Quick Answer
Use iHerb discount code KHQ339 at checkout.
Dietary SupplementMoodSleepGluten FreeEnhances sleep and helps manage stress.5-HTP increases serotonin levels to promote restful sleep manage stress and decrease sugar cravings. It contains pyridoxal 5'-phosphate the active form of vitamin B6 and the necessary cofactor for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.The serotonin levels in the body are associated with the regulation of sleep mood and appetite. A balanced serotonin level has been shown to support restful sleep good mood and decreased sugar cravings. There are several ways to support a healthy serotonin level. 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 shunted 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. And 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.