5-HTP

5-HTP from a natural plant source
Tasty, lemon chewable tablets
Supports the work of the nervous system
Decreases appetite for carbohydrates
Promotes calm and deep sleep
Increases serotonin synthesis
Alleviates the symptoms of depression
Supports weight loss
Fights insomnia
Stabilizes mood
Regulates appetite

Now Foods 5-HTP is a dietary supplement, in the composition of which there is 5-hydroxytryptophan, isolated from the seeds of African black beans. The preparation is in the form of tasty chewable tablets with lemon taste.

The supplement provides a compound, which is a precursor of neurotransmitters responsible for well-being and proper day-night rhythm. It is especially recommended to people, who deal with lower mood, suffer from insomnia or anxiety disorders. It will be a great choice for those, who cannot deal with excessive appetite and especially appetite for sweet products.

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid, which is naturally produced in the human organism. It is produced in the liver in the course of tryptophan transformations. It demonstrates the ability to easily cross blood-brain barrier. In the organism, it plays an important role of serotonin precursor, it may also support the synthesis of other important compounds, such as dopamine, noradrenaline or melatonin.

Mechanism of activity
The majority of benefits resulting from 5-HTP supplementation are related to the increased serotonin level in the organism. It would seem that ensuring proper supply of tryptophan will solve the problem of its deficiency. In reality, however, very small amounts of tryptophan provided with food are transformed into serotonin. There is also the issue of competition, which takes place between tryptophan and other essential amino acids during the transport through the blood-brain barrier. On top of that, in case of vitamin B3 deficiency, tryptophan will be used for its production in the first place and not to produce serotonin.

It was proven in the studies that by supplementing 5-HTP, we may quickly and effectively increase the level of serotonin in blood. It is a key neurotransmitter, related to positive emotions, such as mental peace, happiness, the feeling of welfare. Serotonin deficiency is related to anxiety-depression disorders and leads to deregulating appetite and sleep disorders.

Antidepressant properties
Along with the increase of serotonin level, the improvement of mood and mitigation of anxiety also take place. Research shows that 5-HTP may be equally effective as some antidepressant drugs. Similarly to pharmaceuticals known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI), which include i.a. popular fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft), 5-HTP increases the amount of serotonin in the brain. It does not cause side-effects, characteristic to antidepressants.

Apart from improving mood, 5-HTP demonstrates high effectiveness in reducing general anxiety and panic attacks. This type of disorders are also caused by low serotonin level.

Antidote to sleep problems
5-HTP helps to regulate the biological clock and decreases the problem of insomnia. It may also improve sleep quality and accelerate falling asleep. It works in two ways. As a serotonin precursor, it ensures the “base” for the production of melatonin - the most important hormone responsible for the rhythm of sleep and alertness. Deficiencies of melatonin, produced from serotonin are indicated as one of the basic causes of sleep disorders.

Antidepressant properties of 5-HTP are also not without a meaning. Reduction of anxiety and better mood are conducive to calming down in the evening, facilitate inhibiting racing thoughts and preparing to sleep.

Support of weight loss
Supplementation with 5-HTP is recommended to people who aim at reducing excessive body mass, especially if it has occurred as a result of overeating. Serotonin produced from 5-HTP is an important element in the system responsible for the feeling of satiety. Low level of serotonin is related to the increase of appetite and hunger attacks.

Supplementation with 5-HTP is conducive to limiting excessive appetite, which is essential to achieve and maintain slim body. Lack of appetite for carbohydrates is especially visible, which allows to easily eliminate e.g. calorific sweets and snacks from a diet.