5-Hydroxytryptophan by Thorne

Mood & Sleep

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) can potentially increase serotonin levels by working to promote restful sleep, manage stress, and decrease sugar cravings.

This formula contains pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, which is the active form of vitamin B6 that is necessary for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an essential role in mood, sleep, and appetite regulation. 

The serotonin levels in the body are associated with the regulation of sleep, mood, and appetite. Balanced and healthy serotonin levels have been shown to support a restful sleep, good mood, and decreased sugar cravings. There are several ways to support healthy serotonin levels. L-tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are both precursors to serotonin. However, supplementation with 5-HTP is preferable, because unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP cannot be pulled into other uses in the body, such as niacin or protein production. 5-HTP is well absorbed by the body and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier where it can increase the synthesis of serotonin in the central nervous system.5-HTP can be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the intermediate metabolite the body produces when it initiates the process of converting the essential amino acid L-tryptophan to serotonin. Therefore, supplementation with 5-HTP will bypass the conversion of L-tryptophan into 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase – which is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of serotonin – and is a conversion that can be inhibited by a number of factors, including stress, insulin resistance, increasing age, and deficiencies of vitamin C, folate, and iron. 5-HTP is well absorbed when taken orally, with about 70 percent going into the bloodstream. Intestinal absorption of 5-HTP does not require the presence of a transport molecule, and its absorption is not affected by the presence of other amino acids; therefore, 5-HTP can be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness. 5-HTP has been shown to have a beneficial impact on mood, sleep, carbohydrate cravings, and discomfort associated with fatigue.Numerous studies of individuals with negative mood status have shown significant positive response with 50-300 mg of 5-HTP daily.

To further facilitate serotonin production, Thorne's 5-HTP formula contains pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6 and the necessary cofactor for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin. 5-HTP is commercially produced by extraction from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.

Each lot is thoroughly tested for contaminants, including Peak X, and is Peak X free.

***These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). These products are not meant to diagnose‚ treat or cure any disease or medical condition. Please consult your doctor before starting any exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using these or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.