Life Choice L-Tryptophan 220mg + 50mg B-6 - 60 V-Caps

Cautions & Warnings: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if symptoms worsen or if you are currently using prescription medication or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you have a neurological condition. Some people may experience drowsiness. Exercise caution of operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental alertness. Do not use if you have a condition in which tryptophan cannot be metabolized normally (e.g. liver conditions or errors of metabolism) May cause nausea. Keep out of reach of children.

LIFE CHOICE'S L-TRYPTOPHAN

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, used by the brain to produce serotonin, a necessary neurotransmitter which transfers nerve impulses from cell to cell, and is responsible for normal sleep.

Tryptophan also helps combat depression and insomnia and to stabilize moods. It helps to control hyperactivity in children, alleviates stress, benefits the heart, aids in weight control as an appetite suppressant, and enhances the release of growth hormone. B-6 (pyridoxine) is necessary for the formation of tryptophan, which is required for the formation of serotonin. A lack of tryptophan and magnesium may contribute to coronary artery spasms or irregular heartbeats; supplementation can conceivably reduce heart attacks.

L-tryptophan does not work by drugging or depressing the central nervous system, L-tryptophan simply returns normal function by being available for the body to use as needed. Although tryptophan is found in foods, such as brown rice, cottage cheese, turkey, peanuts, and soy protein, the best way is supplementation, since this is the only way to cross the blood brain barrier for absorption in any noticeable amount. High protein meals can depress the brain levels of L-tryptophan since they compete with various other amino acids for uptake.

The body will use some tryptophan to make the B-vitamin Niacin (B3), if a person is niacin deficient. Therefore one should take a good B-complex or multi vitamin; the inositol in the B-complex also helps with anti-anxiety and sleep normalizing properties, while the B-6 will prevent undesirable degradation of excreted tryptophan.

VITAMIN B-6

Pyridoxine, commonly known as vitamin B6, is a water-soluble B vitamin. There are several forms of B6 including pyridoxine, pyridoxal and pyridoxamine. All of these are precursors for the active coenzyme form of B6, called pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (P5P or PLP). Active B6 in its coenzyme form serves in more functions in the body than any other single nutrient. It is particularly important for protein metabolism, and it also plays a role in blood sugar regulation. B6 can be used to treat anemia, allergies, arthritis, asthma, kidney stones, pregnancy-related nausea and multiple sclerosis (MS).

Cellular Growth And Healing

Vitamin B6 helps to make hemoglobin, the oxygen- carrying component of red blood cells. Thus, supplementation can help to prevent anemia, and the fatigue associated with this condition. B6 is also needed to synthesize genetic material (DNA) and is essential for normal cellular growth. It plays a role in the immune system by assisting in the formation of antibodies, the chemical tags that our immune system uses to flag harmful substances for destruction.

Brain And Mood Booster

B6 is required for the production of neurochemicals in the brain, such as serotonin and GABA. Serotonin regulates pleasurable experiences and appetite, and GABA calms the body. Therefore, B6 is useful for a variety of neurological disorders including autism and hormone-associated depression. Poor B6 status in the elderly has been associated with an increased rate of cognitive decline. Supplementation of vitamin B6 may help to slow this process of mental decline and memory loss associated with age.

Cardiovascular Disease

The breakdown of the toxic substance homocysteine into harmless byproducts involves vitamin B6. Homocysteine damages the inner lining of arteries and having high levels of homocysteine in the body is associated with an increased risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. The effect is increased with co-supplementation of vitamin B12 and folate.

TRYPTOPHAN

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid, meaning that it must be obtained from dietary sources. It plays several important roles in the human body. Tryptophan is the precursor to the B vitamin, niacin. Niacin is an important vitamin for the functioning of the nervous system. It has been well researched for its ability to improve mental illnesses such as schizophrenia. It also helps the digestion of fats, carbohydrates and protein because niacin is needed in the coenzymes that speed up these reactions.

Niacin plays a part in the production of stomach acid and bile. One form of B3, niacin, lowers cholesterol because niacin is involved in chemical reactions that metabolize fats. Niacin also causes the release of histamine, a chemical responsible for dilating vessels. Thus it benefits cardiovascular diseases, where circulation is compromised, and diabetes, where decreased circulation causes numbness in the extremities. To further help with diabetes, niacin regulates blood sugar as a component of glucose tolerance factor. Niacin can also help allergy sufferers by depleting the body's histamine stores. Histamine release leads to allergic symptoms like runny nose and itchy, watery eyes.

Tryptophan is also a precursor to 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), which in turn creates the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Serotonin regulates mood, behaviour, appetite, dilation of blood vessels and many other body processes. 5-HTP has been favourably compared to tricyclic antidepressants and Prozac for its ability to alleviate depression. Serotonin is released in response to fullness and regulates appetite. Deficiency of serotonin can lead to overeating and obesity. This also accounts for the fact that when we are under stress our appetite tends to change. Some people become deficient in serotonin and gain weight because they overeat. Others lose their appetite partly because their brain is reacting to high levels of serotonin released during the stressful time. Serotonin also decreases the diameter of blood vessels. This is helpful in headaches and migraines that are caused by increased blood flow in the brain.

Melatonin regulates the body's sleep/wake cycles. Optimal levels of melatonin allow us to have restful and restorative sleep. Melatonin also cues the body to release growth hormone and sex hormones, which are used during sleep to repair body tissues and normalize hormone levels. Finally melatonin is an antioxidant that protects tissue by neutralizing damaging free radicals. The amount of melatonin produced by the body naturally declines as we age so supplementing with 5-HTP may be a means to prevent age-related disease.

Tryptophan and 5-HTP are recommended by natural health practitioners for insomnia, jet lag, aging, frequent colds and flus, PMS, memory loss, arteriosclerosis, high cholesterol, blood sugar imbalances, allergies, stroke, Alzheimer's disease, headaches, migraines, obesity, fibromyalgia, stress, anxiety, hyperactivity, depression and smoking cessation.

Supplements of L-tryptophan are restricted because contaminated tryptophan products have lead to deaths in the US. Consequently, 5-HTP, an activated form of L-tryptophan, is used as a supplement. It can be purchased in tablets or capsules. Taking your 5-HTP supplement with a high-carbohydrate food or drink, like juice, will increase its absorption.

Excessive use of 5-HTP alters the levels of some immune cells. Regular laboratory testing is recommended. Do not use 5-HTP if you are pregnant, nursing, have autoimmune disease or cancers of the immune system. 5-HTP interacts with antidepressant medication. 5-HTP has additive effects when taken with St. John's wort, SAMe and tryptophan. It may irritate the digestive tract of sensitive individuals.