5-HTP  Review

5-Hydroxytryptophan Benefits & Side Effects 

5-htp

One of the most researched brand name is natrol. Nutritional supplement companies extract it from a plant known as Griffonia Simplicifolia

Indications of hydroxytryptophan:

Weight loss
Obesity
Sleep Disorders
Insomnia
Fibromyalgia
Depression
Anxiety

Sources :

Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps the body produces 5-htp. We can find tryptophan in seafood, meats, poultry as well as cheese, peanuts and avocados.

Dosage range: 25 – 300 mg daily

Most common dosage: 100 mg daily

Dosage forms: capsules, tablets, powder.

Benefits & Functions:

It has good effects on symptoms of anxiety. Patients who take this supplement experiment a significant decrease in their anxiety levels.

This supplement also represents a major hope for depressed people. There is an important reduction in depressive episodes when people use 5-htp. As a bonus, there are very few side effects.

It also has positive effects on sleep disorders sufferers. When these people take 5-htp before bedtime, they have a better sleep.

It seems that it may provide benefits to migraine, headaches and fibromyalgia sufferers. Medical studies and researched have not ended for these effects but there is a great hope.

Finally, this supplement has shown promise in the treatment of obesity and weight loss.  A few studies have shown a reduction in appetite and significant weight loss in people who take 5-hydroxytryptophan.

5-htp Side Effects and Dangers:

If you are taking medications or supplements for depression, you should not take this dietary supplement without medical supervision.

Because it already has effects on these diseases, you can experiment additive effects. In such cases, it’s better to talk to your doctor for confirmation.

This supplement can cause occasional side effects. Generally, they are minor and can not cause dangers. These side effects include diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.

If this happens, the solution is to lower the doses and gradually back to regular doses. Anyway, it’s always better to take it with meals. And if these effects do not disappear, think seriously to contact your physician.

Women who are pregnant or breast-fed a child should not take it excepted if indicated by a doctor. Avoid giving it to children.

Interactions :

This supplement interacts with St john’s wort and may alter or add to the effects of this herb in the body. If you are already taking St John’s wort, consult with your pharmacist before taking 5-htp.