5-HTP · 100 mg

- Extra-strength 100 mg formula for easy dosing
- Of natural origin, from the seed of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia
- 5-HTP easily crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase serotonin synthesis in the central nervous system.
- Delayed-release formulation may minimize gastric discomfort and helps prevent rapid spikes and drops associated with immediate-release 5-HTP.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid precursor to the brain chemical serotonin, a neurotransmitter essential for mood balance and the completion of cognitive tasks such as learning and memory formation. Low mood as well as other conditions have long been associated with low serotonin levels, making 5-HTP an attractive natural option for elevating mood and improving emotional health. Extended-release tablets circumvent the limitations of immediate-release formulations. This allows for a sustained increase in serotonin, avoiding the rapid spikes, fluctuations and drops associated with forgetting or delaying a dosage. Additionally, time-release preparations may help minimize the stomach discomfort that some people experience with 5-HTP.
Clinical research supports 5-HTP supplementation for mood. A double-blind, randomized clinical trial involving 60 patients evaluated the effectiveness of 5-HTP supplementation compared to fluoxetine. Efficacy was determined by comparing HAM-D scores obtained at baseline with those obtained after 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. After 5-HTP supplementation, 73% of patients taking 5-HTP and 80% of patients taking fluoxetine showed a significant reduction in HAM-D scores from the second week through the end of the study.
5-HTP has also been used to treat the serotonergic imbalance involved in chronic pain, including migraines, as well as fibromyalgia and insomnia. People with fibromyalgia who take 300 to 400 mg of 5-HTP per day in divided doses have reported improvement in symptoms, including pain intensity, morning stiffness, and insomnia. 5-HTP is known to improve sleep quality, which is essential for fibromyalgia sufferers. In fact, 5-HTP has been shown to promote REM sleep in healthy adults. Increased time spent in REM sleep is one reason 5-HTP is considered a sleep aid.