5-HTP, NOW Foods, 100mg, 120 Veg Caps
$512.00
Settle your mind and wind down at night.
Feeling restless or low on calm? Did you know 5-HTP is derived from the seeds of the African Griffonia plant and is used by your body to make serotonin? It may help support mood and restful sleep.
5-HTP from NOW Foods gives you 100mg per serving. Each pack has 120 Veg Caps.
5-HTP, short for 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a compound your body makes from the amino acid tryptophan. It is a stepping stone in making serotonin and, later, melatonin, two chemical messengers linked with mood balance and the sleep-wake cycle. Commercial 5-HTP is extracted from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a West African shrub. People use it to support relaxation, a calm mood and restful sleep.
Delivery: Ships from overseas. Usually arrives in 1 to 2 weeks.
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Benefits & common uses
Benefits
- May help support a healthy mood balance.
- May help promote relaxation and calm during times of mild stress.
- May help support healthy sleep onset.
- May help support a normal appetite and the feeling of fullness after meals.
- Helps support the body's natural production of serotonin.
- Traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to promote restful sleep.
What people commonly use it for
- Occasional sleeplessness (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)
- Low mood from everyday stress (Some clinical studies suggest it may help)
- Mild stress and tension (Early research only)
- Cravings for sweet foods (Early research only)
- Tension-type headache support (Early research only)
Suggested to use alongside
- Vitamin B6: Involved in normal neurotransmitter function
- Magnesium: Supports a healthy nervous system
- Vitamin D: Commonly taken for mood and general wellbeing
The science behind it
Tryptophan is an essential amino acid from food. In the brain, the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase converts it to 5-HTP, which is the rate-limiting step. A second enzyme, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase, then turns 5-HTP into serotonin (5-HT). Serotonin is involved in mood, appetite and gut movement, and is a precursor to melatonin, which helps regulate circadian rhythm.
Taking 5-HTP directly bypasses the tryptophan hydroxylase step. Unlike serotonin itself, 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier, and it is well absorbed from the gut. Most of the body's serotonin, around 90 per cent, is actually made in the gut, where it influences digestion.
Points worth knowing:
- Source: Griffonia seed extracts are standardised to a percentage of 5-HTP.
- Timing: often taken in the evening for sleep, or in divided doses during the day.
- Nutrients: vitamin B6, magnesium and iron are involved in the conversion pathway.
Research is limited. Small trials have looked at mood, sleep and appetite, with mixed results and varying quality (see Examine.com and the NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health). Because 5-HTP boosts serotonin, it can interact strongly with certain medicines, so it should be used with care.
Product details & ingredients
- Pack size: 120 Veg Caps
- Strength: 100mg
- Form: Vegetarian capsules
NOW Foods 5-HTP 100 mg 120 Veg Capsules
- Vegan Capsules/Neurotransmitter Support*: 5-HTP is the intermediate metabolite between the amino acid L-tryptophan and serotonin.
- CERTIFICATIONS/CLASSIFICATIONS: Dairy Free, Egg Free, Kosher, Made without Gluten, Non-GMO, Nut Free, Soy Free, Vegan/Vegetarian
Always read the label and follow the directions for use. This information is general in nature and not medical advice. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
Supplier ref: NOW Foods 5-HTP 100 Mg 120 VegCap
Common questions
What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP is a natural compound the body makes from tryptophan and uses to produce serotonin and melatonin. Supplements are made from the seeds of the Griffonia shrub.
What does 5-HTP do?
It may help support a balanced mood, relaxation and healthy sleep by supporting serotonin production.
When is the best time to take 5-HTP?
Many people take it in the evening for sleep support, or in smaller doses during the day. Take it as directed on the label, and try an empty stomach or light meal.
Can I take 5-HTP with prescription mood medicines?
No. 5-HTP can interact with medicines that affect serotonin and may cause serious side effects. Always speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.
How long does 5-HTP take to work?
Some people notice effects on sleep within days, while mood support may take several weeks of consistent use.
What is the difference between 5-HTP and tryptophan?
Tryptophan is the amino acid found in food, and 5-HTP is the next compound along the pathway to serotonin. 5-HTP bypasses one enzyme step.
Safety
Do not combine with antidepressants, St John's wort, tramadol, triptans or other serotonergic medicines without medical advice. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Mild nausea or stomach upset is possible, so start low and see a health professional if you take any prescription medicine.
About NOW Foods
NOW Foods is a family-owned American company making affordable, quality-tested supplements since 1968.
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