DOUGLAS LABORATORIES - 5-HTP Plus Formula

Contains 75 mg of Natural 5-HTP - 60 Capsules

Douglas Labs 5-HTP Plus Formula capsules contain 75 mg of natural L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) extracted from seeds of the Griffonia plant, together with 7.5 mg of pyridoxal-5-phosphate and 50 mg of a proprietary blend of the neurotransmitters L-tyrosine and L-glutamine. This product has been certified to be free of a contaminant, peak "x", implicated in a past incidence of dietary tryptophan-associated eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS). 

5-HTP Plus Formula Functions

Serotonin, an important brain neurotransmitter, is key in the regulation of appetite, mood, and melatonin production. The presence of serotonin in the brain is associated with a balanced emotional state. This is achieved in part by decreasing the activity of certain excitatory hormones, noradrenaline and others. Serotonin also acts as a satiety signal in the brain, thereby naturally regulating food intake. Additionally, as a precursor of melatonin, serotonin is involved in regulating sleep patterns. Serotonin is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier and is therefore synthesized in the brain.

Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is a precursor for the synthesis of serotonin. Tryptophan crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to L- 5-hydroxytryptophan, which in turn is converted into serotonin. Unfortunately, tryptophan faces many obstacles during its journey into brain tissue. First, dietary intake directly affects body levels of tryptophan, as the body can not endogenously produce it. High protein diets often provide greater amounts of tryptophan, yet higher carbohydrate diets appear to enhance tryptophan uptake into the brain. Secondly, tryptophan must compete with other amino acids for entry into the brain. Finally, tryptophan may be taken up by other tissues for protein or niacin synthesis, and thus is not exclusively for use by the brain. As a metabolic intermediate in the conversion of tryptophan into serotonin, 5-HTP can also serve as a precursor of serotonin.

5-HTP offers a number of advantages over tryptophan. 5-HTP is derived naturally from the seeds of the Griffonia plant, unlike tryptophan which is produced synthetically or through bacterial fermentation. 5-HTP crosses into the brain more readily than tryptophan as it is able to cross the blood-brain barrier without competition for uptake. 5-HTP is significantly more effective than tryptophan; one 50 mg capsule of 5-HTP is roughly equivalent to 500 mg of tryptophan. Finally, research studies have shown 5-HTP to be safe at levels as high as 900 mg. As a result, 5-HTP is a safe and effective means of increasing brain serotonin levels.

5-HTP Formula Indications

5-HTP Plus Formula capsules may be a useful nutritional supplement for individuals wishing to obtain the benefits of this well-documented plant extract to increase their levels of brain serotonin.

This product contains NO yeast, wheat, gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring.

SIDE EFFECTS: No adverse side effects have been reported.

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