5-HTP 200mg Vegetarian 60 Vcaps, NOW Foods

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a metabolite of the amino acid tryptophan. You may know tryptophan as the agent in turkey that makes you feel like taking a nap after Thanksgiving dinner (in addition to a full belly). 5-HTP is a direct precursor of the important inhibitory neurotransmitter serotonin, which is secreted in response to mood or emotion swings. Serotonin soothes and calms and brings about feelings of contentment.

Griffonia simplicifolia is an African plant which is extracted to produce 5-HTP, the intermediate metabolite between the amino acid L-tryptophan and serotonin.

Is 5-HTP safe to take? The FDA has warned that it has found batches with impurities similar to the Japanese batches of tryptophan in 1980.

5-HTP and tryptophan are not the same. 5-HTP is related to tryptophan, but is derived from a different source. The 1980 scare concerning the Japanese tryptophan was attributed to a large batch the Japanese produced that was contaminated during the fermentation and/or filtration process. The contaminant caused affected persons to develop symptoms of EMS (eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome). 5-HTP, unlike tryptophan, is now extracted from the seed of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant and is not produced via bacterial fermentation, virtually eliminating further occurrence of EMS. Although there have been a couple of cases of EMS–like symptoms arising after 5-HTP supplementation, no direct correlations have established, and EMS can occur on its own.

Supplement Facts
Serving Size: 1 Vcap®
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Niacinamide (Vitamin B-3) 10 mg 50%
Vitamin B-6 (from Pyridoxine HCI) 3 mg 150%
L-Tyrosine 250 mg
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) (from seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia) 200 mg

Suggested Use: As an herbal dietary supplement, take 1 5-HTP Vcap daily, preferably on an empty stomach at bedtime.

Free of: sugar, salt, starch, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, soy, milk, egg or preservatives.
Other Ingredients: Cellulose (capsule), Magnesium Stearate (vegetable source) and Silica.

Warnings: Not for use by pregnant/lactating women or those currently taking any anti-depressant medications unless recommended by a healthcare practitioner. May cause drowsiness. Caution: Please discard the inedible freshness packet enclosed.