5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptamine) is also known as serotonin. This ingredient is a neurotransmitter which is synthesized in the body from the amino acid, tryptophan which then converts to 5 HTP. Serotonin is mostly found in the gut, platelets and central nervous system of the human body. In the gut, serotonin controls the movement of the intestines. Some of the serotonin secreted from these specialized gastrointestinal cells move into the blood and is stored in platelets. The rest of the serotonin naturally secreted in the body is found in the neurons of the central nervous system where it acts as a neurotransmitter which regulates things such as mood, sleep and appetite as well as contributing to memory and learning.
The kinds of food we eat affect the levels of 5 HT within the gut. This happens due to the production of serotonin which is solely dependent on the amount of amino acids available. Those foods that contain more tryptophan than leucine and phenylalanine increase the levels of serotonin because tryptophan is used for synthesizing 5 HTP. In the brain, serotonin binds to another subclass of 5 HT receptors in cells that secrete dopamine. This then counters the effects of dopamine which results in the suppression of appetite or will to want to eat. 5 HTP also indirectly controls blood sugar levels and growth by regulating the secretion and release of insulin and insulin-like growth factor. IGF 1 has been shown in many studies to help with reducing body fat and reshaping the body composition with moderate exercise.
5 HTP is widely used to help with obesity or the reduction in body fat. 5 HTP increases production of serotonin. Serotonin levels in the nervous system are essential for so many aspects of our daily lives. Serotonin is responsible for feelings of well-being, satisfaction and for normal sleep patterns. Lower levels of Serotonin have been shown to lead to diseases such as obesity. This is where 5 HTP comes into play by helping to regulate or suppress hormones that help with appetite control. Serotonin also helps play an important role in controlling mood, sleep, appetite, and metabolism. All of these things are vital to living a healthy lifestyle.
Some studies show that the hectic modern lifestyle of stress and bad eating habits lowers serotonin levels in the body. It is known that irritability, aggression, impatience, anxiety and worrying cause the body to release serotonin a rapid pace. When the body releases copious amounts of Serotonin it then needs to be replenished by the body which will from the food you eat. Serotonin can be found in foods such as oats, meat, fish, turkey, chicken, and nuts. It is also mostly found in things that people crave quite often such as chocolate, milk, and yogurt. When people crave foods with lots of fats and crabs this leads to things causing weight gain, depression, headaches, and muscle aches. 5 HTP is a supplement that paid with moderately good eating habits can be shown to be very beneficial in keeping one healthy. The supplement industry is now finding that by adding 5 HTP to amino acid supplements and other products can promote more exercise and a healthier lifestyle.
Here at NutraCap Labs we have 5 HTP as one of our listed ingredients. Let us walk you through how to use 5 HTP in your next product for your supplement line. To get the process started visit www.nutracapusa.com today.
