L-5-HTP

L-5-Hydroxytryptophan

Serotonin Precursor

L-5-HTP $19.95

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L-5-HTP contains 50 mg of the highest-quality anhydrous l-5-hydroxytryptophan per veggie capsule. The only fillers are USP grade cellulose, silica, and magnesium trisilicate.

NUTRITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS & APPLICATIONS: Serotonin is one of three main monoamine neurotransmitters and is made from l-tryptophan. Whereas certain cells outside the brain (such as blood platelets) and some intestinal lining cells make and/or use serotonin, all serotonin used by brain cells must be made within the neurons. It is generally accepted that only about one percent or less dietary or supplementary tryptophan enters the brain. The remainder is: 1) Used to make various body proteins, 2) Converted into Vitamin B3 at a cost of 60 mg tryptophan per mg Vitamin B3, and 3) Converted by other body cells into serotonin for their needs. When neurons convert tryptophan into serotonin, they first use a Vitamin B3 dependent enzyme to convert tryptophan into 5-HTP. A Vitamin B6 dependent enzyme is then used to convert 5-HTP into serotonin. There are several advantages of using 5-HTP rather than l-tryptophan to elevate brain serotonin levels: 1) 5-HTP is not degraded by the tryptophan pyrrolase enzyme to kynurenine, the major pathway for peripheral degradation of l-tryptophan (about 98 percent), 2) 5-HTP easily crosses the blood-brain barrier, 3) 5-HTP is not incorporated into proteins, as is tryptophan, and 4) 5-HTP is not used to make Vitamin B3. Thus, when compared with tryptophan, 5-HTP more directly increases brain serotonin. In fact, some studies have shown better results using 200–300 mg 5-HTP per day as an antidepressant than other studies using 2000–3000 mg or more of l-tryptophan daily. 5-HTP may be an effective adjunct in protocols for pain, insomnia, depression (especially the agitated, anxious, irritable type), anxiety, suicide, alcoholism, compulsive and/or violent behavior, PMS, obesity, carbohydrate craving, SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), and migraine headache.

COMPOSITION: One preservative-free veggie capsule provides the following percentages of the Daily Value:

DIRECTIONS: As a dietary supplement take 1–4 capsules daily with food, or as directed by a health care professional.

INGREDIENTS: L-5-HTP only contains the highest-quality (99.4% pure) anhydrous l-5-hydroxytryptophan, cellulose, silica, and magnesium trisilicate.

L-5-HTP does not contain wheat, rye, oats, corn, barley, gluten, soy, dairy, egg, yeast, wax, preservatives, colorings, or artificial flavorings.