Jarrow formulas 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an extract of Griffonia simplicifolia seeds from coastal WestAfrica.
5-HTP is the direct metabolic precursor of serotonin and is important for the production of melatonin.
key benefits
• pure HPLC verified supplement
• instant gratification
• reduces carb cravings
who can benefit from 5-HTP?
Those seeking to support serotonin synthesis, especially those who have previously used L-tryptophan for serotonin support without success, may benefit from using 5-HTP.
background reading
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid naturally produced by the body from the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. 5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and also a precursor to melatonin. In the brain, serotonin and melatonin help regulate sleep, mood, temperature, and appetite. As such, 5-HTP and L-tryptophan are often taken as supplements to support these roles.
Yet, even though L-tryptophan can be transformed into 5-HTP in the body, the two should not be considered interchangeable for supplement use. The conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP is the rate- limiting step in neurotransmitter production, and L-tryptophan is utilized for a variety of other purposes in the body, leading to less serotonin support than may be assumed. In purified form, human beings have been consuming 5-HTP for over forty years.
5-HTP vs. L-Tryptophan
The body uses L-tryptophan for other metabolic purposes besides serotonin and melatonin production. For example, L-tryptophan is incorporated into proteins and also acts as a precursor in niacin biosynthesis. L-tryptophan absorption in the intestines requires a shared amino acid transporter, meaning that competition with other amino acids from dietary sources can lead to poor L-tryptophan absorption. A similar specific, active transport mechanism is required for L-tryptophan entry into the brain. A number of other physiological and biochemical parameters, such as stress, insulin response, and vitamin B6 levels can conspire to prevent L-tryptophan from becoming serotonin.
In contrast, 5-HTP is not incorporated into proteins and cannot be used to produce niacin. 5-HTP does not require an intestinal transporter for absorption and is absorbed well even in the presence of other amino acids from food, with about 70 percent of that ingested ending up in the bloodstream. Also, since 5-HTP participates in fewer biosynthetic pathways, it is inherently less susceptible to metabolic diversion. The only hindrance of importance for ingested 5-HTP is the activity of peripheral decarboxylase enzymes, which can convert 5-HTP to serotonin before crossing the blood-brain barrier. However, the results observed in 5-HTP research demonstrate that this is not a major concern.
5-HTP Brain Research
Tryptophan supplements have demonstrated benefits for supporting serotonin levels and mood in specific instances, such as with PMS, seasonal changes, and when dieting. Nevertheless, the serving sizes required are often large. The quantities of 5-HTP found to be useful are typically smaller than those of L-tryptophan. Perhaps, more importantly, 5-HTP impacts the levels of other neurotransmitters besides serotonin, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, without acting as a precursor for their synthesis. 5-HTP has been found to support a positive outlook in a number of studies in human beings starting at daily intake levels as low as 50 mg/day.
5-HTP may also be useful in promoting sleep quality by enhancing REM sleep. One study evaluated the rapid eye movements of volunteers after they ingested 200 mg of 5-HTP at 9:15 pm, followed by 400 mg at 11:15 pm. There was a net positive effect on sleep quality, but the large quantities also seemed to increase the incidence of vivid dreams and nightmares in some volunteers. However, another study used 200 mg/day and found positive effects on sleep quality without the concomitant reports of nightmares.
Serotonin & The Second Brain
Some now use the phrase “our second brain” to refer to the impact our digestive tract can have on the entire body. An example of this is the gut-brain axis, which involves extensive bidirectional signaling and feedback between gut and brain. For anyone who has attempted to diet in the past, this may already be understood experientially.
Serotonin plays a significant, yet not completely understood role in the human digestive tract and gut-brain axis. In fact, research demonstrates 5-HTP may even affect leptin, which helps to regulate energy intake and appetite. Such a connection may help explain results in overweight individuals who were able to exert much better control over their diets when taking 5-HTP.
Purity is assured by HPLC. 5-HTP is verified to be free of the "peak X" contaminant.
Features
- v-capsules
Some supplements are suitable for both men and women of all ages as well as children. But other supplements are specifically targeted to the aging woman or man. Another supplement is especially suitable for athletes, regardless of gender.
- adults
- travellers
- vegan
- hypo-allergenic
- up to 7+ = -15%
- any 2+ = -2.5%!
- any 3+ = -5%!
- any 4+ = -7.5%!
- any 5+ = -10%!
- any 6+ = -12.5%!
- any 7+ = -15%!
- in stock
- several options
- €5+ (NL) - €7,50+ (EU)
- quantity discount is valid for any combination of products
- €5 discount >€50
- keep out of reach of young children
- a dietary supplement is not a subsitute for a healthy diet ; do not exceed recommended dose
- if you have a medical condition, are pregnant, lactating or trying to conceive, are under age of 18, or are taking medications, consult your health care practitioner before using this product.
- books, probiotics and products bought in the SALE can NOT be returned
- English label
recommended use 100mg 60 capsules
take 1 capsule per day on an empty stomach, or as directed by your qualified health care consultant. DO NOT exceed recommended amount
contains per daily serving (1 capsule)
5-Hydroxytryptophan 100mg †
RDI = Recommended Daily Intake
† = RDI not established
ingredients
active ingredient (5-HTP, 5-hydroxytryptophan) fillers (cellulose), v-capsule (hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, water), filler (vegetable magnesium stearate), anticoagulant (silicon dioxide)
storage
store in a cool, dry place
keep away from young children
contra-indications
If you have a medical condition, are pregnant, lactating, or trying to conceive, are under the age of 18, or are taking medications (especially SSRIs, MAOs, or sedatives), consult your health care practitioner before using this product.
allergy information
contains no familiar allergens (wheat, gluten, soy, lupin, nuts, tree nuts, celery, mustard, sesame seeds, dairy, egg, fish/shellfish or mollusks)
vegetarians/vegans
suitable for vegetarians and vegans