I haven’t studied supplement for a long time. I’ve also received a lot of questions about 5-HTP over the last few weeks, and I’m sure you need a really good explanation.
I came to this opinion by looking at the Turkish sources of 5-HTP. Incredibly funny and baseless comments available.
So as a physician who prescribes 5-HTP frequently, I will tell you what you need to know.
In this article, I will talk about 5-HTP definition, working mechanism, usage, drug interactions and answer your questions.
What is 5-HTP herbal supplement ?
5-HTP, also known as 5-hydroxytryptophan, is the precursor of the serotonin neurotransmitter, which enables the transmission of messages between cells in the brain. It is produced from a plant called Griffonia simplicifolia.
That is, 5-HTP is a means of producing seratonin.
Why do we need serotonin?
Because seratonin is one of the most important transmission tools in the brain. Also,
Sleep, wakefulness balance,
Processing of feeling of hunger and satiety,
In maintaining normal behavior,
plays a role. In addition, anxiety (anxiety disorder) and depression are seen in individuals with decreased levels of seratonin in the brain.
How does 5-HTP herbal supplement work?
I would like to touch on the working mechanism of 5-HTP, which is a bit boring but important for you to understand everything. You don’t have to read this title.
5-HTP is a precursor of seratonin. I mentioned that. Once it enters the bloodstream, it easily passes through the blood-brain barrier.
It is important that 5-HTP is not attached to the blood brain barrier. Because many drugs, nutrients or substances are attached to the blood brain barrier.
Here, the direct passage through the blood brain barrier means effective in the brain.
It then passes to the cells to form seratonin. You may have the question, mı Can’t the same effect be achieved by taking tryptophan supplement? ”
My answer is no! Because serotonin-producing enzymes from the amino acid tryptophan work in a controlled manner and do not produce direct seratonin even in continuous tryptophan intake.
That is, 5-HTP does not undergo enzymes that limit the production of seratonin and is directly involved in production.
What can 5-HTP herbal supplement be used for?
There are several areas where 5-HTP can be used medically. Let’s examine it together.
Depression and anxiety: The common point in the mechanism of depression and anxiety problems is the decrease in seratonin levels in the brain.
Therefore, 5-HTP can be tried in simple depression / anxiety disorders that do not want to use antidepressants.
Although we still need a large pool of research, research conducted so far shows that 5-HTP is as effective as some antidepressants.
Sleep problems: Seratonin is a neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the origin of sleep problems. Therefore, 5-HTP can be used to solve sleep problems.
Here, 5-HTP will have a better effect on problems progressing with depression and characterized by inability to fall asleep.
Research shows that 5-HTP reduces sleep time and improves sleep quality. In addition, the use of melatonin in combination with 5-HTP can make it much easier to solve sleep problems.
Sleep terrorism seen in children can be reduced with the use of 5-HTP is known.
Emotional nutrition and hunger control: I have mentioned that seratonin is involved in controlling hunger. I don’t need to remind you that people with depressed or bad moods are feeding more uncontrolled.
We know that 5-HTP can be used to control nutrition and balance mood in such situations.
Studies have shown that the use of 5-HTP,
Helps to feel the feeling of satiety earlier,
It makes the feeling of hunger feel lighter,
Helps reduce carbohydrate craving,
It is shown.
What I want you to know here is that 5-HTP should not be used directly for weight control. It is true that 5-HTP should be preferred for both problems in individuals with psychiatric problems such as depression, anxiety and uncontrolled nutrition.
Apart from all these problems,
Distraction and hyperactivity disorder,
Obsessive compulsive disease,
Post-traumatic disorders,
Social phobia,
5-HTP may also be used.
How to use 5-HTP?
Care should be taken when using 5-HTP and, like all other supplements, should only be taken under medical supervision.
The recommended dose level is 300 mg consumption once a day. Although animal experiments do not show toxic symptoms at much higher doses, it is useful to be more careful in humans.
The most common side effect of 5-HTP is nausea and vomiting.
In the past, eosonophil myalgia syndrome occurred in individuals taking 5-HTP. At that time, all 5-HTP products were collected by the FDA.
Although there are currently reservations about 5-HTP, no new cases have been reported since 1990. The problem is thought to be the transmission of some bacterial products during 5-HTP production (10).
Points to consider
Since 5-HTP directly increases seratonin secretion, it may cause “seratonin storm” which can be fatal if it is used with antidepressants that increase seratonin level.
For this reason, you should take 5-HTP products under the supervision of a physician.
Long-term use of 5-HTP should also be closely monitored.
You are now familiar with many details about the 5-HTP supplement. Don’t forget to share your ideas with me.
