5-HTP: Natural Support for Depression and Weight Loss

5-HTP is the amino acid used by the body to make serotonin. It is mainly derived from food in the form of tryptophan which is then converted to 5-HTP and then to serotonin (see diagram below).

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally occurring amino acid that is commonly used as a dietary supplement for its potential benefits in supporting mental health, particularly for depression, as well as for weight loss. However, it is important to note that research on 5-HTP is limited, and its efficacy for these purposes has not been fully established. In this article, we will explore what 5-HTP is, its potential benefits, and the concerns and precautions one should take before taking the supplement.

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5-HTP is an intermediate in the metabolic conversion of tryptophan to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. By increasing serotonin levels in the brain, 5-HTP may help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and promote feelings of well-being. This is why 5-HTP is often used as a natural alternative for people with depression, as many conventional antidepressant drugs also target serotonin levels.

Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may be effective in treating depression. A small study from the 1980s found that patients with depression who took 5-HTP experienced significant improvements in symptoms compared to those who took a placebo. Other studies have also reported positive results, but the research is limited and the results are not consistent. It is important to note that these studies were small and that more research is needed to confirm the efficacy of 5-HTP for depression.

Tryptophan -> 5-HTP -> Serotonin.

Serotonin is a very important chemical messenger in our bodies and is correlated with symptoms related to mood, sleep, appetite and sensation of pain. Due to the rigors of modern lifestyle, many people suffer from deficiencies of serotonin. Processed foods, alcohol, smoking, excess consumption of sugars, pollution and constant stress are all factors that reduce our body’s ability to manufacture serotonin.

5-HTP supplementation can be a safe and effective way to naturally boost serotonin levels. It has been used successfully for many people in the alleviation of depression, anxiety, insomnia and to reduce appetite.

Depression:

Serotonin plays a key role in regulating mood. Most of the newer medications used to treat depression and anxiety rely on mechanisms that increase levels of serotonin. Although other important chemical messengers contribute to ideal mental health, serotonin seems to play a particularly crucial role. Supplementation with 5-HTP can provide the body with the building blocks needed to manufacture more serotonin. Several studies have been published comparing the effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor medications (Paxil®, Prozac® and other popular anti-depressant medications) to 5-HTP. Not only did 5-HTP work just as well or better for most participants, it also caused fewer, less severe side effects than the prescription medication. The most common side effects associated with 5-HTP are mild gastrointestinal upset including nausea, heartburn and flatulence. These symptoms can be greatly reduced by taking smaller doses more frequently throughout the day. The dose most commonly used for depression ranges from 50-100mg of 5-HTP taken 3x daily. It is advised to always start with the lowest dose (50mg) for at least 5-7 days and increase only if desired results are not obtained.

Do not take 5-HTP if you are also taking a prescription anti-depressant unless you first consult with a qualified health care provider experienced in using 5-HTP. Taking 5-HTP along with an anti-depressant can cause a rare but dangerous condition of excessively elevated serotonin levels, called Serotonin Syndrome.

Weight Loss:

Studies dating back as far as 1975 have demonstrated the ability of 5-HTP to stimulate weight loss in animal models. More recent studies have confirmed this effect in humans. Taking moderate doses of 5-HTP (30-50mg) 20-30 minutes prior to meals leads to earlier sensations of satiety thus resulting in the consumption of less calories. There is also some research to suggest that obese individuals have defects in the enzymes that convert tryptophan -> 5-HTP therefore making them more likely to suffer from a deficiency. Supplementing with preformed 5-HTP bypasses this enzyme and allows for adequate body levels to be achieved.