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5-HTP pills are Serotonin boosting supplements often used for anxiety and depression, fibromyalgia, to improve mood and sleep patterns, and to suppress appetite.
Humans can naturally produce some 5-HTP by metabolizing Tryptophan. Tryptophan is an amino acid found in many staple food sources, including poultry, red meat, eggs, green beans, and chickpeas.
Supplemental pills of 5-HTP are naturally sourced from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Griffonia simplicifolia is a woody climbing shrub found in Central and West Africa. Used for generations as a folk remedy, the seeds of this plant are now harvested for their naturally high 5-HTP content.
This article will discuss how 5-HTP works in the body, which individuals may benefit from using 5-HTP, and the safety and side effects of 5-HTP pills.
Mood
Sleep
Weight Loss- Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
- Enhances mood and alleviates stress
- Improves sleep and regulates appetite
How 5-HTP Pills Work
Related Topics
5-HTP is a crucial building block in the formation of Serotonin, one of the brain’s key neurotransmitters.
Tryptophan from the diet or supplements is broken down in the liver into 5-HTP and other metabolites, including niacin (Vitamin B3). 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream to the brain. Here it crosses the barrier separating the bloodstream and the brain and enters the brain.
Whether it is acquired through Tryptophan in food, or taken in the form of 5-HTP pills, the compound is used to produce Serotonin once it enters the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which regulates mood. The release of Serotonin in the brain is associated with positive emotions, calm thoughts, contentedness, and a peaceful state of mind.
Serotonin is unable to cross the blood-brain barrier. Because of this reason, it is often ineffective to supplement directly with Serotonin to help regulate mood.However, 5-HTP, which can cross the blood-brain barrier, is able to act as a Serotonin boosting compound.
Some people do not consume much Tryptophan rich food in their diet (i.e. vegetarians), and some people naturally do not produce sufficient levels of 5-HTP from the Tryptophan they do consume. In these cases, supplemental 5-HTP may be useful for increasing levels of Serotonin in the brain.
Who May Benefit From Taking 5-HTP Pills?
5-HTP pills may be helpful to anyone who has trouble managing stress. This may be everyday stress triggers such as work or home life, as well as more serious cognitive imbalances. For example, both anxiety and depression sufferers have symptoms which can be aggravated by stress.
The Natural Medicines database has rated 5-HTP as Possibly Effective for improving symptoms of depression. Clinical studies have shown that 5-HTP significantly decreases symptoms of depression over placebo. Additionally, in one preliminary study, a 150-400 mg dose of 5-HTP daily for eight weeks had similar effects in reducing symptoms of depression as 20-40 mg daily of fluoxetine (Prozac).
In research studies, 5-HTP has been shown to be possibly effective in improving symptoms of Fibromyalgia. In the studies, symptoms of Fibromyalgia including morning stiffness, pain severity, and insomnia improved when taking 5-HTP supplements orally.
Individuals interested in losing weight may also benefit from a daily dosage of 5-HTP capsules. Preliminary evidence suggests that taking 5-HTP may help reduce appetite, caloric intake, and weight in obese patients.
Research on the effectiveness of 5-HTP pills for anxiety, fibromyalgia, migraines, and weight loss is limited, and more research is still needed. The FDA has not approved 5-HTP as a drug for the treatment or prevention of any conditions.
Typical 5-HTP Dosages
As with any herbal supplement, it is important to respect 5-HTP dosage guidelines. Appropriate dosage will vary depending on personal sensitivity and reasons for taking the supplement. Speak with your doctor before starting any supplement to determine the correct dosage for your needs.
According to some sources, a healthy adult who is not experiencing any symptoms of anxiety, depression, etc., may have positive results starting with a daily dose of 40 – 50 mg of 5-HTP tablets.
For more noticeable effects, daily dosage may be increased to 100 mg. Above 300 mg per day, there may be an increased chance of side effects with no increase in benefits.
Safety and Side Effects of 5-HTP Pills
5-HTP has been deemed Possibly Safe for oral use in adults by the Natural Medicines database. 5-HTP has been deemed Possibly Unsafe for pregnant and nursing women and should be avoided in these instances.
When taking 5-HTP according to recommended dosage guidelines, most individuals will experience no to mild side effects. Mild side effects reported by some users include stomach pain, nausea, heartburn, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Due to the ability of 5-HTP pills to boost Serotonin production, it is very important to avoid other medications that perform the same function. This includes antidepressant medications like Monoamime Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs), Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs), and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). If you are already taking any of these medications, it is best to wait to try 5-HTP supplements until such treatment has concluded.
Taking 5-HTP pills at very high dosages or in conjunction with Serotonin boosting drugs can lead to a serious side effect called Serotonin Syndrome. This condition occurs when there is an excess of Serotonin in the brain.
Serotonin Syndrome can cause negative symptoms including irregular heartbeat, cloudy thoughts, agitation/irritation, and excessive sweating. In extreme cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome may be fatal.
Always talk with your doctor before beginning a new supplement like 5-HTP pills, especially if you are on any prescription medications. More drug interactions then listed here exist and should be discussed with a healthcare professional.
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Article last updated on: March 13th, 2018 by Nootriment