Description

INTRODUCTION

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical by-product of the protein building block L-Tryptophan. It is also produced commercially from the seeds of an African plant known as Griffonia Simplicifolia. 5-HTP is used for sleep disorders such as insomnia, depression, anxiety, migraine and tension-type headaches, fibromyalgia, obesity, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), seizure disorder, and Parkinson’s disease.

BENEFITS

5-HTP works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of the chemical serotonin. Serotonin can affect sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behaviour, and pain sensation. Since 5-HTP increases the synthesis of serotonin, it is used for several diseases where serotonin is believed to play an important role including depression, insomnia, obesity, and many other conditions.

Among its benefits are:

– Help with depression, panic attacks and anxiety
– Help with reducing compulsive eating/apetite
– Improved sleep quality

RESEARCH DOSAGE

Because 5-HTP is an unregulated supplement, there are few scientifically valid guidelines for proper dosages:

– For depression, a recommended dose of 5-HTP is 150 milligram (mg) to 300 mg per day.

– For primary fibromyalgia syndrome, a recommended dose is 100 mg, three times a day for one month.

– 200 mg is safe and beneficial for increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Higher dosages (more than 3g per day, for example when titrating) increase the likelihood of side effects.

– In obesity and weight loss intervention studies, up to 900 mg or 8 mg/kg of body weight of 5-HTP was safely used for 2 weeks, although side effects of nausea and vomiting were reported.

SIDE EFFECTS

Common Side Effects of 5-HTP: Diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting, heartburn, gas, or bloating. Stomach discomfort or pain, decrease in or lack of appetite.

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