5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) | Supplement for good mood and sleep

Author: Tkachenko Sergey - Master of sport in bodybuilding.
2019-12-22

5-HTP is a precursor of serotonin and melatonin; I won't delve into details since I’m not writing a scientific dissertation. I will try to write everything in plain language without scientific jargon.

Description

This substance is typically extracted from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. 5-HTP is a serotonin precursor and is also involved in the production of tryptophan, an amino acid. This amino acid, in turn, plays a role in normalizing sleep and enhancing mood. This supplement is also taken for weight loss because typically, during a diet, mood can suffer due to a lack of calories; serotonin is not produced, leading to depression, which affects weight loss as a person may start overeating as a result, and this is a problem.

Application

1. Weight Loss

5-HTP can assist with weight loss as it helps you feel full. Hunger is a primary issue on a diet, and in the long run, it can become a significant problem. During hunger, the body releases hormones that make you eat more. 5-HTP can help mitigate this effect and bring you back to normal.
This will help control blood sugar, which in turn reduces insulin’s impact, thereby significantly lowering the feeling of hunger. This is very helpful in combating obesity, as overall carbohydrate intake decreases, leading to positive results in weight loss and fighting obesity.

2. Depression

5-HTP significantly helps treat depression as it raises serotonin levels. This does not mean that simply using 5-HTP can permanently rid you of it; this supplement is best combined with other medications for better results. What supplements to take alongside 5-HTP, you will discuss with your treating physician, as this is an individual matter.

3. Fibromyalgia

5-HTP is also considered a remedy in the fight against fibromyalgia. Why do I say “considered”? Because its effect on this disease is likely indirect. This condition is associated with low serotonin levels, and 5-HTP helps produce it, thus somehow connecting these factors. But I emphasize! No precise studies have been conducted, and it is still unclear to anyone.

4. Migraine

It is also believed that 5-HTP can reduce the frequency of migraines. Again, this is not certain. Studies have allegedly been conducted, but it is unwise to trust everything that is written online. So we have to wait for information from an official scientific source.

5. Insomnia

5-HTP can combat this ailment since it promotes the production of serotonin, which in turn converts to melatonin, the sleep hormone. This fact is well-studied, so I do not rule out the truth of this statement.

Dosage

The dose for this supplement is not precisely established. Generally, it is released in doses per serving of 50-100 mg. It is recommended to take this supplement from 150 mg to 800 mg per day.

Side Effects

Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and diarrhea. However, this is not certain; this is the standard set of side effects mentioned by all manufacturers, and currently, no significant side effects are known.

Conclusion

In summary, let's briefly outline the results of this article.

5-HTP helps produce serotonin; it increases the feeling of fullness while maintaining a calorie deficit during a diet.

Serotonin can in turn convert to melatonin, which helps regulate sleep. It may also assist with migraines and fibromyalgia, but that is not certain. However, it might be quite helpful in treating depression.

There are no significant side effects, but the exact dosage of the supplement is not established. Be sure to consult with your doctor before use.