- Serotonin
- Melatonin
- Catecholamines
- Endorphins
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the immediate precursor in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine (5 HT or serotonin). 5-HT is synthesized from the amino acid L-tryptophan. 5-HTP
has replaced the use of L-tryptophan in the United States. In 1989 patients taking L-tryptophan developed a negative and debilitating reaction called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Upon further study it was determined that the culprit was not the L-tryptophan but a bacterial contaminate in the formula. All L-tryptophan products associated with the syndrome were found to come from genetically modified bacterial recombinant production methods. Even though L- tryptophan was proven to be safe, it never recovered from this incident. 5-HTP was created to fill the gap created by the removal of L-tryptophan from the marketplace.
Small amounts of 5-HTP, as well as serotonin, are found in bananas, tomatoes, plums, avocados, eggplant, walnuts and pineapples. A common commercial source of 5-HTP is Griffonia simplicfolia, a relative to carob.
5-HTP’s possible pain reduction benefit comes from its conversion to serotonin and to the observed effect of raising beta-endorphin and platelet met-enkephalin levels.
Serum leptin levels increased following 5-HTP injection in mice. This may explain 5-HTP’s beneficial effect on weight management. Additionally, 5-HTP has been shown to reduce carbohydrate intake.
| Supplement Facts | |
| Serving Size: 1 veggie capsule | |
| Number of servings per container: 120 | |
| Amounts per serving | |
| 5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan | 50 mg |
| Suggested Dose: As adietary supplement, take 1-2capsules twice daily betweenmeals or as directed by yourhealth care practitioner. | |
