What is 5-HTP and what is it used for?

5-HTP is a direct precursor amino acid for the neurotransmitter serotonin. This means that the body produces serotonin from the 5-HTP. Serotonin regulates mood, sleep, and appetite. It also inhibits aggressiveness and drives away fears.

In cases of depression, anxiety and mood swings, a serotonin deficiency is often suspected and therefore it is recommended to take measures to increase the serotonin level.

Is 5-HTP a natural supplement?

The abbreviation 5-HTP stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan. Serotonin is sometimes called 5-hydroxytryptamine and is abbreviated as 5-HT. So 5-HT is not the same as 5-HTP. Another name for 5-HTP is oxitriptan.

The body can produce 5-HTP from tryptophan supplied by protein-rich foods. Therefore it is a natural substance that is part of the physiological processes in the human body. 5-HTP supplements are made from the seeds of a plant, the Griffonia simplicifolia.

What are the indications for 5-HTP?

In the 1970s and 1980s, 5-HTP was routinely prescribed for depression. But the serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants appeared on the market, so widespread today because they produce an effect in a greater proportion of people. Antidepressant medications like Prozac, Zoloft, and Paxil work because they increase serotonin levels in the brain.

Currently, 5-HTP supplements are promoted for their beneficial effect on the aforementioned disorders and also for migraine, obesity and fibromyalgia.

However, scientific studies to support the therapeutic use of 5-HTP are scarce.

Headaches and migraines

Several investigations have tried to determine the effect of 5-HTP in the prevention of migraines. In a study published in the European Neurology journal, carried out on 124 migraine patients who were administered 5-HTP, it showed that in 71% the attacks were milder and shorter.

Overweight

An important task of serotonin is the regulation of appetite. For this reason, several studies have examined the extent to which 5-HTP might aid weight loss.

The University of Rome, for example, conducted a double-blind study in which overweight women took 8 mg of 5-HTP per kilogram of body weight per day or a placebo preparation for five weeks. During this time, the women ate normally, that is, they did not go on a diet. Although the mood of these women did not change, they consumed fewer calories (38% fewer compared to 20% fewer in the placebo group) and consequently lost weight.

fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia remains a rather mysterious disease. It is officially a rheumatic disease and is associated with chronic muscle and joint pain, headaches, sleep disturbances, irritable bowel syndrome, and fatigue, to name just a few symptoms.

A study published in The Journal of International Medical Research showed that the administration of 5-HTP reduced the symptoms of fibromyalgia.

Depression, panic attacks and anxiety

The causes of these problems can be completely different in each person. That’s why drugs don’t always work and the same goes for 5-HTP.

A work published in The Journal of Psychopharmacology showed that 5-HTP (200 mg daily) reduces panic attacks in women. Other research (like this one, this one, and this one) has found that some people with depression may benefit.

What is the proper dose?

One to two hours after ingestion, 5-HTP is in the bloodstream. Four hours later, half will have been consumed. Therefore, it is convenient to consume several small doses throughout the day.

The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends no more than 150 to 300 mg of 5-HTP daily, divided into three 50 to 100 mg doses. It is not recommended to exceed 600 mg daily in any case.

Doses can be started at 50mg and increased to 100mg if no improvement is seen within two weeks.

On the other hand, the action of 5-htp can be improved by combining it with nutrients and medicinal plants.

Vitamin B6 and zinc participate in the conversion of 5-HTP into serotonin.

Medicinal plants that can reinforce the effect of 5-HTP are therhodiola rosea, St. John’s wort and passion flower.

Are there contraindications for 5-HTP?

Anyone taking an antidepressant medication should avoid 5-HTP unless otherwise advised by their doctor.Children and women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should also not take it.Side effects may include nausea, constipation, flatulence, drowsiness and decreased sexual desire.In high doses, 5-HTP can cause liver problems and aggravate asthma.

On the other hand, it must be taken into account that the problems that 5-HTP is trying to solve often require holistic medical treatment, which can include other measures and therapies beyond the consumption of supplements.

Possible side effects

Due to its mechanism of action, 5-HTP can cause digestive problems such as nausea, stomach pain, flatulence, a feeling of satiety or even heartburn, These can usually be prevented by starting with low doses, dividing them into several single doses per day, increasing slowly, and taking 5-HTP with food.