What does 5-HTP do?
5-HTP is needed in the brain and central nervous system for serotonin production. Your body uses serotonin to regulate your mood, appetite, gut functions, and many more. It is therefore thought to be a beneficial supplement for conditions that depend on serotonin.
What are the benefits of 5-HTP?
Although much more medical research is still needed, 5-HTP is thought to have many benefits.
- May help with Depression: Although the exact cause of depression is largely unknown, we do know that an imbalance in serotonin can contribute to depression. Several studies have found that taking 5-HTP supplements helped with the symptoms of depression.
- Can promote Sleep: As serotonin can be converted into the sleep hormone melatonin it can help promote relaxation and sleep. Melatonin levels begin to rise in the evening to promote sleep, and people suffering from insomnia and other sleep-related conditions, are often found to be low in serotonin.
- May help with Anxiety: Early studies have found that taking 5-HTP (25-150mg) supplements appear to reduce anxiety symptoms. However, there have been other studies with higher amounts that seemed to make anxiety worse. It may therefore be an added bonus to other natural ingredients that are known to reduce anxiety.
Is 5-HTP safe?
As mentioned above, it really depends on the dosage. 5-HTP is generally considered safe, if you start with a dose of 50-100mg, up to two times a day. What's important to note is that none of the products on our website are pure 5-HTP supplements. There generally is a small amount (<100mg) of 5-HTP among a number of other natural ingredients.
Can anyone take 5-HTP Supplements?
There isn't much information yet on whether pregnant and breastfeeding mothers can take 5-HTP, it is therefore not recommended for women in this life stage. People on medication should also first consult their GP, as some medications increase serotonin levels as well, and a combination of the two may cause dangerous serotonin levels in the body.
