What is 5-Hydroxytryptophan?

5-Hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP, is an amino acid, which works as a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin in our brains. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that has a direct effect on our mood and behaviors, and melatonin helps our bodies maintain their natural internal rhythm. 5-HTP is converted in the body from tryptophan, which is found in certain foods, but 5-HTP levels don’t increase very much with normal diet so supplements are usually necessary if you want to boost levels of 5-HTP in the body. Supplemental 5-HTP is derived from the seed of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant, which is native to Africa.

What is 5-HTP Good For?

5-HTP is mainly used to boost low levels of serotonin in the brain, which could be helpful when treating anxiety, depression, fibromyalgia, insomnia, chronic headaches, premenstrual syndrome, binge eating and obesity, attention deficit disorder, and chronic headaches. Many of the studies done on the effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan have been small, so more testing is needed to be 100% positive that it really is beneficial for these conditions.

Depression

Many anti-depressant drugs work to increase serotonin in the brain, which would boost mood and increase feelings of well being. Since 5-HTP is a necessary precursor to serotonin, a supplement may be as effective as harsher drugs. Only small studies have been preformed, but those with mild depression symptoms seemed to do very well with a 5-HTP regimen and they experienced far less side effects than those taking prescription anti-depressants.

Insomnia

5-HTP has been shown to promote a good, quality night’s sleep. It is believed that 5-HTP plays an important role in our body’s sleep/wake cycles. Many people struggling with insomnia have feelings of anxiety or stress that are preventing them from falling asleep. With a supplement of 5-HTP, and an increase in serotonin, you may be able to release those stressful, anxious feelings and fall to sleep much easier.

Weight Loss with 5-HTP

Some very exciting studies done on 5-hydroxytryptophan have shown that the amino acid may be beneficial for those that need help losing weight. Low levels of serotonin can contribute to binge eating and obesity. The two conditions listed above, insomnia and depression, are also often linked to over-eating and weight gain, so getting those under control can also help your weight loss goals.

In small studies those that took a supplement of 5-HTP were less interested in food and less likely to overeat then those that were taking a placebo. Studies have also shown that those taking a 5-HTP supplement ate fewer calories during the day, even when they were not intending to diet, and those that were dieting showed an even bigger decrease in calories consumed. Some researchers believe that 5-HTP may help us cut calories, and unwanted pounds, by increasing feelings of satiety, or fullness, after we eat.

Side Effects of 5-HTP

5-HTP is not usually associated with any side effects. If you take too much, however, you may experience some negative symptoms including nausea, heartburn, and gas. In very high doses 5-hydroxytryptophan could lead to serotonin syndrome, which is caused when levels of serotonin in the body are too high and can be potentially life threatening.