5 HTP 120 Vegetarian Capsules

<p><b>NUTRITIONALLY SUPPLIES THE IMMEDIATE METABOLIC PRECURSOR TO SEROTONIN<br /> </b><br /> - Dietary supplementation may enhance levels of:<br /> 1. Serotonin<br /> 2. Melatonin<br /> 3. Catecholamines<br /> 4. Endorphins<br /> - May positively enhance mood<br /> - May enhance the sleep cycle<br /> - May reduce discomfort in patients with chronic pain<br /> - May regulate feeding patterns and have positive bariatric (weight management) effects</p> <p><br /> </p> <p>5-HYDROXYTRYPTOPHAN (5-HTP) is the immediate precursor in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitter 5-hydroxytryptamine(5 HT or serotonin). 5-HT is synthesized from the amino acid L-tryptophan. 5-HTP has replaced the use of L-tryptophan in the United States. In 1989 patients taking L-tryptophan developed a negative and debilitating reaction called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome.</p> <p><br /> </p> <p>Upon further study it was determined that the culprit was not the L-tryptophan. It was actually a bacterial contaminant in the formula. L-tryptophan products associated with the syndrome were found to come from genetically modified bacterial recombinant production methods. Even though L- tryptophan was proven to be safe it never recovered from this incident. 5-HTP was created to fill the gap created by the removal of L-tryptophan in the marketplace.</p> <p>Small amounts of 5-HTP, as well as serotonin, are found in: bananas, tomatoes, plums, avocados, eggplant, walnuts and pineapples. A common commercial source of 5-HTP is Griffonia simplicifolia, a relative to carob. 5-HTP's possible pain reduction benefit comes from its conversion to serotonin and to the observed effect of raising beta-endorphin and platelet met-enkephalin levels.</p> <p>Serum leptin levels increased following 5-HTP injection in mice. This may explain 5-HTP's beneficial effect on weight management. Additionally, 5-HTP has been shown to reduce carbohydrate intake.</p> <p><b><br /> </b></p> <p><b>Contraindications:</b><br /> 1. Patients on MAOIs (approved 2 weeks after discontinuation).<br /> 2. Patients with carcinoid tumors.<br /> 3. Should not be used concurrently with medications such as: SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, MAOIs.<br /> 4. Should not be used concurrently with serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists including Naratriptan, Sumatriptan, and Zolmitriptan.<br /> 5. Patients with ischemic heart disease (Hx of myocardial infarction, angina pectoris, documented silent ischemia).<br /> 6. Patients with Hx of coronary artery spasm.<br /> 7. Uncontrolled hypertension.<br /> 8. Pregnant women and nursing mothers.<br /> <br /> <b><br /> </b></p> <p><b>Side effects:</b><br /> Due to excessive serotonin production side effects could include: Nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, vomiting, difficult breathing, dilation of pupils, exaggerated reflexes, loss of muscle coordination, blurring of vision and cardiac dysrhythmias.</p> <p><b><br /> </b></p> <p><b>Note:</b><br /> Carbidopa may increase 5-HTP transport across the blood brain barrier due to decreased peripheral 5-HTP metabolism.<br /> Methyldopa inhibits conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin.</p> <br />