5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-htp for short, is a chemical that the body makes from the dietary amino acid tryptophan and is essential for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin which affects mood, sleep, and appetite.
5-htp is produced commercially from the seeds of the griffonia simplicifolia, and is best taken in capsule form to help with better quality of sleep, enhanced mood, and appetite control on a daily basis.
Studies have shown that there is a correlation between supplementation with 5-htp and the feeling of satiety, or feeling full, and therefore has a significant impact on weight loss.
One study, that used a double-blind crossover design, evaluated 19 obese subjects who were given a daily dose of 5-htp; their regular diet was otherwise not altered or controlled.
Participants eating behaviour was measured using a questionnaire and food diary and it was found that 5-htp both reduced food intake and triggered greater weight loss than the placebo group.
In fact the effectiveness was three times greater than the control group, or those taking an l-tryptophan supplement.
The conclusion was the consumption of a 5-htp supplement, and the associated serotonin production, increased satiety which ultimately lead to weight loss.
Tnt 5-htp has also been shown to be an excellent sleep aid which, as this is when your body repairs itself and recovers from exercise, is important to anyone who trains regularly.