What is 5-HTP?

5-hydroxy tryptophan (5-HTP) is a compound produced by the amino acid tryptophan. The body breaks down tryptophan to make 5-HTP, and then changes it into serotonin: a neurotransmitter that helps regulates mood, increases calm, provides a greater level of concentration and focus, balances sleep patterns, provides a more hopeful, optimistic outlook, increases energy levels and helps to suppress or regulate the appetite. Therefore, 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin. This means that 5-HTP is an amino acid building block that helps the body naturally product serotonin.

 

Serotonin is absolutely essential for your brain – and thus your body – to function properly. It is a neurotransmitter, a chemical, which carries vital signals from one cell to the next. Without adequate levels of serotonin, those signals cannot move at the proper speed or intensity. People with low levels of serotonin awaken feeling un-rested; they drag themselves through the day feeling sluggish, moody, teary, impatient, impulsive, anxious and depressed. Low serotonin levels can also promote carbohydrate cravings and overeating.

Importantly, serotonin is the filtering system for all sensory input. Without the proper balance of this neurochemical, the brain misinterprets everything as a threat and sends the body into “survival mode”. Sights, sounds, smells, touch and even taste can be perceived as frightening and life threatening. With optimal levels of serotonin, the brain does not become overloaded or overwhelmed by excessive sensory input.

 

5-HTP and Serotonin

If you are one who is dealing with the effects of low serotonin levels, you can provide your body with the raw material it needs to produce its own serotonin — 5-HTP.

5-HTP – The Alternative to Tryptophan

In 1989 an outbreak of a serious medical condition was attributed to a contaminated batch of tryptophan supplements imported from Japan. The FDA immediately banned all over-the-counter sales of tryptophan (not just that imported from Japan) and made it available only with a prescription. This dramatically increased the price and made it unavailable for nutritional supplements.

When tryptophan was banned in l989, many companies began extensive research to find a non-prescription alternative to tryptophan. The alternative turned out to be 5-HTP. And 5-HTP is one step closer to serotonin in the body than tryptophan is. Taking 5-HTP actually gives your body a jump-start in its efforts to maintain healthy levels of serotonin.

 

Benefits of 5-HTP

Even though tryptophan is again available for over-the-counter use, there have been many benefits discovered that encourage the continuing use of 5-HTP. According to many, 5-HTP is far superior to tryptophan. Here are some of the reasons taken from 5-HTP, The Natural Way to Overcome Depression, Obesity, and Insomnia by Michael T. Murray, N.D.

 

Fact About 5-HTP:

• 5-HTP is not a synthetic drug, but is extracted from a natural source, the seed of the Griffonia plant, and is therefore not vulnerable to the processing contamination that caused the tryptophan scare in 1989.

• 5-HTP passes into the brain immediately without the difficult wait that tryptophan has, giving a more rapid absorption.

• 5-HTP has been found to exert significant protection against free-radical formation and oxidative damage.

• 5-HTP is estimated to be 25 times more effective for improving brain function than tryptophan.

• 5-HTP improves sleep quality without causing daytime drowsiness.

• 5-HTP has been shown to relieve the pain and suffering for many who suffer with migraine headaches.

• 5-HTP regulates several vital processes in the body, including sleep, emotional stability, pain sensitivity and addictive cravings.
   

5-HTP is widely available, without prescription, as a nutritional supplement. 5-HTP is a safe, natural way to boost brain serotonin levels.