5-HTP and Fibromyalgia
Although many factors can
influence the stiffness, pain, and fatigue
associated with fibromyalgia, evidence
from several studies indicates that low
serotonin levels may play a role in the
development of this condition. 5-HTP has
been shown to improve sleep quality and
reduce pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression
in individuals with fibromyalgia.
5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an intermediate
in the natural conversion of the essential amino acid
tryptophan, to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter.
Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP increases the
amount and availability of serotonin produced by the
body. Those with fibromyalgia can consider taking
5HTP to help support healthy moods and sleep cycles
with the science of Source Naturals 5-HTP today.
5-HTP works because it helps support your body’s
balanced production of two important sleep regulating
hormones, serotonin, and melatonin. Eventually, the
serotonin in your body is converted into melatonin,
the hormone that helps regulate healthy 24-hour sleep
cycles known as circadian rhythms. Studies have shown
that fibromyalgia sufferers often have low levels
of serotonin; therefore, melatonin levels may be low
as a result. If this is the case taking 5HTP may be
helpful by increasing both levels of hormones. However,
you need adequate serotonin levels to maintain this
balance.
Besides low serotonin levels, aging, hormone imbalance,
and various forms of physical or emotional stress
can decrease your melatonin levels and disrupt your
sleep cycle. Fortunately, that balance can be recouped
regardless of the cause with the use of 5-HTP by helping
you regain a healthy circadian rhythm.
Increased brain serotonin levels may produce positive
effects on:
- emotional well-being
- appetite regulation
- melatonin production
- maintaining a healthy sleep cycle
5-HTP for Depression and Sleep
Serotonin abnormalities may be responsible for depression
and insomnia—issues that many fibromyalgia patients
face. 5-HTP can help maintain serotonin levels in
the brain helping to relieve pain, improve mood, and
alleviate sleeplessness. 5-HTP works on the serotonin
pathway in a way similar to the action of antidepressants .
See Precautions below.
Depression
Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute
to the development of depression. Many drugs prescribed
for depression increase serotonin levels. Some studies
indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain
antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with
mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have
shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and
physical symptoms.
Sleep
Sleep is crucial in today's busy world, especially
for those with fibromyalgia. It's the time when your
body repairs, rebuilds, and replenishes the tissues
and compounds that have been damaged or depleted by
the demands of your life. But when there is too much
stress, imbalances occur that can keep you from getting
enough sleep. Source Naturals 5-HTP can help promote
healthy sleep cycles. 5-HTP is created when the tryptophan
in your body is converted into serotonin. 5-HTP can
cross the blood-brain barrier and is associated with
increasing active serotonin levels as well as serotonin
production.
Precautions
Individuals taking the antidepressant medications
known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
(such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and citalopram)
and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (such as
phenelzine, isocarboxazid, selegiline, and tranylcypromine)
should not use 5-HTP, as it enhances the action of
these drugs and may increase the risk for developing
a dangerous condition known as "serotonin syndrome."
Serotonin syndrome is characterized by mental status
changes, rigidity, hot flashes, rapidly fluctuating
blood pressure and heart rate, and possibly coma.
Similarly, other drugs for depression that interfere
with the uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin,
namely trazodone and venlafexine, may also lead to
serotonin syndrome when used along with 5-HTP. If
you are currently taking any of the above prescription
medications, you should not use 5-HTP without first
talking to your health care provider.
5-HTP may cause mild gastrointestinal disturbances
including nausea, heartburn, flatulence, feelings
of fullness, and rumbling sensations in some people.
Pregnant or nursing women and individuals with high
blood pressure or diabetes should consult a healthcare
practitioner before taking 5-HTP.
Supplement Facts
Capsules per Container: 60 Capsules, 100
mg
Serving Size: One (1) Capsule
Servings per Container: 60
Suggested Use: 1 capsule once or twice daily with
a glass of water. Start with 1 capsule per day, increasing
dosage up to 2 capsules daily as needed. Do not exceed
the recommended dose.
Supplement Facts for 100 mg
Capsule
Serving Size: 1 capsule(s) |
Amount per Serving |
% Daily Value |
| 5-HTP (from Griffonia
simplicifolia) |
|
† |
|
† Daily Value not established.
Other Ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin
(capsule), colloidal silicon dioxide, and magnesium
stearate.
Hypoallergenic: Contains no yeast, dairy,
egg, gluten, corn, soy, or wheat. Contains no sugar,
starch, salt, preservatives, artificial colors, flavor,
or fragrance.
