A study conducted at the Menzies Research Institute in Australia stated that, although more studies are necessary, supplements containing the amino acid 5 Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) may be "better than placebo at alleviating depression." 5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier and is one of the precursors to serotonin, a neurotransmitter. It is extracted from the griffonia simplicifolia plant.
Finest 5-HTP
Drugstore giant, Walgreens, was founded in 1901. Finest products is Walgreens generic brand name. Their 5-HTP is sold in 100 mg capsules at drugstores and online. The label says this product "helps support a relaxed mood." It contains 100 mg of 5-Hydroxytryptophan from griffonia simplicifolia seed, as well as the inactive ingredients rice flour, gelatin, silica, water and magnesium stearate.
Jarrow Formulas 5-HTP
Los Angeles-based Jarrow Formulas was formed in 1977 and as of 2010, manufactures vitamins, minerals, probiotics, standardized herbal concentrates, amino acids, enzymes and enteral nutrition products. Its 5-HTP formula says it "supports serotonin synthesis."
The Jarrow Formulas 5-HTP also says it is free of peak x contaminant, a potentially harmful contaminant found in some samples of 5-HTP by Mayo Clinic researchers in 1998. In addition to 100 mg of 5-HTP obtained from griffonia simplicifolia seed, it also contains white rice flour, magnesium stearate, silicon dioxide and gelatin.
Natrol 5-HTP
Natrol 5-HTP is sold in 100 mg capsules as well as 200 mg capsules. This product claims that it "promotes balanced serotonin levels and helps to enhance mood and control appetite." It is available at major drugstores. In addition to 5-Hydroxytryptophan from griffonia simplicifolia seed, it contains the inactive ingredients rice, flour, gelatin, silica, water and magnesium stearate.
Natural Factors 5-HTP
Natural Factors is a Canadian-based business that manufactures its products in accordance with the Government of Canada's Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP). Natural Factors 5-HTP claims it is "natural support for emotional well-being." Its ingredients include 100 mg of 5-HTP from griffonia simplicifolia seed as well as the inactive ingredients dicalcium phosphate, cellulose, purified water, coating and magnesium stearate.
NOW Foods 5-HTP
Chicago-based NOW Foods has been manufacturing vitamins, minerals, supplements and natural foods since its inception in 1948. Its 5-HTP supplement is a vegetarian/vegan capsule, containing only 100 mg of 5-HTP from griffonia simplicifolia seed and the inactive ingredients rice flour and cellulose, which comprises the capsule.
Source Naturals 5-HTP
Source Naturals, a California-based company founded in 1982, manufactures 5-HTP as a sleep aid in both 50 mg and 100 mg capsules. The label says it "supports normal sleep cycles." In addition to 5-HTP from griffonia simplicifolia seed, Source Natural 5-HTP formulas also contain the inactive ingredients microcrystalline cellulose, gelatin, colloidal silicon dioxide and magnesium stearate.
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