Stressful lifestyles and poor diets often cause a depletion of serotonin levels. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) has been used for many years to replenish serotonin levels and support a healthy mood and sleep cycle regulation.
Supplementation with 5-HTP has been shown to increase serotonin levels in the central nervous system. The essential amino acid, tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase. Tryptophan hydroxylase can be inhibited by a number of factors including stress, insulin resistance, pyridoxine (vitamin B6) deficiency, and insufficient magnesium levels. Supplementation with 5-HTP bypasses the conversion of tryptophan to 5-HTP and thus supports optimal levels of serotonin. 5-HTP also readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and bypasses competition with other amino acids, making it a more efficient precursor for serotonin production.
In addition to supporting a healthy mental outlook and mood, studies have also shown serotonin to encourage deeper sleep and to support healthy appetite regulation. Unlike oral serotonin, 5-HTP is able to effectively cross the blood-brain barrier and increase synthesis of serotonin in the central nervous system. 5-HTP is extracted naturally from the seed of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
