Is 5-HTP Right For You?
5-HTP (short for 5 Hydroxytryptophan) is advertised as a supplement that may have a direct effect on Serotonin levels, the mechanisms of sleep, hunger, and mood; to reduce stress, tension and even help people fight against obesity.
5-Hydroxytryptophan is derived biochemically from the essential protein amino acid L-tryptophan. The protein builder is usually derived from seeds in an African plant called Griffonia Simplicifolia, and it is used in many supplemental products available at this moment. 5-Hydroxytryptophan may be helpful when used in connection with a wide variety of conditions related to low serotonin levels such as depression, insomnia, headaches, fibromyalgia and obesity and weight control.
L-tryptophan was a very popular nutritional supplement in the United States. In November 1989, the FDA recalled supplementary L-tryptophan based on several reports and studies associating the amino acid with multiple side effects. However, as it turned out, the side effects were part of a syndrome called the eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome, which occurred due to a contaminant in a batch of L-tryptophan that was produced from a genetically modified micro organism (GMO) and not L-tryptophan itself. Although the producing of 5-HTP is now different, there are still some specialists who are expressing their concerns that some 5-HTP supplements may contain similar contaminants.
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Ingredients of 5-HTP
5 HTP includes the following ingredients: L-5-Hydroxytryptophan, microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin (capsule), colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium stearate.