5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan (50 mg)

60 capsules

$15.95

Keep serotonin at optimal levels, and avoid sleep problems, a low threshold for pain, anxiety, and abnormal weight gain. Restore your serotonin levels, and mood improves, anxiety disappears, and you feel calm and assured. Now, with the use of 5-HTP supplements, you may be able to positively affect your serotonin balance.*

5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan), the immediate precursor to serotonin, is effectively absorbed into the bloodstream and readily passes the blood-brain barrier to promote optimal serotonin balance in the brain.* In recent clinical studies, therapeutic administration of 5-HTP was confirmed effective in treating depression, fibromyalgia, the binge eating associated with obesity, chronic headaches, and insomnia.* Furthermore, 5-HTP may also aid in weight control through the same serotonin-increasing mechanism found in prescription weight-loss products.*

Depression: A breakthrough in the treatment of depression came with the development of the SSRI (serotonin re-uptake inhibitor) such as Prozac®. These effective antidepressants work by increasing the serotonin level in the brain, which is many times found to be low in those with depression. There is, however, a natural alternative to SSRIs that may also increase the brain's serotonin level: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan). 5-HTP readily passes into the brain where it is converted into serotonin.

Since the early 1970s, at least 15 studies involving 511 subjects have evaluated the clinical effects of 5-HTP on depression. The overall results of these studies showed a significant improvement in 56% of the subjects.

One such study that examined the effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant involved 59 depressed patients who where given 150-300 mg of 5-HTP daily. The result was astounding. Forty of the patients (68%) showed a favorable response, most within one week.

In 1991, a study involving 36 subjects compared the effectiveness of 5-HTP to an SSRI. One group was given 5-HTP, while another group was given an SSRI. After six weeks, both groups showed about the same success rate. When the numbers were totaled at the end of the study, the mean percentage was slightly greater for patients treated with 5-HTP. Adverse affects where found to be mild, usually disappearing within the first few days, with 5-HTP being more well tolerated then the SSRI. Tolerance of 5-HTP was assessed as being good or very good in 95% of the patience.

As a side note, some researchers have found the effectiveness of 5-HTP as an antidepressant to be increased when combined with L-Tyrosine, which is also available from MedQuest Pharmacy by clicking here.

Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is characterized by general aching, fatigue, morning stiffness, and sleep disturbances. It appears that low serotonin and tryptophan levels may be a contributing factor to fibromyalgia, indicating that 5-HTP may be useful in treating this debilitating malady. Studies have shown this to be the case.

One 90-day study involved 50 patients suffering from fibromyalgia. A full 50% of the patients showed significant improvement.

Weight Loss: It has been found that the craving for carbohydrates and the resulting binge eating may be associated with low serotonin levels that accompany dieting. Increasing the level of serotonin in the brain may therefore contribute to the success of a weight loss program.

And, here too, studies have supported this conclusion. One study on the effectiveness of 5-HTP in weight loss involved 20 overweight people. A reduction in carbohydrate intake, as well as significant weight loss, was observed in those that took the 5-HTP.

More info about 5-HTP regarding weight loss as a follow-up to the Hollywood Diet two-day juice fast.

Headaches: Chronic headaches, especially migraines, are thought to be the result of low serotonin levels. 5-HTP has been used successfully in the prevention of chronic headaches of various types, including migraine, tension headaches, and juvenile headaches.

A study on the effectiveness of 5-HTP in treating headaches involving 124 people that suffer from migraines resulted in a full 71% of those that were given 5-HTP reported a significant improvement. 5-HTP tended to reduce the intensity and duration of the attacks.

If you suffer from depression, fibromyalgia, chronic headaches or need to lose some weight, consider improving your serotonin levels with 5-HTP from people you trust -- MedQuest Pharmacy.

Please consult your health practitioner prior to using 5-HTP regarding ideal dosages and possible drug interactions.

Also available: 100mg capsule and 300mg capsule

Functions in the Body:

Precursor to serotonin Influences the synthesis of melatonin Influences activities controlled by serotonin, which include mood regulation (anxiety and depression), impulse control (aggression and obsessive behavior), appetite, pain control and sleep

Dosage:

50-300 mg 1-3 times/day

Suggested Usage:

Take 1 to 2 capsules daily, or as directed by a physician.

Contains:

Each capsule contains: 50mg L-5-Hydroxytryptophan

Toxicity / Contraindications:

May have additive effects with tryptophan, St. John's wort, and SAMe. 5-HTP should not be taken concurrently with anti-depressants except under the supervision of a physician, because 5-HTP increases the activity of these drugs. 5-HTP should also not be taken with the drug Carbidopa. Vitamin B6 taken in doses of 5 milligrams or greater causes 5-HTP to be converted into serotonin before it passes into the brain. Since serotonin does not easily pass the blood-brain barrier as 5-HTP does, this effect is undesirable and can be detrimental. Large doses of 5-HTP may significantly increase serum levels of serotonin which, at least theoretically, may result in the serotonin syndrome which can be very serious, although there have been no reports of the syndrome occurring with use of 5-HTP in humans. 5-HTP has been reported to occasionally cause gastrointestinal upset. 5-HTP should be avoided by pregnant women, nursing mothers and those with significant cardiovascular disease. Do not exceed 900 mg per day