What is it?

5-hydroxytryptophan is the forerunner of serotonin and found naturally in the body. It is produced by the amino acid tryptophan.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps with sleep, mood, and appetite. It is not found in foods. Even though tryptophan is found in foods, eating foods with tryptophan will not increase 5-HTP levels.

The supplement 5-HTP is made from an African plant named Griffonia simplicifolia.

Tryptophan is found in turkey, chicken, milk, potatoes, pumpkin collard greens, and seaweed.

What does it do?

Appetite reduction: I found three studies, one in 1992 in the journal Appetite, one in1998 in the journal International Journal of Obesity, and one 2014 in the journal Brain Research all showed that supplementation with 5-HTP reduced food intake and promoted weight loss.
• Depression: Multiple studies have shown that 5-HTP may be as effective as antidepressants in treating depression. Unfortunately, the studies were small, more research is needed.
• Parkinsons disease: depression is a factor in Parkinson’s disease, A study in the journal “Clinical Neuropharmacology” in 2019 investigated this problem and found that this supplement “significantly reduced symptoms of depression in these patients”. They suggested it may be “useful” in addition to other medications for Parkinson’s patients.:
• Insomnia: It has been found that 5-HTP has the possibility to increase REM sleep and improve the quality of sleep compared to placebo.
• Fibromyalgia: People with fibromyalgia may have low levels of serotonin, since 5-HTP raises levels of serotonin in the brain it is thought that this supplement may help with the pain, stiffness and fatigue that this problem causes.
• Migraines and headaches: Evidence is mixed.

How much do I need?

As with any vitamin or supplement you should talk with your health care provider before taking them. 5-HTP can be dangerous at high doses. Your health care provider can determine the correct dose for you. Make sure you provide a list of all other medications or supplements you take. There is the possibility of interactions with other medications such as antidepressants, carbidopa, tramadol, Robitussin DM, Meperidine (Demerol), and triptans (Migraine medications)

What are the side effects?

• Liver and brain toxicity
• Eosinophilic myalgia syndrome (EMS) which can be fatal. It can affect the skin, blood, muscles and organs. Because of this tryptophan supplements were banned in 1989.
• High blood pressure. Do not take 5-HTP before speaking with your health care provider if you have high blood pressure.
• Nausea
• Heartburn
• Gas
• Feelings of fullness and rumbling
• Serotonin Syndrome-a life-threatening condition that occurs if serotonin levels get too high in the body. There are a multitude of symptoms but if severe may include high fever, tremor, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and unconsciousness.

Where do I get it?

Not in the drug or grocery store, not even in a vitamin store. You don’t know what you are getting. I always recommend pharmaceutical grade vitamins and supplements. I use Xymogen, accompany here in the USA. Their products are certified to have in them what they say they have in them. You will get what you pay for. You can only get them from a health care provider. I will place a link at the bottom of the page for your convenience. I use these products myself and recommended them to my patients. For appetite suppression, I recommend Appe-Curb. For depression or anxiety, try Mood Food.

To purchase or explore Xymogen
Http:/wholescripts.com/register/healthrenew2-thomas

For questions or comments, you may contact me at
SupplementsScribblesmz@outlook.com

#muchmorethanjustvitamins