5-HTP supports mood and sleep by boosting serotonin, but may cause nausea or serotonin syndrome with other serotonergics.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally occurring amino acid derived from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds. It serves as a direct precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in mood regulation, sleep, appetite, and pain perception. Supplementation with 5-HTP is often used to support mood, improve sleep quality, potentially aid in appetite control, and reduce migraine frequency. Typical dosages range from 50-300mg daily. While generally safe, common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort such as nausea, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. A rare but serious risk is serotonin syndrome, particularly when 5-HTP is combined with other serotonergic medications. It is crucial to consult with a healthcare professional before taking 5-HTP, especially for individuals taking other medications or with pre-existing medical conditions to mitigate potential risks and ensure safe usage.
Key Information
Inside Body Harmful Score
Common Dosage
50-300mg daily
Source Type
natural
Production Process
Extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.
Use Type
Inside BodyPotential Benefits
Improves sleep quality by optimizing duration, latency, efficiency, and reducing awakenings. This results in enhanced daytime functioning, mood, and cognitive performance.
Mood Support enhances emotional well-being by modulating neurotransmitters, reducing stress hormones, and promoting a positive outlook. It aims to alleviate mild mood disturbances and improve resilience.
This benefit alleviates migraine symptoms like headache pain, nausea, and light/sound sensitivity. It works by reducing inflammation, modulating neurotransmitters, and improving brain blood flow to decrease the frequency, duration, and severity of attacks.
L-Tryptophan is converted into melatonin, a hormone that regulates sleep. Supplementation may improve sleep quality and reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.
Cellulose acts as a dietary fiber that promotes feelings of fullness by increasing bulk and delaying gastric emptying, potentially aiding in weight management. This can lead to reduced caloric intake.
Possible Side Effects
Diarrhea involves frequent, loose stools due to infections, medications, or underlying conditions, leading to potential dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, bloating and nausea.
Nausea is an unpleasant sensation of stomach unease, often preceding vomiting, caused by various factors like medications or infections. Prolonged nausea can lead to complications like dehydration.
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition resulting from excessive serotonin activity, often caused by combining SSRIs with other serotonergic drugs. Symptoms range from tremor to coma, requiring immediate medical attention in severe cases.
Stomach cramps involve painful abdominal muscle contractions causing discomfort or severe pain, often with bloating and altered bowel habits. Causes range from diet and stress to infections or underlying conditions, typically resolving on their own.
Vomiting is a possible side effect involving forceful expulsion of stomach contents. It's less common, especially at higher doses, and can lead to discomfort and dehydration.
Serotonin syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition caused by excessive serotonin levels, often triggered by combining 5-HTP with other serotonergic medications. Symptoms range from mild to severe and require immediate medical attention.
Scientific Evidence
Shaw, K., Turner, J., Del Mar, C. (2002). Tryptophan and 5-hydroxytryptophan for depression. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (1). Birdsall, T. C. (1998). 5-Hydroxytryptophan: a clinically-effective serotonin precursor. Alternative Medicine Review, 3(4), 271-280. Ribeiro, C. A. (2000). L-5-Hydroxytryptophan in the prophylaxis of children with recurrent migraine. Pediatric Neurology, 22(1), 68-73.
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