- Depression: quick acting, few side effects
- Helps to promote and maintain sleep
- May help migraines due to low serotonin levels
- Fibromyalgia: studies show good results
- Helps promote a feeling of fullness for healthy weight loss
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the middle step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin. Considerable scientific evidence indicates that low serotonin levels are linked to a number of common conditions including depression, obesity, fibromyalgia and headaches.
Happiness, health, and general well-being are closely tied to the secretion of various hormones, neurotransmitters, and other chemical messengers. One of these, serotonin, has a powerful influence over our emotional state, appetite, sleep habits, and pain tolerance. Many chronic diseases, including depression, have been clinically linked to low serotonin levels. Serotonin is made in our bodies, but the building blocks it needs are often lacking. Natural Factors 5-HTP provides those necessary building blocks in the form of 5-hydroxytryptophan, a direct precursor to serotonin. By boosting serotonin levels, 5-HTP is clinically shown to enhance mood, fight depression, relieve insomnia by improving sleep quality, curb appetite and food cravings, prevent migraines, and relieve pain from fibromyalgia.
5-HTP is a derivative of tryptophan, the compound in turkey responsible for that sleepy, satisfied feeling. Because it is one step closer to serotonin than tryptophan, it is more effective at relieving symptoms associated with low serotonin. Unlike prescription antidepressants, 5-HTP boosts serotonin levels without unpleasant side effects, and does not create dependence. While 5-HTP can sometimes cause mild gastrointestinal side effects, Natural Factors enteric-coated caplets are designed to dissolve in the intestines rather than the stomach, significantly reducing the potential for nausea.
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5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia) seed, calcium (dicalcium phosphate), purified water, microcrystalline, cellulose, aqueous coating solution (purified water, ethylcellulose, medium chain triglycerides [coconut], oleic acid, carbohydrate gum [cellulose], glycerin, sodium alginate, stearic acid), magnesium stearate (vegetable grade).
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1 caplet 2–3 times daily with meals or as directed by a health professional. To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, slowly increase dose over a period of 2 weeks.
