5-HTP

5 HTP --- 5-Hydroxytryptophan Information:

What is 5-Hydroxytryptophan?

5-HTP could seem like natures newest secret super supplement, find out all about it below, and on the following pages;

5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism. 5HP is a compound created in the body which is used to regulate serotonin levels in brain and central nervous system. It is the effects on the levels of serotonin in the body that gives 5-HTP its active effects.

It is reported that modern hectic living – everyday stress/worries/and bad eating habits, lowers serotonin levels in the body.
Irritability, aggression, impatience, anxiety, worrying, all causes the body to release serotonin.

The body then tries to replenish its levels from your diet. Serotonin is not found in larges amounts in a normal diet, the body makes it itself from food which contains L-tryptophan, foods such as chocolate, oats, bananas, dried dates, milk, yogurt, cottage cheese, meat, fish, turkey, chicken, sesame, chickpeas, and peanuts.

Because a hectic lifestyle, or constant stress causes serotonin levels to be constantly low, many people crave the foods listed – fats carbohydrates, causing weight gain, depression, headaches, and muscle aches.

As a result, many people are overweight, crave sugar and other carbohydrates, experience bouts of depression, get frequent headaches, and have vague muscle aches and pain.

Where does 5-HTP come from?

5-HTP is found in minute amounts in foods such as cheese and turkey.
For the purpose of the capsules, the 5-HTP is sourced from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Griffonia simplicifolia is a woody climbing shrub that is native to West Africa and also grows in Central Africa.
It is the seeds of this plant that are used to extract the 5-Hydroxytryptophan content.

What can 5-HTP do?

Here is a list of some of the uses:

		5-HTP Helps to relive anxiety.
		5-HTP Can improve mood.
		5-HTP Can help depression.
		5-HTP May aid weight loss.
		5-HTP May improve sleep.
		5-HTP Could prevent panic attacks.

Is there any proof that 5-HTP works? / What research has been done?

Some research has been done into 5-HTP, and it has show that it has potential in the treatment of depression and possibly anxiety, panic disorder, sleep disorders and obesity.
As serotonin is found naturally in the body, the effects are well documented. Most results show that 5HTP has the same effects as SSRI antidepressants.
It is also suggested that more research needs to be done into the subject.

Is 5-HTP Safe? - Was Tryptophan not banned, which works in the same way?

Most concerns about 5HTP are based on the banning of Tryptophan. Tryptophan works in a similar way to 5-HTP, and Prozac, all three work by changing the levels of Serotonin in the body.
Tryptophan was banned in 1990, as a certain batch contained a dangerous and potentially deadly blood disease - Eosinophilia - Myalgia Syndrome (EMS). This was due to the manufacturing process to synthesize tryptophan. Improvements have been made in the development, and Tryptophan has recently (2001), been allowed to be sold again.

As the actual process of altering the Serotonin levels was not the result of the banning of Tryptophan, no connection should be made between the two. There have been no reports of EMS from 5-HTP.

It is very important that you read the Side Effects of 5-HTP Page HERE