5HTP: the powerful pill –

Effects of 5HTP

If you’ve been sad, without the energy to work out and go on a diet, pay attention to this good news: a substance extracted from an African legume promises to banish the discouragement. Happier, you feel like taking care of yourself again and, with that, you resist sweets and dedicate yourself more to exercise. The result? Less pounds and double happiness.

The name sounds like a scientific code: 5HTP. It means 5 hydroxytryptophan, which acts in the same way as tryptophan, precursor substance of serotonin, the neurotransmitter responsible for the feeling of well-being. Only it is more powerful in the process of happiness. “5HTP leaves the blood stream more easily towards the brain, where it increases the synthesis of serotonin in the central nervous system”, says Wilson Rondo Júnior, general practitioner specializing in orthomolecular therapy, from São Paulo. Elevated levels of serotonin contribute to ensuring pleasure and improving mood. Another point in favor of the diet: “Good-humored, you have more flexibility to circumvent the difficulties that accompany a weight loss program, such as reducing sweets and cutting out fried foods”, says nutrition consultant Alfredo Galebe, from São Paulo. Plus, there’s plenty of energy left over for you to walk, run or do other calorie-burning activities.

High serotonin also minimizes uncontrollable gluttony attacks and, therefore, refrigerator robberies become rarer. “The lack of this neurotransmitter in the brain is closely associated with binge eating and an increased desire for pasta and sweets”, says orthomolecular physician Heloísa Rocha, from Rio de Janeiro. Despite this, 5HTP is not considered a magic resource for getting rid of extra pounds. “The substance facilitates the process, but you can’t escape it: you’re the one who has to make the effort to work out and not break your diet”, warns Galebe.

What is 5HTP made of?

Extracted from Griffonia simplicifolia, a legume native to West Africa, 5HTP is not exactly new. It has been studied in several countries for 30 years. In Japan, research at the University of Kobe revealed that the substance alleviates hunger. Although it was done in mice, it is believed that the same thing happens in humans. “5HTP favors the release of leptin, the satiety hormone. This action is minimal, but valuable for those who have a lot of appetite and need to lose weight”, says nutritionist Marcella Amar, from Clínica Essential, in Rio de Janeiro. Plus: it improves sleep quality and fights PMS symptoms. After all, who doesn’t want a little strength to control themselves in front of a chocolate in the days before menstruation?

In the United States, 5HTP is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a dietary supplement and is found in capsules on drugstore shelves. Around here, it has not yet been evaluated by the National Health Surveillance Agency (Anvisa) and, therefore, cannot be sold ready-made. However, because it is a natural substance, you can have manipulated formulas made.

Can you take 5HTP?

The effects are seductive. But come on! This substance is not for everyone. If you take antidepressants, forget it! The combination of hydroxytryptophan with this type of medicine causes mental confusion. Pregnant and lactating women should stay away. Not your case? Even so, consult an endocrinologist or orthomolecular doctor: only he can define the dosage and time of consumption of 5HTP, in addition to monitoring the treatment, as there is a risk of the product causing nausea and gastrointestinal problems, especially if ingested in an inadequate dose. It’s not worth the risk!