5-HTP and Seratonin: Information, News, Facts and Claims

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical precursor of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, influences sleep and supports mental stability. 5-HTP is a substance made from the amino acid trytophan, which is first converted to 5-HTP in the body and then in turn the 5-HTP is converted to serotonin¹.

5-HTP Research - serotonin levels

The most recent claim to fame for 5-HTP and its effect on serotonin levels in the brain is that 5-HTP can help with depression. Advocates claim that boosting levels of 5-HTP is a natural way to ease such chronic problems as depression, insomnia and migraines. Proponents of 5-HTP supplements claim that it works by increasing serotonin in the brain².

There are some studies of 5-HTP and depression that may be worth noting:

A Japanese 5-HTP trial and the effects of 5-HTP on serotonin levels showed relative success with treating depression through 5-HTP supplements.
A Swiss study compared the antidepressant fluvoxamine with 5-HTP and found them equally effective, although both treatments produced side effects. 5-HTP most commonly caused nausea and other gastrointestinal distress.
More recently, 5-HTP is heralded in the U.S. as a natural form of Prozac that can help with insomnia and depression by elevating serotonin levels in the brain.

Although both Prozac and 5-HTP can increase levels of serotonin, 5-HTP does so in a different way. 5-HTP provides more of the natural resource needed to manufacture serotonin, whereas Prozac directly raises the levels of available serotonin³.

5-HTP Q&A at Vitacost.com

Q: What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a chemical precursor of serotonin and a substance made from the amino acid trytophan.

Q: What does 5-HTP do?

Allegedly, 5-HTP may increase serotonin levels in the brain.

Q: Is the trytophan found in 5-HTP the same as in turkey?

Yes, the amino acid trytophan found in 5-HTP is the same as in turkey.

Q: Is it true that 5-HTP can help with depression?

Because 5-HTP supplements may have an impact on serotonin levels in the brain, 5-HTP may have some impact on the symptoms of depression.

Q: Are there any studies that substantiate the claim that 5-HTP can help with depression?

Any claims that exist are not recognized by the FDA as proof of 5-HTP efficacy.

Q: Is 5-HTP similar to Prozac in the way it may elevate serotonin levels?

No. 5-HTP acts as raw material for serotonin, whereas Prozac taps into existing serotonin availability in the brain.

Q: Is 5-HTP an effective sleep aid?

Some tests indicate that 5-HTP may help serotonin regulate sleep.

Q: Does 5-HTP react adversely with other medications?

Yes. There are quite a few. Talk to your doctor first before taking a 5-HTP supplement.

Q: If I'm currently on a Prozac regimen, can I just replace the Prozac with 5-HTP since they both regulate serotonin in the brain?

Absolutely not! 5-HTP and Prozac work in different ways. Always talk to your doctor before waning off Prozac.

View our entire listing of 5-HTP products.

¹ Richard Firshein. Psychology Today. Nov-Dec 1998 v31 n6 p22¹.
² Victoria Dolby. Better Nutrition. June 1998 v60 n6 p18¹.
³ Alison Motluk. O, The Oprah Magazine. July 2005 v6 i7 p96¹.