What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan and a direct precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, often referred to as the “happiness chemical.”
The 5-HTP molecule, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, occurs naturally in the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a climbing plant native to Central and West Africa.
5-HTP acts as a serotonin precursor and is well known for its beneficial properties in cases of fatigue. It is also recommended as an effective natural antidepressant.
What are the benefits of 5-HTP?
- Helps with depression and low mood. This supplement has effects similar to those of certain synthetic medications, such as PROZAC®.
- Increases serotonin production, influencing sleep, appetite, and mood. 5-HTP is also a precursor of the hormone melatonin, which regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Serotonin levels have a direct influence on mood. When serotonin levels decrease due to various factors, such as everyday stress, a sedentary lifestyle, or an inadequate diet, behavioral changes, depression, insomnia, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, migraines, persistent hunger, aggression, and lack of sociability may occur.
- Helps reduce or eliminate migraines caused by stress or depressive states.
- Improves psychological well-being and promotes a feeling of calmness and self-confidence.
- Promotes relaxation and confidence.
- Improves sleep quality.
What does 5-HTP contain?
5-HTP is a standardized, highly concentrated product derived from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds.
Ingredients per caplet
| 30% L-5-HTP extract (L-5-hydroxytryptophan 100 mg) from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds |
333,3 mg |
| Bulking agents: microcrystalline cellulose, dicalcium phosphate, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose. |
| Caplet coating: hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, glycerin. |
| Anti-caking agent: magnesium salts of vegetable fatty acids. |
Does not contain: artificial colours, preservatives or sweeteners, dairy products, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten, yeast, soy, corn, eggs, fish, shellfish, animal-derived ingredients, salt, nuts, or GMOs.
Suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
Recommended dose only for adults: take 1 caplet 3 times daily with or after meals, or as recommended by your healthcare professional.
- To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, start with 100 mg per day and gradually increase the dosage over a period of two weeks until the effective dose is reached.
- Allow at least one week of use to assess the beneficial effects.
- Consult a healthcare professional before using the product for longer than one year.
Why is 5-HTP special?
5-HTP is a derivative of the amino acid tryptophan. Once absorbed by the body, 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted into serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter involved in many biological processes.
Serotonin plays a role in regulating circadian rhythms, or the body’s biological clock, and is important for sleep regulation, managing anxiety, restoring appetite, and maintaining a positive mood.
Warnings and precautions:
- Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen.
- Consult a healthcare professional before use if you are taking carbidopa or any medications or supplements with serotonergic activity, such as L-tryptophan, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), St. John’s wort, antidepressants, painkillers, over-the-counter cough and cold medications containing dextromethorphan, anti-nausea medications, or migraine medications.
- Consult a healthcare professional if insomnia persists continuously for more than four weeks (chronic insomnia).
- Discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional if you experience weakness, mouth ulcers, abdominal pain accompanied by severe muscle pain, or skin changes.
- Avoid using this product with alcohol or products that cause drowsiness.
- Do not use this product if you have scleroderma.
- Do not use this product if you operate heavy machinery, drive a motor vehicle, or engage in activities requiring mental alertness.
- Some individuals may experience drowsiness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
- Dietary supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.
- Keep out of the reach and sight of young children.
- Store at room temperature in a dry place, away from sources of heat.
- Sealed for your protection.
- Do not use the product if the cap seal is broken.
- Do not exceed the recommended daily intake.
- Store in a cool, dark place.
Factors Group of Nutritional Companies Inc., 1550 United Boulevard, Coquitlam, British Columbia V3K 6Y2 – CANADA