Introducing...5-HTP by SupplementIQ!
► Key Benefits
- Neurotransmitter Support;
- Supports Positive Mood!
► What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP (5 hydroxy-tryptophan) is a naturally occurring substance in the human body - it is used to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. Serotonin appears to play significant roles in sleep, emotional moods, pain control, inflammation and other body functions.
In short, 5-HTP is the "rate limiting" step in the biochemical synthesis of serotonin, which in turn is also synthesized into other important substances. The below diagram illustrates in simple form this pathway and notes some of the more frequently cited benefits/functions of these various substances. 
Because significant levels of 5-HTP are lacking in a typical diet, supplementation with 5-HTP is one of the only options available to increase one's intake. Supplemental 5-HTP is naturally derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a West African medicinal plant.
► 5-HTP Depression/Mood
Perhaps best known for its application in treating depression, 5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin and it has been compared in double-blind studies of depression sufferers to many of the popular SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac, Paxil, Luvox and Zoloft. Indeed, it has shown comparable results to these drugs with (you guessed it) a MUCH milder side effect profile.
A meta-analysis of scientific research (dated from 1966 to 2000) on the application of 5-HTP and L-tryptophan for treatment of depression reveals at least 108 studies on the topic. In short, the available research indicates that both 5-HTP and L-tryptophan do indeed produce results superior to placebo in the treatment of depression - studies demonstrating even more positive results are numerous.
► 5-HTP and Hunger
Although 5-HTP is most widely known and used for mood improvement, a close second application is hunger control and weight loss. In 1992, a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of 5-HTP on treating obesity. In this study, comprised of 20 obese patients and spanning two separate 6 week periods, researchers concluded that the group receiving 5-HTP showed significant weight loss along with material reductions in overall carbohydrate intake as well as increases in early satiety (hunger control).
► 5-HTP Interactions/Precautions (NOT comprehensive!)
5-HTP is also frequently used in the treatment of migraines - individuals using this supplement for migraine relief should be aware that both analgesics and ergotamines can cause rebound headaches and stopping the use of these drugs can, by itself, decrease the frequency of migraine. However, stopping the use of analgesics and ergotamines presents a problem in itself, since the user will probably have to suffer through a period of headaches initially; that period should not be longer than about one week.
With respect to depression - individuals using Zomig should NOT take it while taking 5-HTP as Zomig is a specific 5-hydroxytrypatamine agonist; this combination is most unpleasant and may be dangerous. |
