5-HTP (60 tablets)

An immediate precursor of serotonin.

Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is a building block of our proteins and precursor of several important metabolites. The most important metabolite is serotonin. Although less than 3% of dietary tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain, the intermediate compound, 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), easily crosses the blood brain barrier and is metabolized to serotonin.

Serotonin levels have been shown to be decreased in individuals who suffer from depression. In addition to increasing serotonin level, 5-HTP can also increase catecholamines such as dopamine and norephinephrine, thereby having a significant impact on brain chemistry. For this reason, 5-HTP is not suitable for use with mood modifying medication, unless professionally directed.

5-HTP has also an effect on the satiety center, preventing some individuals from over eating, resulting in weight loss.

People suffering from insomnia may increase their REM sleep by increasing their 5-HTP level.

Features and Benefits

5-HTP provides the building block for serotonin, a metabolite that is decreased in people with depression Where weight loss is desired, studies show that supplementing with 5-HTP can curb appetite control, resulting in weight loss 5-HTP has been show to improve the quality of sleep by increasing the amount of REM sleep Research indicates that 5-HTP significantly reduces the number of tender points and improves other symptoms associated with fibromyalgia.

Serving Size: 1 tablet Servings Per Container: 60

L-5-Hydroxytrypophan.......100 mg (provided by Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract)

Recommended Use: One tablet taken once or twice daily or as professionally directed.

Contra-indications: None known if recommended intake is followed.

Read Customer questions and answers about Eating Disorders in our FAQ.

5-HTP may be helpful for:

Excessive appetite

Binge Eating

Carbohydrate Cravings

Obesity

Headaches

Migraines

Insomnia

Fibromyalgia

Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Poor Digestion

What is 5-HTP? 5-Hydroxytryptophan, made from the amino acid L-tryptophan with the help of Vitamin B6, is a precursor to serotonin production. The amino acid tryptophan can be found naturally in protein foods such as turkey and milk. Serotonin is a very important neurotransmitter known as "the feel good hormone". In the Central Nervous System (CNS), serotonin has been implicated in the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.*

Why should I consider 5-HTP supplementation? All serotonin used by brain cells must be made within the neurons, since serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Therefore, the synthesis of serotonin is heavily dependent upon the availability of L-tryptophan within the CNS.

The production and transport of L-Tryptophan from the bloodstream into the CNS can be compromised by several factors including stress, elevated cortisol levels, vitamin B6 deficiency, and even high dosages (above 2,000 mg) of L-Tryptophan, which all stimulate the conversion of L-Tryptophan to kynurenine, lowering serum tryptophan levels.

According to research, 5-HTP allows for weight loss without dieting, reduces appetite, reduces cravings for carbohydrates, improves mood, helps diabetics to stay on their diets, improves fibromyalgia symptoms, frequency and severity of headaches and even helps protein digestion.

How does 5-HTP help those with Diabetes Mellitus? Diabetes is associated with depressed tryptophan levels and as a result, higher incidence of depression. Diabetics also suffer from hyperphagia and carbohydrate cravings. In a study where 20 overweight individuals with NIDDM were given 750 mg/day of 5-HTP or placebo for two weeks, daily energy intake decreased considerably. Carbohydrate and fat intake were both reduced. Body weight reduced as well without dietary restriction.5 The conclusion of this study was: "These data confirm the role of the serotonergic system in reducing energy intake, by predominantly inhibiting carbohydrate intake, and suggest that 5-HTP may be safely utilized to improve the compliance to dietary prescriptions in NIDDM." 5 Int J Obes Relat Metab Disor 1998 July;22(7):648-54 Effects of oral 5-hydroxy-tryptophan on energy intake and macronutrient selection in non-insulin dependent diabetic individuals.

Is 5-HTP safe? 5-HTP is available OTC, whereas the FDA no longer allows L-tryptophan to be sold OTC. Where L-Tryptophan is synthesized from bacteria, allowing for contamination, 5-HTP is made from a plant from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia. L-Tryptophan supplements have been available only by prescription since the 1989 contamination catastrophe.

5-HTP is well absorbed 5-HTP is well absorbed from an oral dose, with about 70 percent ending up in the bloodstream. Absorption of 5-HTP is not affected by the presence of other amino acids; therefore, it may be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness. Unlike LT, 5-HTP cannot be shunted into niacin or protein production.*

Serving Size: 1 tablet Servings Per Container: 60

L-5-Hydroxytrypophan.......100 mg (provided by Griffonia simplicifolia seed extract)

Recommended Use: One tablet taken once or twice daily or as professionally directed.

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*Statements made here have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. As with any dietary or nutritional supplement, consult your healthcare practitioner before using natural health products, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or under medical supervision.

Disclaimer: Renewal Enterprises does not make claims to consumers in support of health benefits derived from nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbs, diet, or foods. This means we cannot make specific statements as to how nutritional supplements, vitamins, herbs, or diet may help to prevent or treat diseases. Taking natural health products, including recommendations from nutritional consultations, should be a decision based on education and personal research.