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What is 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)?

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-hydroxy-l-tryptophan, also abbreviated as 5HTP or 5 HTP) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan that converts in the brain into serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function. As such it is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin as well as to the hormone melatonin. 5-HTP easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and effectively increases central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin as the intermediate metabolite of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan. Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter synthesized in the brain to help support mood and appetite balance, as well as sleep functions. Serotonin levels have key roles in the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation. 5-HTP supplements have become popular because it is thought that providing the body with 5-HTP in pill form can boost the body's serotonin levels, similar to the antidepressants that are thought to increase the amount of serotonin available to the brain. Extensive research has been able to directly link serotonin imbalance with depression and anxiety disorders, and proven tryptophan supplementation to be a potent remedy for symptoms associated with these disorders.

What is 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) used for and who uses it?

Low levels of serotonin in the brain can lead or help develop depression. Although certain antidepressant drugs are effective in treating individuals with mild to moderate depression, 5-HTP may be just as effective, without the unwanted side effects that comes with most medications. Depression, anxiety, mood swings, increased appetite and fatigue are all common manifestations and are all symptoms of low levels of serotonin. This can be partly because of physical changes during this time which consequently decrease the availability Serotonin. With 5-HTP, Serotonin levels can be brought back to normal and healthy levels, leading to the individual feeling normal again.

5-HTP has been demonstrated as well to help improve the quality of sleep as well as minimize pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression in individuals suffering from fibromyalgia. Primary fibromyalgia syndrome includes general musculo-skeletal aching even to gentle touch, multiple tender points and chronic widespread pain, fatigue, morning stiffness, and disturbances during sleep. With 5-HTP supplementation these conditions are generally improved or reduced.

Taking tryptophan before bedtime can induce sleepiness and improve the overall quality of sleep, which can eventually lead to longer rest or delayed wake times. Conversely, decreasing serotonin levels in the brain disrupt regular sleep patterns. With respect to this, 5-hydroxytryptophan is able to promote sleep without the adverse effects of feeling drugged or hangover sensations linked to powerful sedatives. Melatonin also helps stimulate and improve sleep, as some of the additional serotonin produced by the body as a result of ingesting 5-HTP is converted directly into melatonin. Thus at some point some of the sleep inducing effects of 5-HTP is a direct result of improved melatonin levels.

5-hydroxytryptophan has been utilized with great success in helping prevent and treat chronic headaches of various types, including migraines, tension headaches, and juvenile headaches. The reason for this benefit of 5-HTP in the treatment of chronic headaches is because such ailments have been linked to low serotonin levels. Serotonin works by constricting blood vessels thus relieving pain. 5-HTP's effects on serotonin make it a valuable asset in preventing these types of headaches. 5-hydroxytryptophan not only decreases the frequency and severity of migraine headaches, it does so with fewer side effects compared to migraine/headache drugs.

Supplementation with 5-hydroxytryptophan may decrease fat and carbohydrate intake by causing a feeling of fullness or satiety. 5-HTP administration causes a significant increase in Leptin, a hormone that plays a huge role in the regulation of appetite and other physiological processes. Although various factors affect leptin secretion, 5-HTP administration results in significant increases in insulin, corticosterone, and prolactin levels, all of which can increase leptin levels. 5-HTP can help prevent the decline in serotonin levels associated with dieting, which in doing so helps enhance weight loss by making it more bearable and sustainable.

How pure is your 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)?

Our 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) product is assayed by the manufacturer to be 98.49% 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan). You will receive a sealed and labeled heavy duty 4 mil polyethylene bag containing this off-white (light gray) powder product. 5-HTP is synthesized in the body from tryptophan, an essential amino acid meaning it’s a compound that the body does not have the capacity to synthesize. For this reason all the supply of tryptophan must be derived through food and dietary sources that contain protein. To make the most out of this Purebulk product, the body requires adequate amounts of vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), vitamin C, folate, and magnesium to synthesize tryptophan, so be sure to get enough of these nutrients as well.

What are some of the common effects of 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)?

5-HTP is typically used for depression owing to the fact that it functions very much like serotonin antidepressants. For this reason, 5-HTP has also been used for other conditions for which these antidepressants are prescribed, such as anxiety, insomnia, fibromyalgia, and migraines. One clinical trial confirmed that 5-HTP was just as potent as the antidepressant drug fluvoxamine, in alleviating depression without the commonly associated side effects linked with prescription antidepressant medications, such as fatigue, blurry vision, diminished sex drive, water retention, bulimia, hyperactivity, constipation, palpitations, insomnia, nausea and diarrhea. Studies have also shown that 5-HTP may be beneficial in managing and treating obesity and migraine headaches. It can also help trigger the production of melatonin, a natural hormone manufactured in the body that promotes sleep. Insomniacs, people who have difficulty sleeping, or those who work graveyard or irregular shifts can really benefit in using 5-HTP supplements to help them reestablish a regular sleep-wake cycle.

What is the daily suggested dose of 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)?

Recommended doses for 5-HTP range from as little as 100mg to 200mg per day. This range has been shown clinically effective in increasing brain serotonin levels. If you suffer from severe depression or anxiety talk to your physician before taking 5-HTP. If you are considering taking more than 365mg per day (about 1 level 1/8th teaspoon by volumetric measure, see green table below), talk to your physician or health practice professional. You can see the full bulk density/volumetric conversion chart for 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) here. For accurate dosing of this product use an accurate sub-gram (or milligram) weight scale, or consult the Bulk Density volumetric table only if you have calibrated (verified accurate by volume) measuring spoons.

