Indications

• enhances serotonin production
• 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
• made without flowing agents that can inhibit bioavailability

Ingredients

Medicinal Ingredients
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (seed) (Griffonia simplicifolia) 50 mg

Non-Medicinal Ingredients
Cellulose, Hypromellose (derived from cellulose) capsule, L-Leucine, Silicon Dioxide.

Description

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.

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.

Dose

Recommended Dose
Adults: Take with food. To promote healthy mood balance: Take 1-2 capsules three times daily or as recommended by a health-care practitioner. To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, start dosing at 1 capsule three times daily and slowly inc

Recommended Use or Purpose
Helps promote healthy mood balance and used as a sleep aid. Use for a minimum of 1 week to see beneficial effects. Consult a health-care practitioner for use beyond 1 year.

Potential side effects/Safety

Consult a health-care practitioner prior to use: if you are pregnant or breastfeeding; if symptoms persist or worsen; if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than 3 weeks (chronic insomnia). Consult a health-care practitioner prior to use if you are taking carbidopa or drugs/supplements with serotonergic activity. These may include, but are not limited to, L-tryptophan, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), St. John's wort, antidepressants, pain killers, over the counter cough and cold medication containing dextromethorphan, anti-nausea medication and anti-migraine medication. Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Discontinue use and consult a health-care practitioner if you show signs of weakness, oral ulcers, or abdominal pain accompanied by severe muscle pain or if you experience skin changes. Do not use if you have scleroderma. Some people may experience drowsiness. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or are involved in activities requiring mental alertness.