What Is 5-HTP?
5-HTP is also known as 5-hydroxytryptophan. This is a chemical produced from the amino acid, tryptophan. The body uses tryptophan from protein-rich food sources in your diet to produce its own 5-hydroxytryptophan, but you can also get 5-HTP from a dietary supplement.
How Is 5-HTP Used in the Body?
5-HTP is used primarily in the central nervous system and the brain. Its main job is to increase levels of serotonin. Serotonin itself is a special compound that is found in the blood stream, and it affects many functions of the body. You need serotonin for sleeping, eating, regulating body temperature, knowing when you are in pain and for having sex.
What Are the Main Benefits of 5-HTP?
Trials are ongoing for this dietary supplement, but much research has shown that 5-HTP can help greatly with the following areas.
- 1. Appetite and Satiety:
Because 5-HTP is involved with regulating appetite, some research suggests that increasing 5-HTP amounts may support eating fewer calories. In addition, the research suggests that after individuals ate, if they had been taking more 5-HTP, they felt more satisfied from their meal.
- 2. Mood Balance:
Research studies have concluded that increasing levels of 5-HTP may aid in supporting a normal, balanced mood.
- 3. Restful Sleep:
Serotonin is vital for helping people get to sleep and stay asleep, so upping levels of 5-HTP in the blood stream to increase levels of serotonin may support restful sleep. When taken for this reason, most professionals recommend a dose of about 200 to 400 mg right before bed.
Key Recommendations for Using This Dietary Supplement
Keep in mind that you cannot get 5-HTP from food sources. If your body is going to produce its own 5-HTP, it needs tryptophan. Unlike 5-HTP, tryptophan does come from food sources. For example, you can get more tryptophan in your diet if you eat more meats, nuts, seeds, beans, cheeses and eggs. Generally, the protein-rich foods that you consume have the highest levels of tryptophan. Unfortunately, just getting more protein into your diet will not substantially increase your levels of 5-HTP.
That is why many people choose to get their 5-HTP from a dietary supplement. Remember that this supplement should never be given to children, but adults can take approximately 50 mg of a 5-HTP supplement one to three times each day. At extreme doses, this substance can cause serotonin syndrome, so do not exceed recommended doses. 5-HTP shouldnt be taken with SSRIs because it can also cause serotonin syndrome. With all dietary supplements, make sure to always talk to your doctor before starting to take anything new. They will be able to ensure that 5-HTP wont interact with any other medications you are taking, and they will check to see that this supplement will be safe for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 5-HTP?
5-HTP is 5-hydroxytryptophan, a chemical the body produces from the amino acid tryptophan. It can also be obtained through a dietary supplement.
How does 5-HTP work in the body?
It is used primarily in the central nervous system and brain to increase serotonin levels. Serotonin affects functions such as sleep, eating, body temperature regulation, and pain perception.
Can 5-HTP support appetite and satiety?
Yes, some research suggests increased 5-HTP levels may support eating fewer calories and feeling more satisfied after meals. This is linked to its role in regulating appetite.
Can 5-HTP support restful sleep?
Yes, because serotonin helps the body get to sleep and stay asleep, increasing 5-HTP may support restful sleep. Some professionals recommend a higher dose taken before bed specifically for this purpose.
Can children take this supplement?
No, this supplement should never be given to children. Adults can take approximately 50 mg one to three times each day.
Is it safe to combine 5-HTP with other medications?
You should always talk to your doctor before starting 5-HTP, especially if you take SSRIs. Combining 5-HTP with SSRIs or taking extreme doses can cause serotonin syndrome.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Recommendations: 1 to 2 capsules one hour before bedtime or as directed by your healthcare professional.
Supplement Facts:
Serving Size: 2 capsules
Servings Per Container: 30
Amount Per Serving:
5HTP 100 mg
Vitamin B6 (as Pyridoxine HCl) 10 mg
Pyridoxal 5Phosphate 4 mg.
Other Ingredients: Rice Powder, Vegetable Cellulose Capsule.
May contain Ascorbyl Palmitate and/or Silica.
-Contains no coatings, bindings, yeast, wheat, gluten, milk/dairy, corn protein, soy protein, eggs, sugar, hydrogenated oil, artificial coloring, artificial flavoring, or preservatives.
-EXCLUDES: Coatings, Binders, *Gluten (wheat, rye, barley), *Milk/Dairy (casein, whey), *Soy Protein, *Egg Protein, Sugar. *Verified by Independent Testing.
-Independently tested for authenticity, potency, solvent residue, stability and bacteria, yeast and mold counts. No Peak X Contaminant.
Warning:
If pregnant, consult your physician before taking.
