5-HTP

5-HTP

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a naturally occurring amino acid and a precursor to serotonin, an important neurotransmitter involved in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions.

Origin:

Nonessential, Plant-Based, Synthetic

Source:

Beans, Lentils, Chickpeas, Dairy, Fish

Category:

Amino Acids

Age range:

18-60, >60

Toxicity:

May be toxic in high doses

5 – HTP Helps With

• Sleep Issues
• Anxiety
• Stress
• Depression

Outcomes

Consistency of proofs

Strength of Effects

Scientific articles

Stress

1 / 2 / 3

Anxiety

1 / 2 / 3

Depression

1 / 2 / 3

Sleep duration

1 / 2 / 3

5-HTP and Sleep

Sleep is a very important physiological process, as it regulates the body’s functions. It is responsible for promoting / facilitating energy conservation, synthesis and secretion of hormones and proteins, learning and memory through brain changes. Sleep is mainly driven by the circadian cycle, which involves exposure to light, hormones such as melatonin, and hypothalamic activity. The compounds that help regulate sleep work in different pathways, they can facilitate the process of falling asleep, increase the duration of continuous sleep or improve the quality of sleep.

5-HTP and Sleep Duration

Sleep duration refers to the total amount of sleep obtained, either during the nightly sleep episode or during the 24 hours. Getting a full, uninterrupted sleep can be difficult and is considered a disorder, but there are natural solutions that can help.

5-HTP and Stress

Stress can be understood as a situation in which the individual is physically or mentally overloaded, which can cause pain, tension and physical injury, as well as emotional fatigue, tiredness, reduced productivity and attention. The substances that help control stress act on hormonal regulation (for example, cortisol), on the circadian cycle and promote physical and mental relaxation.

5-HTP and Anxiety

Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress. It’s a feeling of fear or apprehension about what’s to come. It can be triggered by a specific situation and not last long – which is very common and ok – or it can be a generalized disorder (which is considered a illness) that can bring harm to everyday life and also cause other conditions like depression.

5-HTP and 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.