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| View Larger Image | Source Naturals 5-HTP, 100 mg, Capsules, 120 capsules | Health and Beautyby Source Naturals
| List Price: | $36.98 | | Price: | $17.89 | | You Save: | $19.09 (52%) | | | Available: | Usually ships in 24 hours |
| | Sales Rank: | 250th |
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FEATURES | - Improved mood, emotions, and sleep
- 5-HTP is the natural intermediate in the conversion of l-tryptophan to serotonin
- 5-HTP increases the amount of serotonin in the body and aids in the production of melatonin
- Enables relaxation and deep sleep
- Naturally derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia
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Vitamin supplement. Fat-soluble antioxidant. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble nutrient which has strong antioxidant activity. It plays a vital role in controlling lipid peroxidation because most other antioxidants are water soluble and not found in appreciable amounts in fatty tissues. The combination of D-alpha tocopherol and mixed tocopherols has been shown to provide a broad spectrum of activity. Natural vitamin E is more bioavailable than synthetic vitamin E. (These statements have not been...
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Dietary supplement. Supports bone health. Vitamin K2 is a more biologically active form of Vitamin K extracted from a fermented Japanese soyfood called natto, a powerhouse of nutrients. Fat-soluble, it is an essential cofactor for the production of protei
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Herbal supplement. Formulas by Michael Tierra, L.Ac., O.M.D. Anti-alcohol support. The roots and flowers of the common kudzu (Pueraria Lobata) have been used historically in China for anti-alcohol support. Planetary Formulas Full Spectrum Kudzu provides the roots, flowers, and a high potency standardized extract to deliver a full spectrum of kudzu's constituents and benefits. In china, Kudzu also is used to support winter health and relax tightness and spasms of the neck and shoulders. (These...
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EDITORIAL REVIEWS |
Product Description
Dietary supplement. L-5-Hydroxytryptophan supports normal sleep cycles. 5-HP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an intermediate in the natural conversion of the essential amino acid, tryptophan, to serotonin. Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP increases the amount and availability of serotonin produced by the body. Increased brain serotonin levels may produce positive effects on emotional well-being, appetite regulation, melatonin production and maintaining a healthy sleep cycle. Source Naturals 5-HTP is naturally derived from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.) Hypoallergenic: Contains no yeast, dairy, egg, gluten, corn, soy or wheat. Contains no sugar, starch, salt, preservatives, or artificial color, flavor or fragrance. |
CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 4.0 based on 23 reviews)
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Cost effective treatment for anxiety/depression by Pwoink (Minnesota)  5 Stars
October 25, 2009
I was mainly turned on to the idea of trying out 5-HTP because it is a much cheaper, plant derived supplement that can be utilized as a treatment for depression, and may also help you fall asleep. (or at least won't deter you from falling asleep). I have been taking this product for roughly two weeks, I take 100mg at night, typically minutes before going to bed. At first I started taking it like the bottle said (twice daily), but that lead to severe drowsiness for me in the mornings. After a few days, I started taking it at night and woke up feeling refreshed and reinvigorated. I have noticed that I have more vivid, wonderful dreams that are in full color which I haven't had for years.
Conclusion: I wouldn't recommend taking this product during the day to avoid drowsiness. I personally take Nature Made SAM-e Complete 200 mg - 90 Enteric Coated Tabs 1200 mg every morning and take 5-HTP later in the evening. This system has seemed to work best for me because it provides a steady stream of serotonins throughout the day and night keeping me a happy, witty and fun-loving person.
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5-Hydroxytryptophan For Depression by trooper2 5 Stars
October 16, 2009
There is an increasing trend towards the use of alternatives to treat depression. These alternatives include substances such as 5-Hydroxy-L-tryptophan (5-HTP).
5-HTP is synthesized from an amino acid called tryptophan. The body absorbs tryptophan, converts it to 5-HTP, and then forms it into serotonin. What's so notable about serotonin? Well, in your central nervous system, serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in regulating your moods.
