5-HTP

Description

5-HTP is produced by the organism from tryptophan and converted in the brain to serotonin, which functions as a neurotransmitter that influences mood, sleep and appetite. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, restlessness and sleep disturbances.

Serotonin’s neural pathways promote a sense of well-being, calmness, relaxation, confidence and concentration. They also help to balance the existing imbalance of dopamine and noradrenaline. These two other very important neurotransmitters in the brain support overstimulation, anxiety, anger, tension, aggressiveness, violence, obsessive-compulsive behaviour, bulimia, anxiety and sleep disorders.

Many clinical studies have compared the effects of 5-HTP with those of conventional antidepressants. Tablets like Prozac prevent the brain cells from breaking down serotonin quickly, causing a deficiency.

5-HTP works a little differently: it increases serotonin levels. Numerous studies have been conducted using 5-HTP to reduce panic attacks, insomnia and obesity. An improvement in anxiety symptoms was observed in patients taking 5- HTP supplementation. Patients who are frequently gripped by panic anxiety have felt significant relief after absorbing 5-HTP. Studies have also shown that 5-HTP can have a very positive effect on sleep. Patients suffering from unipolar or bipolar depression have achieved a significant clinical response within two to four weeks with doses of 50 to 300 mg three times daily.

In a six-week clinical trial with obese patients, those receiving 5-HTP supplementation were able to reduce their intake of carbohydrates. In addition, a feeling of satiety was induced very quickly, resulting in very significant weight loss.

400 mg to 600 mg doses of 5-HTP daily can reduce the frequency and intensity of migraine attacks and headaches. The results of a trial with a placebo group, which was carried out with 50 subjects suffering from fibromyalgia, lead to the hypothesis that treatment with 5-HTP (100 mg three times a day for one month) significantly alleviates the characteristic symptoms of this disease (pain, stiffness, anxiety as well as fatigue).

Contraindications: Pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, people suffering from liver or kidney disease.