Supporting Healthy Serotonin Levels, Healthy Moods, & More

5-HTP,or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is converted by the body into serotonin.  5-HTP readily crosses the blood-brain barrier and increases central nervous system synthesis of serotonin. 

When the walls of blood vessels are damaged, serotonin is released from the platelets to constrict the blood vessel and prevent hemorrhage. In the tissue of the intestine, it acts as a stimulant to make the smooth muscle contract. Most people are familiar with serotonin as it acts in the brain — as a neurotransmitter that aids in the transmission of nerve impulses between synapses.

Serotonin is a hormone that is present in the brain, intestinal tissues, and blood and which regulates moods, memory, and other important functions.  Serotonin can affect deep sleep and appetite, and it plays a significant role in depression, anxiety, and aggression. 

In one open study of 25 depressed patients, the therapeutic efficacy of 5-HTP was considered equal to that of traditional antidepressants. Out of 17 reviewed studies, 13 confirm that 5-HTP has true anti-depressant properties.*

• 5-HTP and the Serotonin Connection

Studies of 5-HTP include research around 5-HTP's benefits in supporting:

• Better balance (difficulty standing and walking)
• Headaches
• Appetite management
• Depression & anxiety
• Fibromyalgia

For more details, including warnings, see Intelihealth's section on 5-HTP (note Intelihealth's content from Natural Standard and Harvard Medical School faculty).

Appetite Management Potential

5-HTP also is suspected to be valuable in appetite management, since serotonin helps you stop eating after consuming an adequate amount of food.  Low serotonin levels stimulate appetite control centers in the brain, resulting in strong cravings for carbohydrates in particular.

In research studies, 5-HTP supplementation has been shown to promote weight loss by increasing a sense of fullness, leading to fewer calories being consumed at meals.

Notes:

1. 5-HTP is generally well tolerated, but there is a risk of several side effects. Some of these are potentially serious, although most have been reported only rarely. It is recommended that 5-HTP be used only under the supervision of a qualified health care provider because of these potential risks.

2. 5-HTP should not be used concurrently with any antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).  5-HTP should not be used within two weeks of discontinuing MAOIs.

3. 5-HTP should not be used concurrently with serotonin 5-HT₁ receptor agonists, including naratriptan, sumatriptan and zolmitriptan, nor by those taking carbidopa (used for Parkinson's disease). 

4. 5-HTP should be avoided by those with ischemic heart disease, coronary heart spasm, uncontrolled hypertension, and any other significant cardiovascular disease.

5. 5-HTP should be avoided by pregnant and nursing mothers.

6. 5-HTP may cause gastrointestinal side effects, such as heartburn, nausea, diarrhea, etc.