5-HTP, which stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a nutrient that naturally occurs in the body. Our body produces 5-HTP by breaking down the amino acid l-tryptophan.
This is an amino acid that we get from various nutrients. The nutrients are broken down by the liver, which converts them into, among other things, 5-HTP and other substances, including vitamin B3.
Often the body does not produce enough 5-HTP, and you can get it through 5-HTP tablets.
5-HTP is a precursor of the hormones serotonin and melatonin. We can get 5-HTP from the following foods:
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Red meat
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Soy
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Turkey
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Spinach
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Fish
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Parmesan cheese
We get the amino acid from these nutrients. In the liver, l-tryptophan is broken down and converted into, among other things, 5-HTP. The journey of 5-HTP begins in the bloodstream once it is created by the breakdown of l-tryptophan.
When the substance reaches the brain, it crosses the barrier between the bloodstream and the brain. It is then converted into the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is, among other things, converted into melatonin.
What are serotonin and melatonin?
Melatonin and serotonin are a ‘dual pair’ in the brain that influence each other. Like 5-HTP, melatonin and serotonin are made from amino acids.
Melatonin levels are high at the beginning of the night, while serotonin levels are lowest at the beginning of the night. During the day, serotonin levels are actually high. During the day, there is also a ‘duel’ between serotonin and dopamine.
Where does 5-HTP come from?
We now know that you can get 5-HTP from nutrients. This is insufficient, so people often take 5-HTP supplements to get enough 5-HTP.
The African plant Griffonia Simplicifolia is often used to make supplements. The seeds of this plant contain between 5 and 20% pure 5-HTP. The stem and leaves of this plant can also contain 5-HTP and are often used to make 5-HTP tablets.
What can 5-HTP help with?
Above we read that 5-HTP is converted into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an important substance that can be converted into melatonin, which can help with a good night's sleep.
A serotonin deficiency can cause problems such as depression, insomnia, binge eating, or anxiety. You can use 5-HTP for the following issues:
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Sleep problems
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Depression
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Anxiety disorder
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Fibromyalgia
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Eating disorder
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ADHD
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Ataxia
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Parkinson's disease
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Down syndrome
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Ramsey-Hunt
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Aggression
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Nervousness
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Mood swings
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Hair loss
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Skin disorders
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Diarrhea
There are many problems that 5-HTP can help with or support. The above problems are the most common uses for 5-HTP.
5-HTP and sleep problems
Melatonin is the hormone known as the sleep hormone. It is made from serotonin and produced by the body when it is dark. 5-HTP can especially help increase the amount of REM sleep.
REM sleep is the most important part of your sleep. Many people sleep too lightly or poorly to enter their REM sleep. On average, people spend 15% of the night in REM sleep. Most people enter REM sleep 4 to 5 times per night, usually lasting 30 minutes, with a 90-minute interval.
Usually, these are short at the beginning of the night and become longer as the night progresses. The body fully relaxes, and it seems as if it is ‘paralyzed.’ REM sleep ensures physical recovery, and if you have good REM sleep, it has a positive effect on your body. You wake up with more energy.
During REM sleep, your body does not move, except for your genitals and your eyes. REM stands for Rapid Eye Movements. Your eyes move very quickly back and forth, as if you are taking in many things at once. This makes sense because you dream during your REM sleep.
How many 5-HTP tablets should you take?
We advise always consulting your general practitioner or doctor before using 5-HTP tablets. Combining them with certain medications can have a strengthening effect.
If you do not use medication, adults can take the tablets freely. We recommend that if you use 5-HTP tablets from ProHemp, you take a maximum of two per day. You can take them with a glass of water just before or after a meal.
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding? Then we advise against using 5-HTP tablets.
5-HTP supplements are often combined with vitamin B6; if this is the case, the maximum safety limit set by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) is 25 milligrams per day.
Where can you order 5-HTP tablets?
