What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP, or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a chemical by-product – synthesized in the body – from the essential amino acid tryptophan. 5-HTP is also the immediate precursor of serotonini. As a nootropic supplement, 5-HTP is commonly manufactured from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifoliaii.

Benefits of 5-HTP

Optimizes cognitive functions

You’re in the middle of a conversation when, suddenly, your brain seems to short-circuit. Instead of feeling sharp, you feel like you’re trudging through muddy waters. If you’ve experienced an instance like this, you might be suffering from low serotonin levels. And this is where 5-HTP supplementation can help. In comparison to tryptophan, 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily and gets synthesized into serotonin quickeriii. Through rebalancing your serotonin levels, you’ll be able to improve your cognitive functionsiv. Say goodbye to sudden blanking out!

Relieves anxiety and depression

Do you commonly feel as though you’re viewing the world through a sheet of thick, opaque glass, where you’re disconnected and unempathetic to everything going on in your life? It’s time you stopped living like a half-living ghost. Due to its effects on serotonin levels in the brain, 5-HTP can potentially be as effective as antidepressantsv. Through boosting serotonin
levels, 5-HTP can also alleviate anxiety levels, so you’ll experience enhanced feelings of wellbeing and improved tolerance for stress. Exhibit your regular, charming personality once again.

Promotes sleep

It’s 3 am, and you’re lying in bed, flipping your pillow around in frustration – desperately hoping that you’d catch a few hours of shut-eye before you have to get up. If that sounds like you on a nightly basis, 5-HTP can help. The increased serotonin levels from 5-HTP supplementation can increase melatonin – a hormone needed to regulate sleep-wake cycles, and help normalize sleep patterns.

5-HTP side effects

Possible side effects of 5-HTP supplementation include:

• Heartburn
• Heart palpitations
• Headache
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Drowsiness
• Sexual problems
• Muscle issues