Hair loss due to depression or anxiety disorders is a reality that affects millions of people, these disorders have strong consequences on the hair follicle causing hair loss, but two components provide a significant solution to this problem, 5 -HTP and vitamin D.
What is 5-HTP?
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a transmitter amino acid that increases the level of serotonin when it reaches the brain. [1]
Serotonin affects important functions such as mood, sleep, appetite or anxiety, also affecting hair growth. The 5-HTP compound is especially indicated to fight depression and anxiety because it increases the synthesis of serotonin.
This hormone is synthesised from L-tryptophan acid, which is located in proteins. The amino acid contained in these foods is converted into 5-HTP and then serotonin, with the help of vitamin B6 in the gastrointestinal tract.
What consequences does serotonin deficiency have on hair growth?
Serotonin deficiency in conjunction with various factors can facilitate the onset and development of any type of depressive or anxiety disorder. When the organism stops synthesising the hormone serotonin, for reasons of stress or food deficiencies, the organism may be more prone to develop any of these disorders, having important consequences such as hair loss. [2]
This neurotransmitter of happiness synthesises in our body thanks to the action of tryptophan. This molecule is an essential amino acid vital for the proper functioning of our brain.
Why is vitamin D important for hair growth?
Vitamin D also fulfills very important functions in the synthesis of serotonin, this vitamin regulates the synthesis of enzymes that convert the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin. [3]
A very important function of vitamin D is to enhance the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin. Vitamin D increases the ability of neurons to produce serotonin from the amino acid tryptophan; an increase that could be from double to 30 times higher.
Is there a vegan option for vitamin D supplements?
Not all foods contain vitamin D, this vitamin is very important because its deficit is related to depression and anxiety, two disorders that can stop hair growth. Some animal foods may contain vitamin D, but there is a high-quality vegan option, lichen contains a higher vitamin D concentrate than other sources.
Our vitamin D is special for vegans, it does not come from animal origin but comes from lichen, an organism caused by the symbiosis between algae and fungi.
The vitamin D supplement of vegan origin is rapidly absorbed and facilitates the conversion of the amino acid tryptophan into serotonin, improving the state of depression and anxiety.
How do depression and anxiety influence hair growth?
Depression and anxiety have several consequences in the organism, one of the very important is hair loss. When the organism is in a state of depression or anxiety, it releases large amounts of cortisol, a hormone secreted by the kidney gland that has negative effects on hair growth.
Cortisol produces in the hair follicle stimulation in the sebaceous gland, which produces an increase in sebum production and a decrease in the concentration of intramolecular oxygen, weakening the follicle and resulting in hair loss. [4]
SuperFoodLx have created a supplement aptly named ‘Mood Architect’ because these two nutrients combined help people manage any negative emotions. This happens due to the boost in serotonin levels which you can consider our bodies natural happy drug. The more serotonin you have, the happier you feel so it goes without saying that if you have good levels of Vitamin D and 5htp you will feel happier overall.
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