To date, the available evidence DOES suggest that this substance is better than placebo at alleviating depression. However, be aware that side effects such as dizziness, nausea and diarrhea have been known to occur. If so, consider another alternative such as exercise- suggest Exercise Beats Depression for more on that.
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Natural Sleep Aid by Grant Sardachuk (AZ, USA)  4 Stars
September 01, 2009
I have used this product for several months and found it to be helpful to inducing sleep. It is all natural and I have found no side effects whatsoever. I would recommend this product to anyone that wishes to use a non-prescriptive aid for sleep.
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For me 5-HTP seems to have a relaxing effect but not directly a sleepiness effect by Citizen John (Washington, DC) 5 Stars
August 21, 2009
I tried this out to see if it would help relax me so I could fall asleep easier. 5-HTP is supposed to increase the amount and availability of serotonin produced by the body. This in turn is supposed to produce emotional well-being, appetite regulation, melatonin production and maintaining a healthy sleep cycle (I got that from the label on the bottle).
From what I can tell, there is a small effect. The directions say the serving size is one capsule - 100mg. Possibly people actually take more than that to get the full experience. I think the effect is more to relax a person than to make one sleepy, but relaxing helps when you are getting ready for bed. For this reason, I think one could take 5-HTP during their regular day and not worry about getting sleepy. I haven't tried that.
Still, anything that helps to relax me just before bed is welcome and so 5-HTP is worth it to me.
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5 HTP worked for me! Read how to buy 1 get 1 FREE!!!!!!!!!!! by Amy E. Frost (Baltimore, MD) 5 Stars
August 16, 2009
5-HTP
My experience, not medical advice. Read, research, and talk to your doctor.
Back story:
After a bout of depression, my doctor prescribed Welbutrin. Within 20 minutes of taking the first pill, I knew it was addictive. I used it, while entering counseling, and starting acupuncture to manage my chronic pain all with in a matter of weeks.
The Welbutrin gave me enough clarity to start to research and start to put together a natural plan. (Welbutrin also gave me tremedous headaches and dizzy spells.) I'm really into holistic, herbs, and natural stuff. It was during this period that I can across 5-htp.
What is does for me:
It balanced out my brain chemistry, much like the Welbutrin, but with out the yum factor that leads people into addiction or the nasty side effects. Within 20 minutes I felt "different." Yes, 20 minute, but that's me. Advice: When you're taking natural or prescribed medicines, monitor your feelings and any changes closely.
5-htp calmed and soothed me. You know the way you feel on vacation or when you're not under a great deal of pressure. It is weird and very hard to describe. I was able to withstand the regular rigors and stress of my job. (I teach job readiness skills to people on public assistance.)
The usual crap that would make react negatively and push the limits of my patience, were now minor irritations. Not only did I notice the change in my disposition, my co-workers did as well. I am now able to navigate the turbulent, stressful ocean that is my work life without reacting like a maniac! Another benefit, I sleep better and dream more.
After using 5-htp for a few months. I was pleased enough with the product to recommend it to my friends. Let me explain, my best friend was on prescribed anti-anxiety. I tossed him a bottle and told him what it did for me. Told him to read up on it on the net and give it a try if he wanted.
Well he didn't , for a month or so, when his prescription ran out he popped 1 or 2. He continued to use the 5-htp until the bottle ran out and then went back to the prescription meds.
Once back on the medication he spent the weekend in the bathroom. He asked me, then I had to explain, most likely it was his body's revolting against the meds after getting use to a natural product that relieved him of his anxiety.
My co-worker now orders 5-htp regularly, but keeps a bottle of prescribed medication on hand "just in case." My buddy has recently been promoted to a supervisor's position and his stress level has increased 3 fold. He has doubled his daily dose of 5-htp to accommodate.
The office secretary lately has been looking exceptional stressed lately. (Yeah, we work in a pit and she works a second job.) I aked if I could recommend something to her. That something was 5 HTP. I gave her the same advice: research, read, and talk to your doctor. I told her, I had an extra bottle at home. The next day I gave it to her. I recommended a 2 pill dosage. I asked her how she was felling when I ran into her after lunch. She said fine and was smiling (that was Monday). When I cheked in with her at the end of the week, she had to stop taking them because she was feeling too calm. LOL. She even ran around the the building recommending 5 htp to anybody who would listen. She actually gave away a bottle to one of our co-workers.
