5-Hydroxytryptophan [5-HTP] (90 Capsules)
- increases serotonin levels for sleep enhancement, decreased sugar cravings, and better stress management
- can be taken with meals without competing with other amino acids
- includes vitamin B6 for optimal activity
Introduction of L-tryptophan:
L-tryptophan is an amino acid essential to human metabolism because it is the metabolic precursor of serotonin (a neurotransmitter), melatonin (a neurohormone), and niacin (vitamin B3).* Other neurotransmitters and central nervous system chemicals, including dopamine, norepinephrine, and beta-endorphin, have been shown to increase following oral administration of tryptophan.* Because of its effects on serotonin and melatonin production in the brain, L-tryptophan supplementation can benefit mood and can also promote relaxation, a benefit for individuals attempting to get to sleep.*
Introduction of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP):
5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the intermediate metabolite produced when the body initiates the process of converting the essential amino acid L-tryptophan to serotonin. Serotonin levels in the body are associated with the regulation of sleep, mood, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.*
Supplementing with 5-HTP to facilitate serotonin production is preferable to supplementing with L-tryptophan because, unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP cannot be shunted into niacin or protein production.* Supplementation with 5-HTP bypasses the conversion of L-tryptophan into 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of serotonin and a step that can be inhibited by a number of factors, including stress, insulin resistance, increasing age, and deficiencies of vitamin C, folate, and iron.
Two Capsules Contain:
Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate) 6.8 mg.
5-Hydroxytryptophan 100 mg.
Other Ingredients: Microcrystalline Cellulose, Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule, Leucine, Silicon Dioxide.
Suggested Use: Take 1-2 capsules three times daily or as recommended by a health-care practitioner.
Warning:
1. Do not take Vitamin B6's dosage over 50mg
2. Do not over take 5-HTP over 1000mg
3. 5-Hydroxytryptophan should be used with caution in an individual currently being treated with an SSRI, MAO inhibitor, or other antidepressant medication.
4. If pregnant, nursing, or trying to conceive, consult your health-care practitioner before using this product.
5-HTP is well absorbed when taken orally, with about 70 percent ending up in the bloodstream.*
Intestinal absorption of 5-HTP does not require the presence of a transport molecule and is not affected by the presence of other amino acids; therefore, it may be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness.* 5-HTP easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and effectively increases central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin.*
5-HTP has been shown to have a beneficial impact on mood, discomfort associated with fatigue, sleep, and carbohydrate craving.* Numerous studies of individuals with negative mood status have shown significant positive response with 50-300 mg of 5-HTP daily.*
To further facilitate serotonin production, Thorne Research's 5-HTP formula contains pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6 and the necessary cofactor for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.* 5-HTP is commercially produced by extraction from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.