5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

The views expressed by the authors do not necessarily represent the views of The Hormone Shop LLC.    These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent any disease. If pregnant or lactating, consult a physician before using.

A compound synthesized from tryptophan, it is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin is found in the brain, blood platelets', and cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Because serotonin is found in the brain and central nervous system it has many implications in problem areas.  The function of Prozac™, and many other antidepressant drugs, is to increase the availability of serotonin in synapses in certain key areas of the brain. However, these drugs may present many unpleasant and dangerous side effects. Since the availability of tryptophan is restricted by the FDA, many research scientists have discovered that 5-HTP compares favorably to various antidepressant drugs.
This product is an extract from a natural legume, "griffonia simplicfolia" and not from fermented tryptophan.

Depression, anxiety, sleeplessness. They're everyday occurrences in the fast-paced, high-stress lives many of us lead. Now, scientists have discovered that depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness are all related to a deficiency of the the neurotransmitter serotonin  in the brain. Restore the serotonin, and your mood improves, anxiety melts away, and you sleep restfully through the night.

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A Letter to The Editor

"I note that you sell the supplement 5-HTP. The data you provide about it is quite interesting.

I've gleaned some additional information concerning this important supplement. The following is a brief fact sheet that I hope will be of interest.

Sincerely yours,

Larry Godwin, Ph.D.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

5-HTP is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan. It is the direct precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin.(1)

Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter,(5) the one associated with calm. It soothes and comforts us from worry and stress. Stress causes the heightened release of serotonin, and if the stress lasts too long, it leads to serotonin depletion. Research strongly implies that boosted brain serotonin serves as a "stress immunizer."(6)

When it comes to the ups and downs of mood disorders, serotonin seems to play the role of regulator.(2) Low serotonin levels are associated with irritability, aggression, impatience, and anxiety.(6) Evidence suggests that serotonin inhibits aggressive behavior in experimental animals and humans.(3) A lack of good parental care, e.g., abusive parenting while growing up, can permanently damage the serotonin system.(6)

Abundant laboratory research suggests there is a deficiency of serotonin or serotonin activity in the brains of most depressed persons., Suicidal patients show a significant decrease in serotonin levels.(3) Most antidepressant drugs, including tricyclics, lithium, MAO inhibitors, and SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Luvox), have this in common: they boost serotonin levels.(2)

5-HTP differs from tryptophan in that it slightly increases the activity of an energizing neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, as well as the calming one, serotonin.(1) In some clinical trials, 5-HTP outperformed tryptophan in treating mood disorders.(2) The greater the agitation associated with depression, the more likely the response to 5-HTP.(3)

The suggested dosage range of 5-HTP is 50-1200 mg. per day; its usual range is 100-600 mg.(2) However, some depressed persons find relief from a daily dose as small as 25 mg., which involves splitting the purchased capsules or tablets.

For some people, 5-HTP has an extremely narrow therapeutic window. The proper dosage may lie within a range as small as 10-25 mg. per day.(1) Side effects of too high a dose may include hypomania, dermatitis, and increased aggressiveness.(2)

A conservative starting dose for 5-HTP is 25 mg. a day. Many people notice a favorable mood effect within one or two days of beginning supplementation. Gradually boosting the dose by 25 mg. every four days increases the chances of finding a person's therapeutic window.

As with tryptophan, it is important to take 5-HTP away from any protein food.(4) One product manufacturer suggests taking it 45 minutes before or three hours after a protein meal.

References 1. Baumel, Syd, 1995, Dealing with Depression.Naturally. (Keats) 2. Saumel, Syd, 1997, Serotonin: How to Naturally Harness the Power Behind Prozac and Phen/Fen. (Keats) 3. Braverman, Eric, M.D., 1997, The Healing Nutrients Within. (Keats) 4. Chaitow, Leon, 1985, Amino Acids In Therapy. (Thorsons Publishersl 5. Erdmann, Robert, 1987, The Amino Revolution. (Fireside) 6. Norden, Michael, M.D., 1996, Beyond Prozac. (Regan/Harper)"

© 1998-2007 by The Hormone Shop, LLC.

Norman@thehormoneshop.com
This page was last updated on 10/31/08

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug
Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, cure, treat or prevent
any disease. If pregnant or lactating, consult a physician before using.

Notice: This information on anti-aging products  is provided for educational and nutritional purposes. Any medical procedures, dietary changes or the use of dietary supplements discussed herein should only be undertaken on the advice of a qualified medical doctor. Although listed and sold as dietary supplements these are not innocuous, inert substances; rather they can and do affect vital systems within the human body and it is for this reason that you are urged to find a medical doctor who will work with you in monitoring and maintaining your well being.

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