Posted by Larry Hoover on March 21, 2007, at 7:26:44 [reposted on March 24, 2007, at 23:13:53 | original URL]
In reply to Re: 5 HTP Supplements... weight gain? » elanor roosevelt, posted by jealibeanz on March 21, 2007, at 4:48:17
> Can you take both 5 HTP and tryptophan? Which one is more expensive?
You could, I suppose, but I wouldn't. Tryptophan is more expensive, still as a prolonged result of the ban imposed a decade and more ago. To label tryptophan for human use, the packager thereof assumes a liability of proof that it is safe (I have never seen the FDA impose that on any other substance). I think they've used that to jack up the price to extraordinary levels. Iherb sells some, for example: http://www.iherb.com/store/ProductsList.aspx?c=Herbs&cid=l_tryptophan
I am of Scot's heritage, and I don't mind saving a penny. I use veterinary tryptophan, sold here: http://www.buygpdirect.com/gpefeed.htm
It's way down the page, called Super Tryptophane. No idea why the spelling is adapted. If you know your supps, there are other bargoons there, too. The fish oil is not up to human standards, though.
> I found 5 HTP at Walmart. It was Natrol brand (and on clearance sale, maybe not a good sign, but I'm poor!).
I'd have bought it. Walmart's supply chain management system moves anything that even slightly 'stagnates' right on through to clearance. Nothing ever sits around. They don't own warehouses, but instead, massive redistribution centres. Stuff goes from a supplier's truck onto their own, for store distribution, within hours.
> I know Walmart's own brand of supplements tend to get surprisingly good results from lab comparisons to other brands, in terms of true potency.
Yes, they do. And, as per what I say above, you always get 'fresh' product at a Walmart store. For products like fish oil, which is perishable, that is something nice to rely on.
> Is trytophan easy to find? Does it feel different than 5 HTP, which gives me a slight headache and nausea?
The problem with 5-HTP is that the enzyme that converts it to serotonin is found throughout the body, a decarboxylase. 5-HTP is normally synthesized in the tissues that will use serotonin, and the decarboxylation occurs virtually instantaneously. Oral 5-HTP leads to 5-HTP flowing through the blood, which is an abnormal situation for the body to face. You're probably particularly sensitive to the accidental production of serotonin in the periphery, caused by this exogenous 5-HTP. That's why I prefer tryptophan. My body knows where it might need serotonin, and only those tissues will convert it.
Sourcing, above. Or, here's a good sale price on tablets: http://hilife-vitamins.stores.yahoo.net/source-naturals-2107801979.html
Best,
Lar
poster:Larry Hoover
thread:743970
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070320/msgs/743987.html