Effects of 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-Htp) Nutritional Supplement on Health

Year 2023, Volume: 4 Issue: 1, 1 - 8, 23.03.2023

İpek Otrav , Ahmet Murat Günal

Abstract

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that the body synthesizes spontaneously. It is also known as the active metabolite of L-Tryptophan amino acid. L-Tryptophan participates in the production of serotonin in the body. The body uses 5-HTP to produce the chemical hormone serotonin, which sends signals to nerve cells. Low levels of serotonin are associated with susceptibility to depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight gain, and other health problems. In various clinical studies, 5-HTP has also been reported to treat fibromyalgia, myoclonus, migraine and cerebellar ataxia. Positive effects of 5-HTP have been observed in human and animal studies for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. However, it has been proven in human clinical studies that it supports weight control by providing satiety and is effective on obesity treatment. 5-HTP supplements are thought to treat depression by increasing serotonin levels. In addition, studies show that the potential antidepressant effects of 5-HTP are stronger when combined with other substances or antidepressant drugs than when they are used alone. Increasing the production of serotonin in the body has several therapeutic effects. Therefore, 5-Hydroxytryptophan is effective in eliminating sleep disorders and improving sleep quality by increasing melatonin production. Nutritional supplements containing 5-Hydroxytryptophan are becoming increasingly popular, as it plays an important role in producing serotonin. Caution should be exercised when using it in combination with antidepressants or other interacting nutritional supplements. Some medications can increase serotonin production. Combining these drugs with 5-HTP can cause dangerous levels of serotonin in the body. Care should be taken when using 5-HTP nutritional support, and as with all other nutritional supplements, it should be used under doctor's control and daily dosages should be observed. Using the wrong dosage can lead to gastrointestinal system disorders such as diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain. In addition, different dosages and usage times are recommended for different effects. However, these clinical findings, like all therapeutic findings for 5-HTP, are preliminary and need to be confirmed by further research.

Keywords

5-Hydroxytryptophan, 5-HTP, Depression, Serotonin, Anxiety

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