Promotes healthy glucose metabolism. Source of amino acids involved in muscle protein synthesis. Helps maintain healthy mood balance. 5-Hydroxytryptophan ("5-HTP") is a naturally occurring amino acid precursor of serotonin. Numerous studies during the 1990s, including randomized, double-blind, and placebo-controlled studies, confirmed the safety and efficacy of 5-HTP in reducing appetite and food intake in healthy, obese, diabetic individuals with non-insulin-dependent leptin secretion. Vitamins B6 and C are important cofactors in the 5-HTP serotonin pathway. Among the many serotonin receptors thus identified, 5HT2C receptors are suspected of controlling food intake. Mice lacking this receptor exhibit increased food consumption and become obese. DL-Phenylalanine (DLPA) is a combination of the d- and l-forms of this essential amino acid. Phenylalanine suppresses appetite by regulating the release of cholecystokinin, which in turn signals satiety in the brain. D-Phenylalanine increases endorphins, while L-Phenylalanine is an amphetamine-like stimulant compound. DLPA has been shown to improve mood, curb appetite, and reduce pain. L-Tyrosine, an essential amino acid, is required for conversion to the stress-relieving catecholamine neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It is also a precursor to thyroxine. Physicians use tyrosine as a mood elevator, to increase alertness after sleep deprivation, and as an appetite suppressant; although support for the latter appears anecdotal. L-Glutamine, known for its gut and immune support, has also been adopted to reduce carbohydrate cravings and aid alcohol withdrawal, although the mechanism of action for these benefits is unknown. Chromium, as chromium picolinate, is widely used to optimize insulin function; thus preventing blood sugar fluctuations that can be responsible for carbohydrate cravings. The mineral in its present form has indeed been shown to reduce carbohydrate cravings in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study.
Medicinal Ingredients (per capsule): 5-HTP (Griffonia simplicifolia, seed, synthetic) ...... 18.75 mg Chromium (chromium nicotinate glycinate, synthetic) ...... 15 mcg L-Glutamine (L-Glutamine, synthetic) ...... 93.75 mg L-Tyrosine (L-Tyrosine, synthetic) ...... 187.5 mg L-Phenylalanine (DL-Phenylalanine, synthetic) ...... 250 mg Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride, synthetic) ...... 9.375 mg Vitamin C (ascorbic acid, synthetic) ...... 125 mg Nonmedicinal Ingredients: Hypromellose, stearic acid, rice flour, magnesium stearate, medium chain triglycerides, and silicon dioxide.