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 help issues.
- 1. Obesity:
Because 5-HTP is involved with regulating appetite, some research suggests that increasing 5-HTP amounts may help obese individuals eat less 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. Depression:
Research studies have concluded that increasing levels of 5-HTP may aid in treating those individuals who have moderate depression.
- 3. Fibromyalgia:
Many of the uncomfortable symptoms of fibromyalgia have been shown to get better by a large amount once more 5-HTP is present in the blood. These symptoms include morning stiffness, anxiety, fatigue and overall pain.
- 4. Headaches and Migraines:
Often, an antidepressant is given to patients who suffer from severe headaches or migraines. But a few studies have concluded that the same effect can be achieved by simply increasing 5-HTP.
- 5. Insomnia and Other Sleep Disorders:
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 be a solution to some sleep disorders. 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 shouldn’t be taken with SSRI’s 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 won’t interact with any other medications you are taking, and they will check to see that this supplement will be safe for you.
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.
Suggested Use: Take 1-2 tablets 3 times daily with meals, or as directed by a health care practitioner.
Supplement Facts:
Serving Size: 2 tablets
Servings Per Container: 15 | 30
Amount Per Serving - Daily Value %:
Total Carbohydrate <1 <1%
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) 120 mg 133%
Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine HCl) 8 mg 471%
5-HTP (L-5-Hydroxytryptophan) (from Griffonia Bean) 100 mg**
Other Ingredients:
Cellulose, maltodextrin, sodium croscarmellose, stearic acid, silica, ethylcellulose, sodium alginate, medium-chain triglycerides, oleic acid.
**Daily Value not established.
Warnings:
This product should not be consumed by children under the age of 12 years, or by pregnant or nursing women. Some may experience gastrointestinal (GI) upset including abdominal cramping, nausea, or diarrhea while taking this product. As with any supplement, if discomfort persists discontinue use. Those suffering from GI disorders such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohns disease, ulcerative colitis, or celiac disease, should not use 5-HTP. Those taking prescription anti-depressants should not use 5-HTP. Do not take this product if you have or are taking medications for epilepsy, scleroderma, or Parkinsons disease. This product may cause drowsiness, and should not be used while driving or operating heavy equipment. Keep out of reach of children.
Storage:
Store in a cool, dry place.
**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.
