West Africa. Tryptophan is also used by the body to make niacin, a B-vitamin that is important for digestion, skin, and nerves; important in that those areas if irritated, can also cause low mood or insomnia. A deficiency in tryptophan may reduce sleep, appetite, and affect temperature, sexual behavior, pain sensation, depression, anxiety, and aggression which coincides with earlier studies that found insomnia sufferers have tryptophan depletion.

A naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor in the biosynthesis of serotonin, 5-HTP is a neurotransmitter that relays signals between brain cells; natural biochemical that the body derives from tryptophan, an essential amino acid or protein building block that the human body cannot make, thus, we need to ingest it from foods including turkey, milk, pumpkin, turnip and sea vegetables.  5-HTP easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and it is a precursor for serotonin, the brain’s natural calming and uplifting neurotransmitter, which can be converted into the hormone melatonin.  Melatonin plays an important role in regulating the sleep-wake cycles.  5-HTP is a gentle effective sleep aid that reduces the time to fall asleep and promotes deep, restorative sleep with less nocturnal waking.  When taken at bedtime, 5-HTP results in a very natural feel sleep, without any hangover.

Once in the brain, tryptophan is converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin which plays a large role in mood creating a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Tryptophan is a large amino acid and competes with all of the body’s other amino acids to enter the brain through a strict gatekeeper known as the blood-brain barrier. Carbohydrates trigger the release of insulin, which removes most amino acids from the blood, but not tryptophan. This clears the pathway for tryptophan to enter the brain and form serotonin and, ultimately, melatonin. Once in the brain, tryptophan is converted to the neurotransmitter serotonin. This plays a major role in mood, creating a feeling of well-being and relaxation. Serotonin also significantly affects appetite, giving a feeling of satisfaction with smaller portions of food.

Brain neurons that release serotonin are unique in that the amount of serotonin they release is controlled by food intake. Carbohydrates increase serotonin release, acting via insulin secretion and the “blood plasma tryptophan ratio.” The total amount of protein we ingest does not influence serotonin, though it helps weight loss in other ways. This ability of neurons to send out neurotransmitter signaling messages in response to food consumption is a feedback mechanism that normally keeps carbohydrate and protein intakes fairly constant.

Unfortunately, many people learn to overeat carbohydrates–particularly snack foods, like potato chips or pastries which are high in carbohydrates and fats–to make themselves feel better, as these foods boost serotonin. This use of certain foods as if they were mood-elevating drugs is a frequent cause of weight gain. Eating excess carbohydrates to raise serotonin and mood is also seen in women with premenstrual syndrome, in people who are stressed, or who suffer with seasonal depression, or in people who are attempting to give up smoking. Nicotine, like dietary carbohydrates, increases brain serotonin levels; nicotine withdrawal has the opposite effect.

Several studies have shown a strong correlation with 5-HTP and reducing excessive food intake in states of stress or depression. 5-HTP works both to reduce sweet cravings and to elevate mood. It helps to bring a sense of satisfaction with smaller portions, and enhances feelings of emotional calm and wellbeing. Drug companies have long sought a pill to mimic the natural way 5-HTP calms hunger by supporting serotonin levels to encourage weight loss, so far without pharmaceutical success.

Contents

1 capsule provide:

5-Hydroxytryptophan 100 mg
Vitamin C (as Ascorbic Acid) 100 mg
Vitamin B-6 (as 5 mg Pyridoxal 5” Phosphate) 3 mg
Glycine 300 mg

Other Ingredients: Vegetarian cellulose capsule

This product does not contain ingredients artificial flavoring or artificial coloring, added fillers or binders, stearates, preservatives, ingredients of animal origin, gluten, dairy, soy, tree nuts or peanuts.

Cautions

Always take natural remedies under the supervision of your health care provider. Do not use 5-HTP without the advice of your healthcare professional if you Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors like isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine as severe interactions can occur.
Do not use 5-HTP without the advice of your healthcare professional if you take Tramadol or if you take SSRIs such as sertraline and fluoxetine can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a condition caused by too much serotonin in the brain.

5-HTP can interact with various other medications, including some antidepressants, pain relievers, and supplements so only take under the supervision of your health provider.

Do not use 5-HTP during pregnancy or lactation unless under the guidance of your physician as there is insufficient data about safe use during pregnancy.