What are 5-htp supplements?
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Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:5-HTP is a chemical compound that is naturally produced in your body as it makes serotonin, an important hormone for regulating your mood. Some doctors consider 5-HTP to be the best natural appetite suppressant. 5-HTP is also naturally produced in various plants, including the seeds of griffonia simplicifolia, a West African shrub. In addition to suppressing your appetite, there is some research that suggests that 5-HTP can also help treating headaches, insomnia, depression, and fibromyalgia.Helpful? 1 person found this helpful5-HTP is a chemical compound that is naturally produced in your body as it makes serotonin, an important hormone for regulating your mood. Some doctors consider 5-HTP to be the best natural appetite suppressant. 5-HTP is also naturally... More -
5-HTP is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Commercially available 5-HTP is obtained from the seeds of the plantGriffonia simplicifolia.
5-HTP has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions. Some research supports the use of 5-HTP in treating cerebellar ataxia, headache, depression, psychiatric disorders, and fibromyalgia, and as an appetite suppressant or weight loss agent. There is insufficient scientific evidence to support the use of 5-HTP for any other medical condition.
5-HTP may cause gastrointestinal disturbances, mood disturbances, seizure, or abnormal blood counts. Some side effects might result from contaminants in 5-HTP products.
You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
5-HTP is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Commercially available 5-HTP is obtained from the seeds of the plantGriffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP has been suggested as a treatment for many conditions. Some research supports the use of... More -
Dr. Eva Cwynar answered:5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the metabolic precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is metabolized into 5-HTP by the body. 5-HTP is, in turn, converted into the serotonin, which regulates sleep, anxiety, depression, sexual behavior, pain sensation, and appetite. 5-HTP is manufactured from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. Some antidepressant drugs, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac, are said to work by increasing the amount of serotonin available to the brain. 5-HTP, therefore, may serve for some people as a natural alternative to some prescription SSRI-type drugs.
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5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the metabolic precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is metabolized into 5-HTP by the body. 5-HTP is, in turn, converted into the serotonin, which regulates sleep,... More -
5-HTP is a compound formed during serotonin synthesis from tryptophan. Serotonin is associated switch feelings of calm and fullness. Studies using this metabolite in humans are inconclusive; some experts are concerned that any drug that elevates serotonin levels may be associated with the same kind of risks seen with prescription appetite suppressants.
The FDA has found impurities in supplements of 5-HTP. One of the impurities is similar to one found in L-tryptophan supplements that was linked to death.
5-HTP is a compound formed during serotonin synthesis from tryptophan. Serotonin is associated switch feelings of calm and fullness. Studies using this metabolite in humans are inconclusive; some experts are concerned that any drug that elevates... More
