Nutritional support for healthy mood, sleep and stress
- Increases serotonin levels
- Supports normal sleep patterns
- Enhances positive mood
- Aids with stress management
- Helps regulate appetite and sugar cravings
- Includes Vitamin B6 as P-5-P
Unique Properties
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an intermediate in the natural synthesis of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan is converted into 5-HTP, which in turn is converted into serotonin, an important neurotransmitter that is associated with the regulation of sleep, mood, appetite, aggression, temperature and sexual behavior.
Supplementation with 5-HTP is preferable to supplementing with its precursor, L-tryptophan. 5-HTP is derived naturally from the seeds of the Griffonia plant, where L-tryptophan is produced synthetically or through bacterial fermentation. 5-HTP readily crosses into the brain and in the presence of cofactor pyridoxal phosphate, derived from Vitamin B6 which is included in this formula, can be synthesized into serotonin.
Supplementing with 5-HTP provides the advantage of bypassing the conversion of L-tryptophan into 5-HTP, eliminating possible obstacles in the synthesis of serotonin. This conversion process can be inhibited by many factors including stress, insulin resistance, increasing age, and deficiencies of vitamin C, folate, and iron.
Oral 5-HTP is well-absorbed in the intestine without the need for a transporter and is not affected by the presence of other amino acids. As such, it may be taken with meals without reducing effectiveness.
Key Ingredients
5-HTP
Patient One 5-HTP supplies 100 mg of natural 5-hydroxytryptophan. Studies suggest that 5-HTP supports healthy levels of serotonin, the chemical messenger that affects emotions, behavior, appetite and sleep.
Adequate levels of serotonin in the brain are related to a balanced emotional state. By regulating activity of certain excitatory hormones, including dopamine and noradrenaline, serotonin helps promote a sense of calmness and relaxation. In numerous studies, significant positive response was shown in individuals with negative mood status when supplementing with 50–300 mg 5-HTP daily.
Acting as a satiety signal in the brain, serotonin helps naturally regulate food intake. Studies support the role of 5-HTP in appetite and weight management. When used in higher doses (300 mg 3 times per day), 5-HTP has been shown to decrease food consumption and reduce weight.
As a precursor of melatonin, serotonin is involved in regulating sleep patterns and has a beneficial effect on sleep/wake cycles and sleep quality.
Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate)
Vitamin B6 plays a vital role in the functioning of the central nervous system. As a coenzyme, Vitamin B6 is fundamental in the brains production of several crucial neurotransmitters, including melatonin, norepinephrine and dopamine and is synergistically included in our formula. Since Vitamin B6 is water soluble and not stored in the body, we need to replenish its levels daily.
Research
- Several small short-term studies have found that 5-HTP may be as effective as standard antidepressant drugs.(5, 6) Since standard antidepressants are also used for insomnia and anxiety, 5-HTP has also been suggested as a treatment for those conditions.(7)
- A randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study was performed on 20 obese patients to investigate the effect 5-HTP would have on their eating habits. Significant weight loss was observed in those patients taking 5-HTP compared to placebo. A reduction in carbohydrate intake and a consistent presence of early satiety was also found.(1)
References
- Cangiano C, Ceci F, Cascino A, et al. Eating behavior
