What is 5-HTP?

Serotonin is a chemical in the brain that helps regulate a person’s mood, happiness, and anxiety. The body naturally produces this hormone through a series of chemical processes, with 5-HTP being a precursor to serotonin.

Previously, the substance was only available via prescription. However, companies have been selling 5-HTP as a nutritional supplement since 1995Trusted Source.

Many behavioral and emotional issues are associated with low levels of serotonin. These include:

• depression
• anxiety
• suicide ideation
• obsessive-compulsive disorder

On the other hand, a person with high levels of serotonin may experience serotonin syndrome. This can occur if a person takes medications that increase levels of this hormone. Symptoms can include:

• shivering or excessive sweating
• confusion
• restlessness
• headaches
• high blood pressure
• uncontrollable twitching
• diarrhea
• high fever
• loss of consciousness
• seizures
• irregular heartbeat

Taking medication or supplements known to raise serotonin levels increases the risk of serotonin syndrome.

Because of 5-HTP’s connection to this hormone, some doctors, researchers, and people believe it can help raise serotonin levels in the body. However, experts are not fully clear on the effectiveness of 5-HTP.

Potential benefits

There are a few potential benefits of taking 5-HTP, with some evidence to promote its use. They include:

• supporting weight loss
• helping depression
• improving sleep

An older studyTrusted Source examined the role of 5-HTP in supporting weight loss. The researchers gave 10 females with obesity a supplement containing 5-HTP.

The research concludes that those given the supplement experienced greater satiety and lower BMI than the placebo group. This suggests 5-HTP may promote weight loss. However, this was a small study, and more research is necessary to confirm the findings.

Another studyTrusted Source suggests 5-HTP may be effective for treating depression. Researchers divided 60 people who met the diagnostic criteria for a depressive episode into two groups. One group received 5-HTP while the other received an antidepressant. After 8 weeks, both groups reported a reduction in depression.

A third studyTrusted Source shows that 5-HTP may be effective in improving the quality and duration of sleep. Researchers gave nine people with trouble sleeping an amino acid supplement containing 5-HTP and gamma-aminobutyric acid. Another nine received a placebo.

The people who received the supplement fell asleep faster and for longer. They also woke less frequently than the placebo group.

Some research suggests 5-HTP may also help with:

• migraine pain
• fibromyalgia
• obesity

However, in a 2012 review Trusted Source, researchers looked at positive claims about 5-HTP. They conclude that taking 5-HTP supplements, without balancing them with other amino acids, can decrease their effectiveness in treating depression. It could also result in increased side effects.

Many studies on the health benefits of 5-HTP are older. New research is necessary to determine how effective this substance is in supporting various health conditions.

Side effects 

For most people, the side effects of 5-HTP are generally mild. They include:

• feeling full
• heartburn
• nausea
• gas
• rumbling sensations

Summary

Taking 5-HTP supplements may support sleep, and help with depression and weight loss in some people. However, there is not enough research to support 5-HTP’s other purported health benefits.

A person should look for certified and third-party tested supplements to help ensure their quality.

Before starting a supplement, a person should talk to their doctor. Those taking certain prescription medications or living with certain conditions should also consult with a medical professional before taking 5-HTP.

If doctors do not recommend these supplements for a person, they may suggest other options, such as exercise, dietary changes, and exposure to sunlight.

Source:

“What are some of the top 5-HTP supplements?”

Medical News Today. By Jenna Fletcher. Reviewed by Grant Tinsley, Ph.D., CSCS,*D, CISSN, Nutrition.