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5-HTP (50 Mg), Douglas Labs
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 |  Product: 5-HTP (50 Mg)
Manufacturer: Douglas Labs
Item #: 5HTP
Content: 100 VegiCaps
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A Brain Serotonin Precursor
5-HTP, provided by Douglas Laboratories®, contains
50 mg of natural L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP)
extracted from seeds of the Griffonia plant in each
vegetarian capsule.
FUNCTIONS
Serotonin, an important brain neurotransmitter, is key
in the regulation of appetite, mood, and melatonin
production. The presence of serotonin in the brain is
associated with a balanced emotional state. This is
achieved in part by decreasing the activity of certain
excitatory hormones, including dopamine and
noradrenaline. Serotonin also acts as a satiety signal
in the brain, thereby naturally regulating food intake.
Additionally, as a precursor of melatonin, serotonin is
involved in regulating sleep patterns.
Serotonin is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier
and is therefore synthesized in the brain.
Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is a precursor
for the synthesis of serotonin. Tryptophan crosses
the blood-brain barrier and is converted to L-5-
Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which in turn is converted
into serotonin. Unfortunately, tryptophan faces many
obstacles during its journey into brain tissue. First,
dietary intake directly affects body levels of
tryptophan, as the body can not produce it
endogenously. High protein diets often provide
greater amounts of tryptophan, yet higher carbohydrate
diets appear to enhance tryptophan uptake into the
brain. Secondly, tryptophan must compete with other
amino acids for entry into the brain. Finally,
tryptophan may be taken up by other tissues for
protein or niacin synthesis, and thus is not
exclusively for use by the brain.
As a metabolic intermediate in the conversion of
tryptophan into serotonin, 5-HTP can also serve as a
precursor of serotonin.
5-HTP offers a number of
advantages over tryptophan. 5-HTP is derived
naturally from the seeds of the Griffonia plant, unlike
tryptophan which is produced synthetically or
through bacterial fermentation. 5-HTP crosses into
the brain more readily than tryptophan as it
is able to cross the blood-brain barrier without
competition for uptake. 5-HTP is significantly more
effective than tryptophan; one 50 mg capsule of 5-HTP
is roughly equivalent to 500 mg of tryptophan.
Finally, research studies have shown 5-HTP to be
safe at levels as high as 900 mg. As
a result, 5-HTP is a safe and effective means of
increasing brain serotonin levels.
INDICATIONS
5-HTP capsules may be a useful nutritional
supplement for individuals wishing to obtain the
benefits of this well-documented plant extract.
SUGGESTED USE
One to two capsules per day, between meals or as
directed by a physician. Vitamin B6 is necessary for
the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin; thus, to derive
optimal benefits of 5-HTP, one must ensure an
adequate intake of vitamin B6.
SIDE EFFECTS
No adverse effects have been reported.
| Supplement Facts (5-HTP (50 Mg)) | |
Container Size 100 VegiCaps | | Serving Size 1 Cap |  | | | Amount Per 1 Cap | Content | %DV | | | | | | L-5-Hydroxytryptophan | 50 mg | | | | | % Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
* Daily Value (DV) not established. |
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