5-HTP: A natural remedy for depression, or a step into the unknown ...

5-HTP is a controversial supplement that is currently receiving extremely mixed reviews from researchers and consumers alike. 5-htp, or 5-hydroxytryptophan to give it its full name, is an amino acid that occurs naturally in the body, and plays an important role in the production of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin serves a number of functions, but in the brain it is principally involved in mood-regulation; the higher our serotonin levels in the brain, the happier we feel.

By taking 5-HTP in supplement form, we are essentially providing more resources for the brain to manufacture serotonin, increasing our serotonin levels, and potentially alleviating bouts of depression and anxiety. And testimonials from consumers suggest that it does work, to a level as effective as St John???s Wort, and even as prescribed-antidepressants like Provac and Sertraline.

However, 5-HTP supplements have got off to a dubious start, with an early batch in 1988 causing several cases of EMS, a serious muscle condition. Although this was later discovered to simply be from one contaminated batch, the reputation of 5-HTP was tarnished, and many believe that much more research needs to be done before the supplement can be fully trusted.

Although 5-HTP supplements are primarily considered a treatment for depression and anxiety, they could have other beneficial uses as well:

1. 5-HTP also raises levels of melatonin in the brain, the neurotransmitter in the brain that encourages sleep. So it seems possible to use it as an effective sleep-aid.
2. Scientists believe that 5-HTP may help weight loss, since a lack of serotonin in the brain may trigger binge-eating that comes with a low mood.
3. 5-HTP can be used to treat fibromyalgia, by easing pain and anxiety.

5-HTP ? Reviews, Facts & Warnings

Side Effects:

Many believe that although no serious side effects appear to exist from the use of 5-HTP supplements, this may be due to a lack of research, and that more studies need to be conducted before we can be confident. Our advice is to consult your doctor before you consider taking this, or any other supplements.

We must also stress that if you are suffering from low moods or anxiety, it is extremely important to talk to a health professional, who will be able to talk you through your options for treatment, and help you feel better much quicker.

What the Press Says:

Los Angeles Times: (Click article for full size)

Mail Online: (Click article for full size)

What Studies Say:

These are a few studies into 5-HTP and its uses, although be aware that many believe more research is needed:

1. At the Milton S Hershey Medical Center, studies suggest that 5-HTP is effective as an anti-depressant, and perhaps even to the same levels as pharmaceuticals already on the market.
   http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000283
2. The following article contains the results of several studies, on the effectiveness of 5-HTP as treatment for migraines, depression, insomnia and fibromyalgia:
   http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/herbsvitaminsad/a/5HTP.htm
3. Research undertaken by Blundell seemed to show that 5-HTP could act as an appetite suppressant.
   http://www.smart-publications.com/articles/5-htp-the-natural-alternative-to-prozac-section-5
4. A study from the Psychiatrische Universitatsklinik in Switzerland showed 5-HTP as being an effective treatment for depression, on a level equal to Prozac.
   http://www.herbalhut.com/5-htp.htm

It helped my depression!

I have always struggled with anxiety and depression. I was on medication for those things for a little over a year between pregnancies and the medication helped but it also had bad side effects and if I missed a dose I got very sick. 5htp did all that medication did for me plus gave me energy without any side effects or withdrawal if I miss a dose. I love this stuff.

? 25-34 Female on Treatment for 1 to 6 months (Consumer) (http://www.webmd.com/)

It makes me a bit sleepy!

I was taking St Johns wort before someone at the health store recommended this 5-HTP for me. I take 1 in the morning and 1 in the evening. I feel that these make me a little sleepier throughout the day but nothing major. The effects: This has been somewhat amazing, I don?t feel depressed almost at all.

? 13-18 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (http://www.webmd.com/)

Challenging, but it helps my depression!

This worked WONDERS for my severe depression that I had been dealing with for the last year. Unfortunately, it also causes me to have severe constipation (I have long time slow transit colon problems and need surgery to correct it) that makes this a very challenging treatment for me to follow.

? 35-44 Female on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer) (http://www.webmd.com/)

A regular supplement for me!

If I felt the ?voice of depression? coming back, I would take a couple of Holland and Barrett?s 50 mg 5HTP capsules in the evening before bed. I slept very well, and woke refreshed, feeling much better, happy and alert.

? E2BD, 55-64 Male on Treatment for less than 1 month (Consumer) (http://www.webmd.com/)

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Source: http://www.gnet.org/5-htp-a-natural-remedy-for-depression-or-a-step-into-the-unknown/

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