Warning: In some people, nausea, headaches,
nasal congestion, or constipation may occur. If these
symptoms occur, lower the dose, or spread the dose
throughout the day. Discontinue use if any of these
symptoms persist for more than three days. If you
are pregnant, may become pregnant, or breastfeeding,
taking prescription medication such as antidepressant
SSRI's, MAO inhibitors or sedatives, or if you have
heart disease, consult your physician before using
this product. Do not use if tamper-evident seal is
broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children.
Manufactured by Source Naturals
The Benefits of 5-HTP
5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an intermediate
in the natural conversion of the essential amino acid
tryptophan, to serotonin, which is a neurotransmitter.
Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP increases the
amount and availability of serotonin produced by the
body. Support your healthy moods, eating habits, and
sleep cycles with the science of Source Naturals 5-HTP
today.
Source Naturals 5-HTP is naturally derived from the
seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia.
How 5-HTP Works
5-HTP works because it helps support your
body’s balanced production of two important
sleep regulating hormones, serotonin, and melatonin.
Eventually, the serotonin in your body is converted
into melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate healthy
24-hour sleep cycles known as circadian rhythms.
Aging, hormone
imbalance, and various forms of physical or emotional
stress can decrease your melatonin levels and disrupt
your sleep cycle. Fortunately, that balance can be
recouped. When 5-HTP increases serotonin production,
melatonin production is also increased, helping you
regain a healthy circadian rhythm. However, you need
adequate serotonin levels to maintain this balance.
Increased brain serotonin levels may
produce positive effects on:
- emotional well-being
- appetite regulation
- melatonin production
- maintaining a healthy sleep cycle
5-HTP The Science of
Sleep
Sleep is especially important in today's
world. It's the time when your body repairs, rebuilds,
and replenishes the tissues and compounds that have
been damaged or depleted by the demands of your life.
But when there is too much stress, imbalances occur
that can keep you from getting enough sleep. Source
Naturals 5-HTP can help promote healthy sleep cycles.
5-HTP is created when the tryptophan in your body
is converted into serotonin. 5-HTP can cross the blood-brain
barrier and is associated with increasing active serotonin
levels as well as serotonin production.
Other Uses
Depression
Low levels of serotonin in the brain can contribute
to the development of depression. Many drugs prescribed
for depression increase serotonin levels. Some studies
indicate that 5-HTP may be as effective as certain
antidepressant drugs in treating individuals with
mild to moderate depression. Such individuals have
shown improvements in mood, anxiety, insomnia, and
physical symptoms.
Fibromyalgia
Although many factors can influence the stiffness,
pain, and fatigue associated with fibromyalgia, evidence
from several studies indicates that low serotonin
levels may play a role in the development of this
condition. 5-HTP has been shown to improve sleep quality
and reduce pain, stiffness, anxiety, and depression
in individuals with fibromyalgia.
Headaches
Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in
adults with various types of headaches including migraines.
Obesity
There is some evidence that low tryptophan levels
may contribute to excess fat and carbohydrate intake
(which can result in weight gain). A study of overweight
individuals with diabetes suggests that supplementation
with 5-HTP may decrease fat and carbohydrate intake
by promoting a feeling of satiety (fullness). Additional
similar studies of obese men and women without diabetes
found that supplementation with 5-HTP resulted in
decreased food intake and weight loss.
Precautions
Individuals taking the antidepressant
medications known as selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs) (such as fluoxetine, paroxetine,
sertraline, and citalopram) and monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs) (such as phenelzine, isocarboxazid,
selegiline, and tranylcypromine) should not use 5-HTP,
as it enhances the action of these drugs and may increase
the risk for developing a dangerous condition known
as "serotonin syndrome." Serotonin syndrome
is characterized by mental status changes, rigidity,
hot flashes, rapidly fluctuating blood pressure and
heart rate, and possibly coma.
Similarly, other drugs for depression
that interfere with the uptake of the neurotransmitter
serotonin, namely trazodone and venlafexine, may also
lead to serotonin syndrome when used along with 5-HTP.
If you are currently taking any of the above prescription
medications, you should not use 5-HTP without first
talking to your health care provider.
5-HTP may cause mild gastrointestinal
disturbances including nausea, heartburn, flatulence,
feelings of fullness, and rumbling sensations in some
people. Pregnant or nursing women and individuals
with high blood pressure or diabetes should consult
a healthcare practitioner before taking 5-HTP.
References
Birdsall, T. (1998). 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically
effective serotonin precursor. Alt Med Rev 3(4): 271-280.
Magnussen, T., et al. (1981). Plasma accumulation
and metabolism of orally administered single dose
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan in man. Acta Pharm et Tox 49:184-189.
Magnussen, T., et al. (1980). Bioavailability and
related pharmacokinetics in man of orally administered
L-5-hydroxytryptophan in steady state. Acta Pharm
et Tox 46: 257-262.
