Many different health problems, including depression and insomnia, have been linked to low levels of certain chemicals in the brain, such as serotonin. One way that many people use to treat these imbalances is by eating supplements that can be converted by the body into serotonin. One such supplement is 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which naturally occurs in the body and is converted by cells in the brain to the chemical serotonin.
In the Human Body
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which means that it is a chemical that neurons in the brain use to communicate with each other. Serotonin is made by converting the amino acid tryptophan into 5-HTP, which is then converted into serotonin. Serotonin is used by the brain both to regulate mood and the circadian rhythm, the rhythms that regulate day and night and being awake and asleep.
Commercially
The compound 5-HTP is commercially available from the seeds of the "Griffonia simplicifolia" plant. It can be used in the treatment of a condition known as post-anoxic myoclonus (also known as Lance-Adam's syndrome) which can happen after successful cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The compound can also be used to treat anxiety, depression, insomnia, fibromyalgia and certain eating disorders (such as binge eating). It may also be effective at treating headaches.
Supplementation
Levels of 5-HTP can be raised by either consuming supplements (available from many health food stores) or by consuming the amino acid tryptophan, which is then converted by the body into 5-HTP. Foods with high levels of tryptophan include seaweed, turkey, potatoes, chicken, milk, sunflower seeds, pumpkin and collard greens.
Dosing and Side Effects
The recommended dose of 5-HTP, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, is between 50 and 150 milligrams per day for adults (it should not be given to children). Side effects can include nausea, flatulence, heartburn and a feeling of fullness. Extremely high doses of 5-HTP can cause a serious condition known as serotonin storm. Serotonin storm occurs when there is too much serotonin in the body; it can cause a rapid heartbeat, shivering, dilated pupils and an extremely high fever which can be life-threatening.
