5-HTP Complex

Quest Vitality 5 HTP. 5HTP is the next step in Tryptophan metabolism is converted to Serotonin in the brain. Useful for pre-loading, sleeping disorders, depression, compulsive obsessive disorders as well as jet lag. Indicated for serotonin deficiency. Contains 75mg of 5 HTP per Capsule, with added B Vitamins, magnesium, zinc and vitamin C. 60 Capsules

5 HTP for a better mood
Now, a natural and safe alternative to SSRI, available in the form of 5-Hydroxy L-Tryptophan -5-HTP. 5-HTP, a compound synthesized in the body from the amino acid tryptophan, is ten times more active than L-Tryptophan. 5-HTP is the immediate precursor to serotonin (5-Hydroxy-tryptamine or 5-HT) which is found in the brain, blood platelets, and duodenal mucosa cells of the gastrointestinal tract. Since serotonin is found in the brain and central nervous system it has many implications on mood, behaviour and sleep patterns.
The function of Prozac and many other antidepressant drugs, is to increase the availability of serotonin in certain brain synapses. Unfortunately, these drugs can produce many unpleasant and dangerous side affects. Since 5-HTP cannot be patented, drug companies have no interest in supplying this compound to the public.
Now that tryptophan is restricted by the FDA, researchers have clinically investigated 5-HTP in comparison to antidepressant drugs. The results of the studies were astounding. Using the standard depression scale, both the drug and 5-HTP groups displayed identical reduction in depression.
5 HTP and Depression
Depressed patients who received 100 mg of 5-HTP three times daily, showed at least a 50% improvement in their symptoms, without any reported side effects.
Similar studies with depressed children demonstrated equal benefit. Subsequent studies were performed using 5-HTP for anxiety, panic disorder, sleep difficulties and obesity. In his research R.S. Kahn observed an obvious decline in anxiety symptoms when supplementing with 5-HTP, and patients with panic disorder noticed a feeling of relief after receiving 5-HTP.
Melatonin, which helps regulate our sleep-wake cycle, is a metabolite of serotonin. Early research studies show that supplementing with 5-HTP may have positive effects on sleep patterns. In a six week clinical study with obese patients, those supplemented with 5-HTP were able to reduce carbohydrate intake and experienced a feeling of early satiety, which contributed to significant weight loss.
5 HTP from Griffonia
5-HTP is an extract from a natural plant seed, Griffonia Seed, and not from fermented Tryptophan. Depressed levels of serotonin are also associated with sleep problems, low threshold for pain, and anxiety. Tryptophan was used by millions around the world for this purpose.
We can now increase serotonin levels by supplying more of the raw materials for manufacturing of serotonin, namely L-tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) which the body uses to make 5-Hydroxy Tryptamine, also known as serotonin.
Depression results, in part, from the lack of serotonin, a brain neuro-transmitter. The leading antidepressants are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin, they increase the serotonin available to stimulate serotonin receptors. These include Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, and Effexor. While they may be very effective for the treatment of depression, they are not without side effects, including the loss of sex drive. They are also expensive, and only available by prescription.
5 HTP and Serotonin
Studies indicate that 5-HTP, a serotonin precursor, may even work better for depression than tryptophan. Beta endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, were also significantly elevated after consumption of 200 mg of 5-HTP by patients with severe depression.
Weight loss products such as Redux and Fenfluramine of the popular Phen-Fen diet work by the same serotonin reuptake inhibiting mechanism increasing the serotonin levels. Beta endorphins seem to fool people into feeling fuller, therefore, individuals eat less and lose weight. If you are unhappy with the results or side effects of your current diet program, 5-HTP may be an effective alternative for you! 5-HTP should not be used with MAO inhibitors or other antidepressants.
If you're one of the 14 million people who previously took L-tryptophan to obtain relief from sleeping difficulties, premenstrual syndrome, obsessive/compulsive behaviour, stress and depression, a newly available nutritional supplement, 5-HTP, may be of special interest to you. Tryptophan is a naturally occurring amino acid required by the human body for the production of melatonin and serotonin, two vital brain chemicals necessary for sleep and mood regulation.
In the absence of access to tryptophan, several new prescription drugs designed to regulate brain serotonin levels (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors or SSRIs) have been introduced. Drugs such as Prozac work through the selective enhancement of serotonin levels, and Dexfenfluramine, used in Europe to reduce carbohydrate-cravings and suppress appetite, works by mimicking serotonin activity in the brain.
Unfortunately Prozac can present unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects, and the safety of dexfenfluramine is in question after a study found it may cause brain damage in monkeys.
Pure 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP) is considered by many researchers to be the safest tryptophan alternative available. 5-HTP is normally converted in the body from L-tryptophan, and as an intermediate metabolite, is further converted into melatonin, a neurohormone, and serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT), a neurotransmitter.

Amino acid for the brain. It raises serotonin levels in the brain. Is used for depression (bipolar/unipolar), heart disease, insomnia, obesity, balances mood (specifically in bipolar behaviour), helps unclutter the head of racing thoughts at night so you can get to sleep easier, helps reduce aggression, reduces appetite, increases beta-endorphin release, creates a more relaxed waking state, increased pain threshold, may reduce severity of Parkinson's disease symptoms, may reduce severity of migraine headache symptoms.

Each Capsule Contains: 5 Hydroxy Tryptophan 75mg, Thiamine Hydrochloride 30mg, Pyridoxine hydrochloride 5mg, Nicotinamide 10mg, Folic acid 80mcg, Methylcobalamin 20mcg, Ascorbic acid 50mg, Magnesium citrate 50mg, Zinc citrate 2mg. Gelatin Capsule

Directions for use:
Adults: 1 Capsule per day on empty stomach with juice or as prescribed. 5 HTP is usually taken in the evening.

Keep out of reach of Children. This product should not be used by pregnant or lactating women. Do not take with drugs that contain Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO) or drugs containing Fenfluramine. If you are currently taking antidepressants or other drugs, please consult your health care professional prior to use. May cause drowsiness. Do not use while driving or operating heavy equipment. Dosages over 6000gms can cause stress on the liver and should be avoided. Those suffering from gut disorders such as ulcers, irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, celiac disease etc should seek professional advice before using 5 HTP.