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5-HTP Mood Enhancer Review – 7 Things You Should Consider

By Sasha de Beausset Aparicio, MSc

Reviewed by Rebecca Williams, MD, MA, MB, BChir

Last Updated:

Evidence Based | Overview | What's Inside? | Is it Safe? | Cost | Suggested Use | Bottom Line

Most of us have experienced multiple health consequences the external stressors could bring in our daily lives. If you are the lucky one who cannot relate this article might not be for you. Otherwise, keep reading to find out more about the 5-HTP Mood enhancer by Natrol and the ways it could enhance positivity and calmness in your life.

5-HTP Mood Enhancer is a drug-free dietary supplement manufactured by the popular company Natrol. It is a plant-derived amino acid that our body uses to produce the chemical messenger serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps our nerve cells to exchange signals with each other. A low level of serotonin is linked to depression, insomnia, anxiety, eating disorders, and weight gain. Hence increasing the production of serotonin can bring several health benefits. Keep reading to find out more about the reasons the 5-HTP supplement has become so popular.

Overview

1) Quick Overview

The active component of Natrol Mood Positive 5-HTP is a substance called 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP. This is a naturally derived component that is obtained from the seeds of a West African medicinal herb called Griffonia simplicifolia. In essence, 5-HTP is a derivative of the amino acid called Tryptophan. In humans, this substance plays a role as a chemical precursor in the secretion process of serotonin and melatonin. These are important brain neuro-transmitters with a vast array of roles and applications.

Serotonin is one of the most important neurotransmitters, with essential roles in regulating mood, balancing emotion and behavior, promoting healthy sleep patterns, and regulating appetite. Recent discoveries suggest that it may play a role in the mechanism of depression and decision-making processes. Serotonin production naturally declines with age and when experiencing an increased level of stress, causing insomnia, anxiety, and depressed mood. In addition, serotonin imbalances may appear from a hectic lifestyle and poor nutrition.

Serotonin can be converted into the hormone melatonin. Melatonin is a chemical compound that is important in regulating healthy sleeping patterns. Naturally, the level of melatonin increases at night and decreases in the morning, however stress and other health conditions could influence its natural flow. Thus, increasing serotonin production could be helpful for those suffering from insomnia and other sleep-related disorders.

What’s Inside?

2) What’s Inside 5-HTP Mood Enhancer?

The main component of a single capsule of 5-HTP Mood Enhancer is 100mg of 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) derived from Griffonia simplicifolia seed. Each capsule also contains:

  • Gelatin
  • Water
  • Rice
  • Flour
  • Magnesium stearate
  • Silica

The product is Non-GMO and free of most frequent allergens such as milk, fish, Crustacean Shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, soybeans, and wheat. No artificial colors or flavors, sugar, or preservatives are added.

3) What Does 5-HTP Mood Enhancer Do?

Several studies have established a clear connection between low levels of Serotonin and depression [1; 2]. 5-HTP is supplied to compensate for deficiencies and alleviate depression, just like Prozac or Zoloft prescription drugs aim to. The difference is that 5-HTP is of herbal origin and its spectrum of side effects and drug interactions is potentially narrower. However, more high-quality research is needed for 5-HTP to be solely recommended as a treatment for depression.

Other people who may benefit from 5-HTP are those who suffer from fibromyalgia, a neurological condition that is associated with low levels of serotonin. The research claimed that 5-HTP significantly improved clinical symptoms such as pain and sleep problems in those suffering from the condition [3].

Another possible health benefit of 5-HTP is a decline in the frequency of migraine episodes. One study demonstrated a 71% decrease in headache frequency among the participants [4], suggesting that 5-HTP supplementation could aid against migraine.

5-HTP has also shown a positive influence on those experiencing a lack of satiety and increased body weight. One study showed that participants who took 5-HTP demonstrated an increased level of fullness and were able to lose weight [5]. Another study claimed that after taking this supplement people with diabetes consumed significantly fewer calories [6]. Thus, 5-HTP can be helpful in some cases of eating disorders as well as for weight loss in obese individuals as well as for those with diabetes. Consulting with a healthcare professional beforehand would be recommended.

Is it Safe?

4) 5-HTP Mood Enhancer – Is it Safe?

5-HTP Mood Enhancer can be consumed by healthy adults over the age of 18. However, those who are taking prescription drugs, have a chronic disease, or are pregnant and lactating might need to consult with their healthcare professional before taking the supplement.

By the end of the last century contaminant named “peak X” was discovered in the multiple 5-HTP supplements, which caused an outbreak of eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) in thousands of people [7]. Therefore, make sure you are buying the supplement from a trustworthy source that ensures no contamination in the product. Rare 5-HTP Mood Enhancer side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, heartburn, and stomach pain.

Cost

5) 5-HTP Mood Enhancer Cost

5-HTP Mood Enhancer is available in bottles of 30 tablets bottles, enough for a one-month supply. However, the price may vary from one retailer to another. Keep tuned not to miss discounts and special offers when available. No money-back or return policies are offered, however inquiries directly to the manufacturer are possible. The product can be purchased directly from the manufacturer’s website and other online and offline retailers. People also have the option to subscribe to the membership and benefit from various offers.

Suggested Use

6) Suggested Use

5-HTP supplements are suggested for those who face increased levels of stress in their lives, or for those who show signs of serotonin deficiency caused by other reasons. In healthy adults 5-HTP has mostly been used in doses between 150-800mg daily. Consuming very large doses (6-10grams daily) can cause serious consequences. Speak with your healthcare provider to find out the most suitable dose based on your needs.

Bottom Line

7) Our Bottom Line

5-HTP Mood Enhancer by Natrol is a drug-free naturally derived compound of the amino-acid Tryptophan. It stimulates serotonin production and can be beneficial for people who show the symptoms of deficiency. Serotonin deficiency can result in depression, sleep-related disorders, increased weight, and some eating disorders. There is a piece of large evidence behind 5-HTP being helpful for these conditions. However, always consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you are pregnant or lactating, taking any prescribed drugs, and have a chronic disease.

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Mark Hanson

I have found this to be great for mood regulation, but I prefer the patches rather than tablets as they slow release the 5-HTP instead.

Jeff

After about 2 weeks on 5-HTP you’ll need to add L-tyrosine or DL-Phenylalanine to prevent an amino acid imbalance. Taking just 5-HTP will lower your catecholamines.