Are you looking for 5-HTP tablets or want to buy these supplements? You can easily and quickly do this online at ProHemp. We have both 5-HTP vegan tablets and 5-HTP gummies. You can place an order online within two minutes. If you order today before 5:00 PM, your supplements will be shipped the same day.
What are the possible risks or side effects of 5-HTP?
5-HTP can be very beneficial for many complaints. We have already warned earlier in this article about combining 5-HTP supplements with medications. If you use medications, first contact your (general) doctor before starting 5-HTP tablets.
Using 5-HTP supplements can increase serotonin in your brain. As a result, some people may become more aggressive.
In some people, it causes stomach cramps, diarrhea, or nausea. There are cases reporting headaches, mild nausea, or heartburn. The complaints are usually mild and tolerable. They often disappear after a day.
Is 5-HTP dangerous?
5-HTP is generally considered safe when used correctly. However, there are situations where caution is necessary. Excessive use or combining it with certain medications can lead to too high serotonin levels, resulting in the so-called serotonin syndrome. Symptoms include high blood pressure, confusion, and rapid heartbeat. Always consult a doctor before starting supplements.
Is 5-HTP addictive?
A common question is whether 5-HTP is addictive. Fortunately, 5-HTP is not addictive because it naturally supports serotonin production. Unlike synthetic antidepressants, it does not cause physical dependence. However, long-term use without consulting a doctor is discouraged to prevent your body from becoming dependent on external supplementation.
5-HTP and pregnancy: is it safe?
The use of 5-HTP during pregnancy or breastfeeding is not recommended. There is insufficient research on the effects of 5-HTP during these periods, so caution is advised. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, always consult your doctor before using supplements.
How does 5-HTP affect dopamine?
Although 5-HTP is mainly known for increasing serotonin, it can indirectly affect dopamine. This is because the balance between serotonin and dopamine is crucial for a stable mood. An increased serotonin level can sometimes lead to a slight decrease in dopamine, which may affect motivation and energy in some people. This makes it important to monitor the use of 5-HTP carefully.
5-HTP and depression: can it help?
5-HTP is often used as a natural alternative to antidepressants. It increases serotonin levels, which helps improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression. Although it is not equally effective for everyone, it can have a positive effect on mild to moderate depression. Consult a doctor before using 5-HTP for these purposes, especially if you are already taking medication.
5-HTP and ADHD: what does the research say?
There is limited research on the use of 5-HTP for ADHD. Since serotonin plays a role in regulating attention and impulsivity, 5-HTP may have a supportive effect. However, more scientific evidence is needed before it can be considered an effective treatment. Consult a specialist if you are considering using 5-HTP for ADHD.
How quickly does 5-HTP work?
The effect of 5-HTP can vary per person. Most people notice an improvement in mood, sleep quality, or energy within a few days to several weeks. This depends on the dosage, consistency of intake, and the reason for use. For sleep problems, the effect is often noticeable within a few days.
5-HTP and XTC/MDMA
Designer drugs like MDMA or XTC became very popular in the 1980s in nightlife and at festivals. Many young people use this drug and experience a sudden increase in happiness when they take it.
What most people don’t realize or want to know is that it delivers a heavy blow to your body and brain, especially in the days afterward. Using XTC causes a brief moment of happiness, and your body uses dopamine, noradrenaline, and of course serotonin.
The result is that reserves become depleted and your body experiences oxidative stress. MDMA users can suffer from physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion.
The 5-HTP tablets can help your body recover in this case by producing serotonin. Ultimately, prevention is better than cure, and we advise against using any hard drugs.
People who use a lot of MDMA suffer from the well-known Tuesday dip. MDMA users often take the drug on weekends. They only really feel the impact on Tuesday.
The body is exhausted, reserves are depleted, and they sleep poorly. This can lead to depression, causing the drug to be taken again more quickly. MDMA users thus enter a vicious cycle. Administering 5-HTP can provide an extra boost, helping the body recover faster.