Info: 60 Capsules of 200 mg strength 5-HTP
5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, and the sensation of pain, among other things, and it's believed to play a significant role in a number of disorders, including anxiety, insomnia, depression, and fibromyalgia (which involves muscle tenderness and pain, lowered pain thresholds, fatigue, and nonrestorative sleep).
Info: 60 Capsules of 200 mg strength 5-HTP
5-HTP (hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, and the sensation of pain, among other things, and it's believed to play a significant role in a number of disorders, including anxiety, insomnia, depression, and fibromyalgia (which involves muscle tenderness and pain, lowered pain thresholds, fatigue, and nonrestorative sleep).
Product Notes:
The 5-HTP in this natural supplement is extracted from the seeds of the African Griffonia simplicifolia plant, and it's complemented with B-vitamins to enhance the metabolism of amino acids, and with Tyrosine, which is involved in the synthesis of two other neurotransmitters, dopamine and norepinephrine, which may help counteract the negative effects of stress, and help with concentration.
Together, they form the most synergistic and complete vegetarian formulation NOW offers to boost serotonin production. Readily absorbed, this is one of the few approved natural therapies for fibromyalgia with the possibility of reducing pain severity, morning stiffness, and sleeplessness, and it may also help with anxiety and mood imbalance.
Ingredients:
Each capsule contains):
L-5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan) (from Griffonia simplicifolia Seeds): 200 mg
L-Tyrosine (from Human Hair): 250 mg
Vitamin B-3 (as Niacinamide): 10 mg
Vitamin B-6 (from Pyridoxine Hydrochloride): 3 mg
Other Ingredients: Capsule (gelatin, water) Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source), Silica.
Suggested Usage:
Adult Dosage: To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, slowly increase dose to effective levels over a period of 2 weeks. For use beyond 1 year consult a health care practitioner.
For Fibromyalgia: Take 1 capsule 2 times daily with food. Use for a minimum of 2 weeks to see beneficial effects.
For Mood balance: Take 1 capsule 1 to 3 times daily with food. Use for a minimum of 1 week to see beneficial effects.
Warnings:
Do not use NOW Foods 5HTP if you have scleroderma. Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, following a low protein diet, 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, painkillers, over the counter cough and cold medication containing dextromethorphan, anti-nausea and anti-migraine medication. Consult a health care practitioner if symptoms persist or worsen. 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. Some people may experience drowsiness. Exercise caution if operating heavy machinery, driving a motor vehicle or involved in activities requiring mental alertness. Gastrointestinal side effects including, but not limited to, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain will occur, but will subside with continued use.
Health Canada Natural Product Number: 80009864.
Supporting Science:
"Fibromyalgia and the serotonin pathway," by JH Juhl, in Altern Med Rev., 1998 Oct.
“Behavioral and cognitive effects of tyrosine intake in healthy human adults.” Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior, 2015.
“Adjunctive 5-Hydroxytryptophan Slow-Release for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Clinical and Preclinical Rationale.” Trends in Pharmacological Sciences, 2016.
“Efficacy and safety of 5-hydroxytryptophan on depression and apathy in Parkinson's disease: a preliminary finding.” European Journal of Neurology, 2020.
“From forest to pharmacy: Should we be depressed about a sustainable Griffonia simplicifolia (Fabaceae) seed supply chain?” Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2021.