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5-HTP
5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is an important chemical building block compound that is directly related to the production of serotonin and melatonin. This unique compound is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan and can be synthesized naturally in the body as well as taken in through diet.
In order to understand what 5-HTP does and how it is important for stress support, you need to understand where it comes from and why that’s important. This article will take a closer look at exactly what 5-HTP is, where it comes from, and how it interacts with our biology to help bring stress support to those who have occasional episodes of anxiousness and tension.
Non-habit forming
Natural active ingredients
Manufactured in USA
Caffeine Free
Non-drowsy
Melatonin Free
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What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP is a chemical compound that your body naturally produces, and it acts as a precursor (building block) to the hormones melatonin and serotonin. What is unique about 5-HTP is that it comes from the essential amino acid, tryptophan. What makes tryptophan essential is not necessarily that it is one of the main 20 amino acids that act as the building blocks of life, but that it is not produced by the body so it must essentially be taken in from diet. This isn’t too hard as tryptophan is commonly found in dairy products like milk, cheese, and in common meats like chicken and turkey along with a host of other easily accessible foods, including non-animal sources.
Like all amino acids, tryptophan has a several different ways of being used in the body. It can take the route of protein synthesis, which is important as amino acids themselves are the building blocks of proteins. It can also be converted to vitamin B3, which is a vital element in helping our bodies use and maintain important substances like iron. Thirdly, it can be converted into 5-hydroxytryptophan, which is a hydrolyzed (broken down) version of tryptophan.
How Does 5-HTP Provide Stress Support?
Now, you may be wondering why tryptophan would be hydrolyzed into 5-HTP — what purpose would changing tryptophan in this way have? The answer would be found within one of the most vital organs of our bodies located in the central nervous system, our brain.
Our brain has specialized cells called astrocytes that form what is called the blood-brain barrier. This structure is vital for maintaining the integrity of the brain, as it prohibits most molecules from crossing into it from the bloodstream. Nutrients and select molecules that are small enough or hold the proper characteristics are able to cross this barrier from the bloodstream and interact with the central nervous system.
Tryptophan is a molecule that is not permeable to this barrier, but, 5-HTP is. Once it is in the central nervous system it is thought that it supports the synthesis of a very important hormone called serotonin. 5-HTP is a rate-limiting step in the synthesis of serotonin, which by relation, makes tryptophan also a rate-limiting step.
What this basically means is that without 5-HTP or tryptophan, the synthesis of serotonin wouldn’t move forward.
It is thought that the general health benefits of 5-HTP are actually the result of the serotonin that it helps to produce. Serotonin is a “feel-good” hormone that is responsible for multiple health benefits, and specifically targets balance and homeostasis in our bodies. It can support sleep quality, hunger and mood.
Because 5-HTP is a step in the process of synthesizing serotonin, it can be ingested as a supplement to help raise serotonin levels. 5-HTP can be found and extracted from the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.
Our Calm capsule promotes stress support during the day without the compromising effects of a sedative, and it utilizes the benefits of 5-HTP derived from the botanical, Griffonia simplicifolia, along with other key ingredients like Ashwagandha and L-Theanine found in green tea.
What Else Can 5-HTP Be Used For?
5-HTP is typically found in a powdered form or a capsule for supplemental purposes. It can also be found as an active ingredient in topical creams, however, there are few studies showing its effectiveness in this medium. There are also studies showing that it may be a useful natural option to support weight loss with proper diet and exercise.
Average Dosing and Side Effects
Dosing guidelines for your personal use of 5-HTP as a supplement should follow the directions for use on the label, and if unsure, consult your healthcare provider. While studies and research is ongoing most studies have shown that a daily intake of 150 to 800 mg per day for a regimen of one to six weeks has shown benefit.l.
Side effects of 5-HTP supplements may include and are not limited to nausea, dizziness, and diarrhea. These symptoms should not be ignored if they are induced by taking 5-HTP. Allergic reactions may also develop but are rare. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking 5-HTP and consult your physician for further guidance.