What is L 5 hydroxytryptophan used for?

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that your body naturally produces. Your body uses it to produce serotonin, a chemical messenger that sends signals between your nerve cells. Low serotonin levels are associated with depression, anxiety, sleep disorders, weight gain and other health problems ( 1 , 2 ).

Does 5 hydroxytryptophan have side effects?

Side effects of 5-HTP are generally mild and may include nausea, heartburn, gas, feelings of fullness, and rumbling sensations in some people. At high doses, serotonin syndrome, a dangerous condition caused by too much serotonin in the body, could develop.

Is 5-HTP the same as 5 hydroxytryptophan?

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a compound produced in the body from the amino acid tryptophan. It is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and the hormone melatonin.

Can you overdose on 5 hydroxytryptophan?

There is no FDA-approved dosage of 5-HTP. An overdose could be lethal, so it is important to begin with a small dose and avoid taking more than the product label recommends.

When to take 5-HTP and how much to use per day?

If you are just beginning to supplement with 5-HTP, Dr. Bowden recommends taking 50 mg, three times a day for the first two weeks. Ideally, you should take it 8 hours apart.

When should you take 5 HTP?

If you’re wondering when to take 5-HTP for weight loss, it would be best to take it in the morning or about 30 minutes before meals. Taking 5-HTP on an empty stomach helps it to be absorbed faster, and may increase the effects.

Is 5-HTP safe for regular use?

5-HTP is POSSIBLY SAFE when taking by mouth appropriately. 5-HTP has been used safely in doses up to 400 mg daily for up to one year. However, some people who have taken it have developed a condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS), a serious condition involving extreme muscle tenderness (myalgia) and blood abnormalities (eosinophilia).

What is 5-hydroxytryptophan used for?

5-hydroxytryptophan, also known as 5-HTP, is a dietary supplement made from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. 5-hydroxytryptophan has been used in alternative medicine as a possibly effective aid in treating depression or fibromyalgia.