I did not order 5 htp from source naturals but from puritans pride ([...]Their 5 htp is derived from Griffonia simplicifolia, aw well, and also contains valarian root, which adds to the soothing effect. I highly recommend puritans pride because the usually have most products for buy 1 get 1 free (see my review of then on [....]). Right now 8/2009, they are running a buy 1 get 2 free plus shipping. Okay, that's [...]for 1 bottle containing 120 capsules of 5 htp at 100mg. If you order during the sale you get 3 bottles for [....]
Yes, I am promoting puritans pride because I love a deal just as much as the next guy. Why pay [...] for only 1 bottle?
On with the rest of my review...
How does it work?
5-HTP works by manipulating serotonin, a neurochemical critical to a wide variety of brain functions. Serotonin, in turn, is made in the body from 5-hydroxy-L-tryptophan, which is simply a modified amino acid obtained from plant sources.
Without adequate levels of serotonin, you'd probably suffer from depression, sleep disorders, addiction, and obesity.
Studies have shown that there's often a direct association between obesity (due to overeating) and decreased brain serotonin levels. Without adequate levels of serotonin, the brain perceives that the body is starving and turns on the hunger mode. Obese people who suffer from low levels feel chemically compelled to eat more and more. Once they ingest carbohydrates and various sugars in general, they experience a temporary increase in serotonin levels.
That's why some people are willing to eat an excess of junk food that's entirely lacking in protein. That's also why drugs like the now banned Redux (dexfenfluramine), which increased serotonin production, were successfully used as an appetite suppressant in the treatment of common obesity. Once serotonin levels retained to normal levels, the food-jones disapeared.
Other "addictive" substances raise serotonin levels, too. Examples include alcohol, tobacco, certain narcotics, and caffeine.
Summary:
5-htp worked for me and my friends. It has been liberating emotionally, physically, and financially. Being able to endure more and not having to pay prescribe medicine prices for it.
I take 100mg in the morning with breakfast and 100mg at night before bed or with dinner. Please, find out what works for you.
As a comparison I use to use St. Johns Wort. It too had a calming effect, but the side effect was light sensitivity. However, St. Johns Wort doesn't have the long lasting effect or soothing feeling that 5-htp does.
Draw backs:
With herbs and natural medicine you have to find out the right dosage for you. Base dosages on height and weight and monitor the results.
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SIMILAR PRODUCTS |
| Source Naturals L-Tryptophan, 500 mg, Capsules, 120 capsules
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Dietary supplement. Mood, relaxation, sleep. The essential amino acid L-Tryptophan helps support relaxation, restful sleep, and feeling better. It plays a part in the synthesis of both melatonin and serotonin, hormones involved with mood and stress response. L-Tryptophan also supports immune functions because it is the body's precursor to the kynurenines that regulate immunity. If needed, L-Tryptophan converts to niacin in the body, which supports circulation, a healthy nervous system, the...
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Dietary supplement. L-Tyrosine is a free-form amino acid which rapidly crosses the blood-brain barrier. It is precursor for the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, for thyroid hormones, and for enkephalins, special peptides which
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| Source Naturals GABA, 750 mg, Capsules, 180 capsules
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Dietary supplement. Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid supports a calm mood. GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) is an amino acid derivative and a key inhibitory neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers that carry information between nerve cells or from nerve cells to other target cells. GABA is synthesized directly from glutamic acid. It has an inhibitory effect on the firing of neurons and supports a calm mood. (These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration....
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| Source Naturals - Gaba (Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid), 750 mg, 180 tablets
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| Source Naturals GABA Calm Subl Peppermint, 120 tablets
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GABA CalmTM Peppermint GABA Calm combines two key inhibitory neurotransmitters, GABA and glycine, to reduce stress and promote relaxation. GABA Calm includes a small amount of N-acetyl l-tyrosine to assure a balanced formula.
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