Description
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid precursor to the brain chemical serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is essential for balancing mood, along with performing cognitive tasks such as learning and memory formation. Lowered mood as well as other conditions have long been associated with low serotonin levels, making 5-HTP an attractive natural option to elevate mood and improve emotional health. Timed-release caplets bypass the limitations of immediate-release formulations. This allows for a sustained increase in serotonin, avoiding spikes, fluctuations, and the rapid drops associated with missed or delayed dosing. Additionally, timed-release formulations may help minimize the gastric discomfort some individuals experience with 5-HTP.
Clinical research supports 5-HTP supplementation for mood. A randomized double-blind clinical trial of 60 patients assessed the efficacy of 5-HTP supplementation as compared to fluoxetine. Efficacy was determined by comparing initial HAM-D scores obtained at baseline to those at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, and 8 weeks. Following 5-HTP supplementation, 73% of patients taking 5-HTP and 80% of patients taking fluoxetine showed significant reduction in HAM-D scores starting at week two and through to the end of the study.
5-HTP has also been used to address serotonin imbalance implicated in chronic pain conditions including migraines as well in fibromyalgia and insomnia. People with fibromyalgia who take 300–400 mg of 5-HTP daily in divided doses have reported improvements in symptoms, including pain severity, morning stiffness, and sleeplessness. 5-HTP is known to increase sleep quality, which is critical in those suffering from fibromyalgia. In fact, 5-HTP has been shown to promote REM sleep in healthy adults. The increased time spent in REM sleep is one of the reasons why 5-HTP is considered a sleep aid.
Ingredients:
Each Caplet Contains: | |
L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (Griffonia simplicifolia) (seed) | 100 mg |
Non-Medicinal Ingredients: Dibasic calcium phosphate dihydrate, purified water, microcrystalline cellulose, enteric coating (purified water, ethylcellulose, medium chain triglycerides, oleic acid, carbohydrate gum [cellulose], glycerin, sodium alginate, stearic acid), vegetable grade magnesium stearate (lubricant).
Allergens: Contains no artificial colours, preservatives, or sweeteners; no dairy, starch, sugar, wheat, gluten,yeast, soy, corn, egg, fish, shellfish, animal products,salt, tree nuts, or GMOs. Suitable for vegetarians/vegans.
Recommended Adult Dose:
Healthy Mood Balance: 1 caplet 3 times per day with food or as directed by a health care practitioner. To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, slowly increase up to the full dose over a period of 2 weeks. Use for a minimum of 1 week to see beneficial effects. Consult a health care practitioner for use beyond 1 year.
Sleep Aid: 1 caplet 1–2 times per day with food, 30–45 minutes prior to bedtime, or as directed by a health care practitioner.
Cautions: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or are taking products with mood enhancing activity. Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or drowsiness. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental alertness. Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if you show signs of weakness, oral ulcers or abdominal pain accompanied by severe muscle pain, if you experience skin changes, or if symptoms persist or worsen. Consult a health care practitioner if sleeplessness persists for more than 3 weeks. Do not use if you have scleroderma. 5-HTP lowers blood pressure and could be additive to antihypertensives. Keep out of reach of children.
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