Thorne 5-Hydroxytryptophan, 90 Capsules

The serotonin levels in the body are associated with the regulation of sleep, mood, and appetite. A balanced serotonin level has been shown to support restful sleep, and good mood. There are several ways to support a healthy serotonin level. L-tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are both precursors to serotonin. However, supplementation with 5-HTP is preferable, because unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP cannot be shunted into other uses in the body, such as niacin or protein production. 5-HTP is well absorbed by the body and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier where it can increase the synthesis of serotonin in the central nervous system. And 5-HTP can be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness.

5-HTP is well absorbed when taken orally, with about 70 percent going into the bloodstream. Intestinal absorption of 5-HTP does not require the presence of a transport molecule, and its absorption is not affected by the presence of other amino acids; therefore, 5-HTP can be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness. 5-HTP has been shown to have a beneficial impact on mood, sleep, carbohydrate cravings, and discomfort associated with fatigue. Numerous studies of individuals with negative mood status have shown significant positive response with 50-300 mg of 5-HTP daily.

To further facilitate serotonin production, Thorne's 5-HTP formula contains pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6 and the necessary cofactor for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin. 5-HTP is commercially produced by extraction from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.

This supplement provides 50 mg of L-5-Hydroxytryptophan (from Griffonia simplicifolia) and 3.4 mg of Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxal 5'-Phosphate) per serving. Other ingredients include a Hypromellose Capsule, Leucine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, and Silicon Dioxide.

Recommended Use or Purpose (Adults): Helps to promote healthy mood balance and used as a sleep aid. Use for a minimum of 1 week to see beneficial effects. Consult a health professional for use beyond one year.

Recommended Dose (Adults): Take with food. To promote healthy mood balance: Take 1-2 capsules three times daily or as recommended by a health professional. To minimize the risk of gastrointestinal side effects, start dosing at 1 capsule three times daily and slowly increase to effective dose over a period of 2 weeks.

For use as a sleep aid: Take 2-4 capsules daily or as recommended by a health professional. Take 30-45 minutes before bedtime.