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.

 

• Effective antidepressant alternative to prescription drugs
• Enhances sleep quality by improving REM sleep
• Increases serotonin levels without creating dependence
• Enteric-coated caplets reduce the chance of nausea
• Guaranteed pure and free from contaminants

5-HTP is a direct precursor to serotonin. Our body makes serotonin by converting tryptophan into 5-HTP and then into serotonin. All serotonin used by the brain must be made in the brain, as serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. 5-HTP, however, can. Low serotonin levels are associated with a host of chronic disease, including depression, obesity, migraines, and fibromyalgia; antidepressants such as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) help keep serotonin circulating in the blood by preventing it from breaking down. Unfortunately, they can cause serious side effects.

5-HTP provides highly bioavailable materials the body needs to make mood-enhancing serotonin. 5-HTP also regulates circadian rhythms to increase sleep quality. Serotonin and melatonin (the hormone that helps us sleep) are part of a complementary cycle in the body that relies on the same raw materials, including 5-HTP. Because normal serotonin levels help us feel satiated, or full, after eating, 5-HTP can also help curb appetite and carbohydrate cravings. Serotonin also controls neurological pathways responsible for experiencing pain; 5-HTP can help relieve chronic pain and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia. Migraine headaches are associated with low serotonin levels; by boosting them, 5-HTP can help prevent recurrent migraines and reduce headache symptoms.

Each caplet contains:
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (Griffonia simplicifolia)
(Griffonia seed)	50 mg

Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, purified water, enteric coating (ethylcellulose, medium chain triglycerides, oleic acid, carbohydrate gum [cellulose], glycerin, sodium alginate, stearic acid), vegetable grade magnesium stearate (lubricant).