It is recommended that you begin gradually with about 50 mg three times per day initially. If there is no or little adverse reaction noticed after two weeks of use, increase the dosage to 100 mg three times a day. This way the risk of mild symptoms of nausea often experienced during the first few weeks of use is greatly reduced. 5-HTP can be taken with food, but if you intend to use it as a weight loss supplement it is recommended that you take it 20 minutes before meals.

As always, if you have concerns or questions, consult a physician or a health care professional before taking any supplements. Before taking any kind of medicine, check with your doctor to ensure that the supplement you want to take is right for you. You may be allergic or you may have a sensitive stomach which may raise the need for special instruction as far as dosage goes.

Toxicity, side effects, interactions, and contraindications of 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

CAUTION!: If you are currently taking, or within the last 90 days have taken, any anti-stress, anti-anxiety, or anti-depression medications DO NOT TAKE 5-HTP Supplementation without talking to your prescribing physician first. 5-HTP should not be taken with antidepressants, weight-control drugs, other serotonin-modifying agents, or substances known to cause liver damage, because in these cases 5-HTP may have excessive effects.

5-HTP may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances including nausea, heartburn, flatulence, feelings of fullness, and rumbling sensations in some people. Large doses of 5-HTP may significantly increase serum levels of serotonin, and theoretically, this may result in the serotonin syndrome. Symptoms and signs of the serotonin syndrome, include confusion, agitation, diaphoresis, tachycardia, myoclonus and hyperreflexia. Occasional side effects from 5-HTP supplementation include gastric upset, hypomania (a mild form of mania, characterized by hyperactivity and feelings of well-being), and euphoria. Additionally, children with Down's syndrome should not take 5-HTP.

The information at Purebulk.com is NOT a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use any dietary supplement as a replacement for conventional care, or as a reason to postpone seeing a doctor about a medical problem. Tell all your health care providers about any complementary and alternative practices you use. Give them a full picture of what you do to manage your health. This will help ensure coordinated and safe care.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is used in the following Proprietary Formulas

Advanced Muscle Science Nocturnabol, VPX Liquid Clenbutrx Hardcore, German American Technologies Jetfuel, NOW 5-HTP, SNAC ZMA-5, Biochem 5-HTP, BioSynergy 5-HTP, Doctor's Best Best 5-HTP, MRM 5-HTP, Natrol 5-HTP, Nature's Science 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan, PrimaForce 5-HTP, Red Dawn 5-HTP, Source Naturals 5-HTP

References & Further Research

5-HTP is a more potent in vitro hydroxyl radical scavenger than melatonin or vitamin C
Hydroxyl radicals are involved in direct damage of important biomolecules. Potent radical scavengers such as vitamin C and indoles of the tryptophan family can avert the potential damage. Melatonin and its precursor 5-hydroxytryptophan ( 5-HTP ) were compared with water-soluble vitamin C. 5-HTP showed highest hydroxyl radical scavenging effects, more than vitamin C, which was more than melatonin.

5-HTP Prevents Panic Attacks
A panic attack involves the sudden appearance of several symptoms including shortness of breath, sweating or shaking, palpitations, and the fear of dying or losing control. Women are more likely than men to have this condition. Doctors often prescribe anti-anxiety medicines such as Xanax or Valium. However, a nutrient known as 5-HTP may play an important role. 5-HTP stands for 5-Hydroxytryptophan, a supplement available over the counter that, when ingested, goes to the brain and converts into the brain chemical serotonin. Serotonin is known to induce relaxation and balance mood. Researchers at the Department of Neuropsychology at Maastricht University in The Netherlands were able to induce a panic attack in volunteers who suffer from panic disorder by having them breathe a high concentration of carbon dioxide. They repeated the study, this time giving half of the volunteers 200-mg of 5-HTP while the others received a placebo. Those who took 5-HTP had a significantly diminished panic response compared to those on placebo.

The effect of 5-hydroxytryptophan on cholecystokinin-4-induced panic attacks in healthy volunteers
Previous studies suggest a modulatory role of serotonin in experimentally-induced panic attacks. In the current study, we investigated the acute effects of 5-HT precursor l-5-hydroxytryptophan ( 5-HTP ) on the response to panicogenic challenge with cholecystokinin-tetrapeptide (CCK-4) in healthy volunteers. Thirty-two subjects were randomized to receive either 200 mg of 5-HTP or placebo with the CCK-4 challenge following in 90 min in a double-blind, parallel-group design. The results showed a nonsignificant difference between the groups in panic rate (19% after 5-HTP and 44% after placebo) with a trend for lower intensity of symptoms after 5-HTP . Further analysis by gender revealed that females in the 5-HTP group had a significantly lower panic rate and intensity of cognitive symptoms whereas, in males, the effect of 5-HTP was limited to lowering the intensity of somatic panic symptoms. Thus, an increased availability of 5-HT may have a gender-dependent protective effect in CCK-4-induced panic.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) for International Customers

We have the most economical shipping costs & labeling practices for International orders. You can see our shipping costs here. Also, please note, that anything in a 1.5kg package can be shipped within a single flat rate envelope, however our shopping cart mistakenly displays 2 envelopes. Go ahead and ship the order, and you will notice that it only charges you the cost of 1 anyway. Look at the shipping costs tab above to see for yourself how you can calculate these charges.

Buying 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) Bulk or Wholesale

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