5 Hydroxytryptophan ( 5-HTP )

5-HTP is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the critical brain chemical serotonin. Extensive international research evidence suggests that low serotonin levels are a common consequence of modern living and contribute to depression and sleeplessness. The lifestyle and diet of many people living in these stress-filled times is compromised and results in lowered levels of serotonin within the brain. As a result, many people are overweight, crave sugar and other carbohydrates, experience bouts of depression, get frequent headaches, and have vague muscle aches and pains. All of these symptoms are correctable by raising brain serotonin levels.

Although 5-HTP is relatively unknown in New Zealand, it has been available through pharmacies for several years and has been intensely researched for the past three decades. It has been available in several European countries as a medicine since the 1970s.

Its popularity overseas is due to the many advantages natural 5-HTP has over the chemical L-tryptophan. Firstly, because it is one step closer to serotonin, 5-HTP is more effective than L-tryptophan. 5-HTP is also inherently safer. Although L-tryptophan is safe if properly prepared and free of the contaminants linked to severe allergic reaction known as eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), L-tryptophan is still produced with the help of bacterial fermentation. In contrast, 5-HTP is isolated from a natural source - a seed from an African plant (Griffonia simplicifolia). Evidence that this natural source of 5-HTP does not cause EMS is provided by researchers who have been studying 5-HTP for over 25 years. They state that EMS has never appeared in the patients who received only uncontaminated L-tryptophan or (5-HTP). There are also several studies that show 5-HTP is equal to or better than standard antidepressant drugs and the side effects are much less severe. The natural effect 5-HTP has in supporting Serotonin levels in the brain, is why it is so effective in improving sleep patterns and reducing stress.