5-HTP (5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan) regulates brain serotonin levels
and is a safe, natural treatment for
- weight loss
- insomnia
- anxiety
- depression
- and an effective antidepressant
What does obesity, insomnia, depression, anxiety, suicide, migraines, PMS,
obsessive/compulsive behavior, stress, and addiction have in common? All of
these conditions are manifestations of low levels of serotonin. Many of the
new prescription drugs that have become available since the absence of L-Tryptophan
are designed to regulate brain serotonin levels (called Selective Serotonin
Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs).
Now, a natural and safe alternative to these drugs is available in the form
of 5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan (5-HTP). 5-HTP,
a compound synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan is ten times
more active than L-Tryptophan and is the immediate precursor to serotonin (5-Hydroxy
typtamine or 5-HT) which is found in the brain, blood platelets, and duodenal
mucosa cells of the gastrointestinal tract, Since serotonin is found in the
brain and central nervous system it has many implications on mood, behavior
and sleep patterns.
The function of Prozac®, Paxil and many other antidepressant drugs, is
to increase the availability of serotonin in certain brain synapses. Unfortunately,
these drugs can produce many unpleasant and dangerous side affects. Since 5-HTP
cannot be patented, drug companies have no interest in supplying this compound
to the public.
Now that tryptophan is restricted by the FDA, researchers have clinically
investigated 5-HTP in comparison to antidepressant drugs. The
results of the studies were astounding. Using the standard depression scale,
both the drug and 5-HTP groups displayed identical reduction
in depression. Depressed patients who received 100 mg of 5-HTP,
three times daily, showed at least a 50% improvement in their symptoms, without
any reported side effects. Similar studies with depressed children demonstrated
equal benefit.
Subsequent studies were performed using 5-HTP for anxiety,
panic disorder, sleep difficulties and obesity. In his research R.S. Kahn observed
an obvious decline in anxiety symptoms when supplementing with 5-HTP,
and patients with panic disorder noticed a feeling of relief after receiving
5-HTP. Melatonin, which helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle,
is a metabolite of serotonin. Early research studies show that supplementing
with 5-HTP may have positive effects on sleep patterns. In
a six week clinical study with obese patients, those supplemented with 5-HTP
were able to reduce carbohydrate intake, and experienced a feeling of early
satiety, which contributed to significant weight loss.
Supplement Spot's 5-HTP has 120 100 mg capsules of 5-HTP.
It is HPLC Tested for Purity. The other ingredients are magnesium, white rice
and water. The maximum recommended dose is 2 capsules per day.
Usually 1 of our 100 mg capsules is sufficient.
