Serotonin precursor, 5-HTP

5-HTP is a substance used to increase levels of Serotonin on the brain. It is synthesized in the body through the amino acid tryptophan. The consumption of 5-HTP can relief depression, anxiety, stress leves, control appetite and satiety (which can result in weight loss) and ease sleep patterns.

  • Origin: Nonessential, Plant Based, Synthetic
  • Source: Nonessential, Synthetic, Plants, Herbs
  • Type: Amino Acids
  • Age Range: Adults, Seniors
  • Toxicity: May be toxic in high doses
  • Outcomes: Energy and Mood, Weight Management, Depression, Appetite Control

What are 5-HTP benefits?

As a serotonin neurotransmitter, 5-HTP shows its importance in mood, stress, and symptoms of depression. Its main benefits are in the reduction of appetite and, consequently, in weight loss. It also acts in the increase of cortisol, the hormone responsible for helping the organism control stress. Reducing inflammation and supporting the immune system are other benefits. Through studies, it has been noticed an improvement in sleep, eliminating nightmares or other events that can disturb this moment of rest. There are foods rich in tryptophan, such as dried fruit, eggs, avocado, cheese, and others. The daily consumption of these items can provide a sense of well-being by its action on serotonin. Therefore, including these foods in the routine brings health benefits. However, because of our busy schedules, we are not always able to consume the ideal amount of this nutraceutical. Then, it’s worth supplementing as a way to replace 5-HTP. Take the 3-step test on our website and find out the ideal supplements for your nutritional needs.

Table of relations

Outcome
Sub-Outcome
Consistent effects
Strength of effects
Scientific articles
Energy and Mood Energy and Mood
Depression
See All 9 studies
Weight Management Weight Management
Appetite Control
See All 4 studies

Energy and Mood 5-HTP and Energy and Mood

Energy and mood are associated with several external and internal factors. Hormone release, brain chemical balance, nutrient metabolism, and several other elements alter the way the body and mind respond to daily activities. The compounds that benefit energy and mood are the ones that help in the balance of all these factors.

  • Depression

    Depression is a chronic and recurrent psychiatric condition that produces mood changes characterized by deep sadness, mood swings, loss of interest in activities, causing significant impairment in daily life.

Weight Management 5-HTP and Weight Management

Total body weight takes into account all body elements, such as organs, muscles, bones, fluids, fat, etc. The weight loss process depends on a negative energy balance (spending more calories than the ones consumed), but there are nutraceuticals that can help the body to increase this deficit. Among them, there are supplements like thermogenics, fibers, appetite suppressants, fat absorption blockers and some others.

  • Appetite Control

    Appetite include physical hunger, subjective appetite (desire to eat) and satiety. These aspects are controlled and regulated by hormones (leptin, ghrelin, serotonin, etc.) that act in the gastrointestinal tract and in the brain through negative feedback. In addition to hormones, appetite is also influenced by metabolic factors, hydration, blood glucose, intestinal motility, among others. The nutraceuticals that influence appetite are those that regulate the hormones involved, assist in satiety, benefit the gastrointestinal tract, improve blood glucose, among others.

Table of negative interactions

Drugs
Amoxapine, Citalopram, Clomipramine, Desvenlafaxine, Milnacipran, Nefazodone, Phenelzine, Procarbazine, Propoxyphene, Sibutramine, Sumatriptan, Almotriptan, Amitriptyline, Buspirone, Cyclobenzaprine, Desipramine, Dexfenfluramine, Dihydroergotamine, Dolasetron, Doxepin, Doxepin Topical, Duloxetine, Eletriptan, Escitalopram, Fenfluramine, Fentanyl, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Frovatriptan, Furazolidone, Granisetron, Imipramine, Isocarboxazid, Lasmiditan, Levomilnacipran, Linezolid, Lorcaserin, Maprotiline, Methylene Blue, Mirtazapine, Naratriptan, Nortriptyline, Ondansetron, Palonosetron, Paroxetine, Protriptyline, Rasagiline, Rizatriptan, Safinamide, Selegiline, Sertraline, Tapentadol, Tramadol, Tranylcypromine, Trazodone, Trimipramine, Venlafaxine, Vilazodone, Vortioxetine, Zolmitriptan
Foods
Beans, Lentils and Chickpeas, Cheese, Fish, Milk, Yogurt

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