5-HTP — 5-Hydroxytryptophan – Central Nervous System Support (Clinically-Effective Serotonin Presursor) – 150 Capsules

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the intermediate metabolite of the essential amino acid L-tryptophan (LT) in the biosynthesis of serotonin. 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. Unlike LT, 5-HTP cannot be shunted into niacin or protein production. Therapeutic use of 5-HTP bypasses the conversion of LT into 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase, which is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of serotonin. 5-HTP is well absorbed from an oral dose, with about 70 percent ending up in the bloodstream. It easily crosses the blood-brain barrier and effectively increases central nervous system (CNS) synthesis of serotonin. In the CNS, serotonin levels have been implicated in the regulation of sleep, depression, anxiety, aggression, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation.

In our office,we have found that the therapeutic administration of 5-HTP has been shown to be effective in helping a wide variety of conditions where increased serotonin levels are desired.

Some Positive Effects of 5-HTP:

5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin and it has been compared in double-blind studies of depression sufferers to many of the popular SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) such as Prozac, Paxil, Luvox and Zoloft. It has shown comparable results to these drugs with a MUCH milder side effect profile.

The latest medical research on migraine headaches indicates that migraine sufferers experience periods of unusually high MAO activity during their headaches. MAO (monoamine oxidase) is an enzyme that breaks down serotonin. This is evidenced by the presence of serotonin metabolites (5-HIAA) in the urine of migraine sufferers during migraine attacks. Initially it was thought that these metabolites were caused by an increase in serotonin levels, but it is now understood that just the reverse is the case - that serotonin is being broken down at an abnormally rapid pace. The low serotonin levels in migraine sufferers is thought to lower their pain threshold. One of the most commonly prescribed migraine drugs (Imitrex) is a serotonin agonist, meaning that it acts in a way similar to or the same as serotonin itself.

Clinicians have noticed that using 5-HTP with MSM Powder results in positive effects on overall muscle health.

5-HTP and Sleep

Melatonin is an important initiator of sleep. In numerous studies, 5-HTP has been shown to decrease the time required to get to sleep and to decrease the number of awakenings.
Suggested instructions is to take 50-100mg, 3 times a day and twice this amount before bedtime.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan)

Each capsule supllies:

L-5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan 50 mg
Superoxide Dismutase+ 45 mcg
Catalase + 45 mcg

Other ingredients: Gelatin, water and glycerin.

Derived from the amino acid L-Tryptophan, 5-HTP is the immediate end precursor in the biosynthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), a key neurotransmitter.

5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier, where it is converted to serotonin in brain cells. Among other things, serotonin regulates feeding behavior. 5-HTP has also been found to increase plasma beta-endorphin levels

Caution: Very high doses of 5-HTP can be metabolized peripherally and can trigger excess serotonin formation. 5-HTP is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women and should be avoided by those with any form of cardiovascular disease. 5-HTP should not be used by those taking serotonin 5-HT or receptor agonists (naratriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan).

RECOMMENDATION: One (1) capsule two (2) times each day as a dietary supplement or as otherwise directed by a health care professional.

+Specially grown, biologically active vegetable culture base.

Contains: 150 Capsules
Product#: 5204
NDC#: 55146-05204