Now 5-HTP 50mg - 30 V-Caps

Cautions & Warnings: Consult a health care practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or if you are taking carbidopa or drugs/supplements with serotonergic activity. These may include, but are not limited to, L-tryptophan, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe), St. John’s wort, antidepressants, pain killers, over the counter cough and cold medication containing dextromethorphan, anti-nausea medication and anti-migraine medication. Discontinue use and consult a health care practitioner if you show signs of weakness, oral ulcers, or abdominal pain accompanied by severe muscle pain, or if you experience skin changes or if sleeplessness persists continuously for more than 3 weeks (chronic insomnia). Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. Do not use if you have scleroderma. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental alertness. Some people may experience diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain and drowsiness.

WHAT IS 5-HTP?

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a extracted from the seeds of the African Plant,Griffionia simplicifolia. 5-HTP is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan. It is a direct precursor of the important inhibitory neurotransmitter serotonin, which is secreted in response to mood or emotion swings. 5-HTP has been favorably compared to tricyclic antidepressants and Prozac for its ability to alleviate depression.

What Is Serotonin?

Serotonin is a major player in the regulation of mood and behaviour. It also regulates appetite, the dilation of blood vessels and many other body processes

Serotonin soothes and calms and brings about feelings of contentment. Serotonin regulates mood, behaviour, appetite, dilation of blood vessels and many other body processes. 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.

To enhance the body's production of serotonin without taking serotonin itself there are several options. Protein intake is important because it contains the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to serotonin. A supplement called 5-HTP is an activated form of tryptophan that can also be supplemented to help with the production of serotonin. Vitamin B6, pyridoxine, acts in the cascade to produce serotonin, from tryptophan. The absorption of B6 is improved if all of the B complex vitamins are taken along with it.

Supplementing With 5-HTP May Benefit:

- Weight
- insomnia
- Depression
- Anxiety
- PMS
- Jet lag
- Headaches/ migraines
- Fibromyalgia
- Aging
- Alzheimer's disease