A compound synthesized from tryptophan, it is a precursor to the neurotransmitter
serotonin. Serotonin is found in the brain, blood platelets', and cells of the
gastrointestinal tract. Because serotonin is found in the brain and central nervous system
it has many implications in problem areas. The function of Prozac™, and many other antidepressant drugs, is to increase
the availability of serotonin in synapses in certain key areas of the brain. However,
these drugs may present many unpleasant and dangerous side effects. Since the availability
of tryptophan is restricted by the FDA, many research scientists have discovered that
5-HTP compares favorably to various antidepressant drugs.
This product is an extract from a natural legume, "griffonia simplicfolia" and
not from fermented tryptophan.
Depression, anxiety, sleeplessness. They're everyday occurrences
in the fast-paced, high-stress lives many of us lead. Now, scientists have discovered that
depression, anxiety, and sleeplessness are all related to a deficiency of the the
neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Restore the serotonin,
and your mood improves, anxiety melts away, and you sleep restfully through the night.
Other symptoms of serotonin deficiency can include: carbohydrate cravings, migraines,
obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and other behavioral disorders.
Restoring serotonin is the basis, as mentioned earlier, for one of the most popular
classes of drugs prescribed today, the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRls).
These drugs, including Prozac®, Zoloft®, Paxil®, and others, are widely used to treat
depression, anxiety, and insomnia. They are effective because they increase the
availability of serotonin in synapses in certain key areas of the brain by blocking its
inactivation, but they do not increase serotonin.
100mg - 30 capsules----------------$39.90 Use Order Form to order
A Letter to The Editor
"I note that you sell the supplement 5-HTP. The
data you provide about it is quite interesting.
I've gleaned some additional information concerning this important supplement. The
following is a brief fact sheet that I hope will be of interest.
Sincerely yours,
Larry Godwin, Ph.D.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)
5-HTP is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan. It is the direct precursor of the
neurotransmitter serotonin.(1)
Serotonin is an inhibitory neurotransmitter,(5) the one
associated with calm. It soothes and comforts us from worry and stress. Stress causes the
heightened release of serotonin, and if the stress lasts too long, it leads to serotonin
depletion. Research strongly implies that boosted brain serotonin serves as a "stress
immunizer."(6)
When it comes to the ups and downs of mood disorders, serotonin seems to play the role
of regulator.(2) Low serotonin levels are associated with
irritability, aggression, impatience, and anxiety.(6) Evidence
suggests that serotonin inhibits aggressive behavior in experimental animals and humans.(3)
A lack of good parental care, e.g., abusive parenting while growing up, can permanently
damage the serotonin system.(6)
Abundant laboratory research suggests there is a deficiency of serotonin or serotonin
activity in the brains of most depressed persons., Suicidal patients show a significant
decrease in serotonin levels.(3) Most antidepressant drugs,
including tricyclics, lithium, MAO inhibitors, and SSRI's (Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and
Luvox), have this in common: they boost serotonin levels.(2)
5-HTP differs from tryptophan in that it slightly increases the activity of an
energizing neurotransmitter, norepinephrine, as well as the calming one,
serotonin.(1) In some clinical trials, 5-HTP outperformed tryptophan in treating mood disorders.(2)
The greater the agitation associated with depression, the more likely the response to
5-HTP.(3)
The suggested dosage range of 5-HTP is 50-1200 mg. per day; its usual range is 100-600
mg.(2) However, some depressed persons find relief from a
daily dose as small as 25 mg., which involves splitting the purchased capsules or tablets.
For some people, 5-HTP has an extremely narrow therapeutic window. The proper dosage
may lie within a range as small as 10-25 mg. per day.(1) Side
effects of too high a dose may include hypomania, dermatitis, and increased
aggressiveness.(2)
A conservative starting dose for 5-HTP is 25 mg. a day. Many people notice a favorable
mood effect within one or two days of beginning supplementation. Gradually boosting the
dose by 25 mg. every four days increases the chances of finding a person's therapeutic
window.
As with tryptophan, it is important to take 5-HTP away from any protein food.(4) One
product manufacturer suggests taking it 45 minutes before or three hours after a protein
meal.
References 1. Baumel, Syd, 1995, Dealing with Depression.Naturally. (Keats) 2. Saumel,
Syd, 1997, Serotonin: How to Naturally Harness the Power Behind Prozac and Phen/Fen.
(Keats) 3. Braverman, Eric, M.D., 1997, The Healing Nutrients Within. (Keats) 4. Chaitow,
Leon, 1985, Amino Acids In Therapy. (Thorsons Publishersl 5. Erdmann, Robert, 1987, The
Amino Revolution. (Fireside) 6. Norden, Michael, M.D., 1996, Beyond Prozac. (Regan/Harper)"
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