The serotonin levels in the body are associated with the regulation of sleep, mood, and appetite. A balanced serotonin level has been shown to support restful sleep, good mood, and decreased sugar cravings.* There are several ways to support a healthy serotonin level. L-tryptophan and 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) are both precursors to serotonin. However, supplementation with 5-HTP is preferable, because unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP cannot be shunted into other uses in the body, such as niacin or protein production. 5-HTP is well absorbed by the body and easily crosses the blood-brain barrier where it can increase the synthesis of serotonin in the central nervous system.* And 5-HTP can be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness.*

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the intermediate metabolite the body produces when it initiates the process of converting the essential amino acid L-tryptophan to serotonin. Therefore, supplementation with 5-HTP will bypass the conversion of L-tryptophan into 5-HTP by the enzyme tryptophan hydroxylase – which is the rate-limiting step in the synthesis of serotonin – and is a conversion that can be inhibited by a number of factors, including stress, insulin resistance, increasing age, and deficiencies of vitamin C, folate, and iron.* 5-HTP is well absorbed when taken orally, with about 70 percent going into the bloodstream.* Intestinal absorption of 5-HTP does not require the presence of a transport molecule, and its absorption is not affected by the presence of other amino acids; therefore, 5-HTP can be taken with meals without reducing its effectiveness. 5-HTP has been shown to have a beneficial impact on mood, sleep, carbohydrate cravings, and discomfort associated with fatigue.* Numerous studies of individuals with negative mood status have shown significant positive response with 50-300 mg of 5-HTP daily.*

To further facilitate serotonin production, Thorne's 5-HTP formula contains pyridoxal 5'-phosphate, the active form of vitamin B6 and the necessary cofactor for the conversion of 5-HTP to serotonin. 5-HTP is commercially produced by extraction from the seeds of the African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia.

Each lot is thoroughly tested for contaminants, including Peak X, and is Peak X free.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major calming brain chemical or neurotransmitter.* Clinical studies show that the natural form of GABA that is in Thorne's PharmaGABA can decrease the brain's stress-related beta waves and increase the production of its alpha-waves, creating a profound sense of physical relaxation while maintaining mental focus.* Other studies have shown reduced pupil diameter, heart rate, and two natural biomarkers of stress – salivary cortisol and chromogranin A – all signs of relaxation.* In addition, studies also indicate GABA can enhance sleep.* In a head-to-head, double-blind trial of natural PharmaGABA versus synthetic GABA, the synthetic GABA did not demonstrate these positive effects.* PharmaGABA-250 offers 250 mg of natural GABA per capsule, while PharmaGABA-100 offers 100 mg per capsule. Both are non-habit forming.

In a recent study of the effect of nutrient supplementation on muscle mass, 21 males, average age 39, who did not exercise regularly, were given 10 grams of whey protein or 10 grams of whey protein plus 100 mg of PharmaGABA daily for 12 weeks. Both groups participated in twice weekly 60-minute strength training sessions that consisted of leg presses, leg extensions, leg curls, chest presses, and pull-downs. Total body lean muscle mass increased significantly in the whey protein-plus-PharmaGABA group compared to the whey-only group.*

The natural GABA in Thorne's PharmaGABA suite is produced via a fermentation process that utilizes Lactobacillus hilgardii, the same bacteria that is used to ferment cabbage in the preparation of the traditional Korean dish known as kimchi.

Thorne's Melaton-3 is NSF Certified for Sport®. Thorne offers melatonin in both 3 mg (Melatonin-3) and 5 mg (Melatonin-5) capsules. Melatonin, the primary hormone of the pineal gland, is a powerful "chronobiotic" that helps maintain the body's normal circadian rhythms.* In individuals who have difficulty sleeping or who have altered circadian rhythms because of jet lag or night shift work, melatonin supplementation promotes the resynchronization of this cycle.* Supplementation can also benefit those whose difficulty sleeping is caused by the aging-related decrease in the body's ability to synthesize melatonin from the amino acid tryptophan.* Research indicates melatonin exerts its sleep-promoting efficacy by decreasing the amount of time needed to fall asleep, by promoting the ability to stay asleep, and by enhancing the depth of sleep.*

Melatonin administration from 0.3 mg to 5.0 mg has been shown to exert a sedative-like effect.* When supplemented prior to the onset of the body's normal melatonin secretion, even a low amount of melatonin can promote sleep.* Melatonin apparently enhances the effect of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) via direct interaction with GABA receptors, thus resulting in relaxation.* Thorne's Melaton-3 supplies three mg of melatonin in each capsule, and Melaton-5 supplies 5 mg per capsule and is used when a higher amount of melatonin is desired. Melatonin also has significant antioxidant activity.* Adequate melatonin levels have been reported to be a positive factor in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, GI, and bone health.*

Because an athlete needs to know that his or her supplements are trustworthy and compliant, every batch of an NSF Certified for Sport® product is tested for compliance with label claims and to ensure the absence of more than 200 substances banned by many major athletic organizations, including stimulants, narcotics, steroids, diuretics, beta-2 agonists, and masking agents.