Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite Review – 8 Things You Should Consider

The core benefits of Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite are a healthy functioning of blood vessels in the head which may help with hypersensitivity to noise, smell and light and support for Serotonin production, a neurotransmitter which may help with weight management, prevent mood fluctuations and relieve occasional sleeplessness.

Carlson Laboratories manufactures the formula which is based on an extract of the Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, a plant rich in the naturally occurring substance 5-HTP (it may contain up to 99% pure 5-HTP). Carlson Laboratories is a company founded in 1965 which offers a variety of vitamins and minerals, fish oil, herbal supplements, amino acids and other condition-specific products.

Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite is designed for adults. Special precautions refer to pregnant and nursing women, patients on prescription antidepressants (SSRIs, MAO, inhibitors, etc) or other prescription medications.

1) Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite at a Glance

Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite is a blend of Vitamin B6 and the naturally occurring substance 5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5 HTP extracted from the Griffonia plant.

5-HTP is a derivative of the amino-acid Tryptophan, which is involved in the biosynthesis of two key neurotransmitters, particularly Melatonin and Serotonin. It is thus not uncommon to see 5-HTP promoted as effective in benefit areas that have to do with these two neurotransmitters properties. Generally, they function to regulate mood and sleep. Research on 5-HTP links it to potential benefits against a variety of mood disorders including major depression, dystimia, or bipolar disorder. A double-blind study conducted by the University of Michigan indicated that a daily dosage of 300 mg of 5-HTP in combination with an antidepressant drug may determine significant improvement in patients with bipolar disorder.5-HTP may have positive effects on sleep as well. Several studies have shown that doses of HTP can fight sleep disorders symptoms, and increase the depth of sleep and the easiness with witch patients manage to fall asleep.

Ongoing research investigates 5-HTP anxiolytic benefits, although evidence is inconclusive at this point.

5-HTP supplements may cause a condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome or EMS, which affects muscles, the blood, skin and other organs in the body. This may be caused by a contaminant known as Peak X found in 5-HTP supplements and tryptophan. Also, there are concerns that taking 5-HTP in combination with other antidepressants may excessively increase the levels of Serotonin, which may lead to Serotonin syndrome in susceptible individuals. The syndrome’s symptoms include confusion, restlessness, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, diarrhea, headache and fever.

2) What Are Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite Ingredients?

Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite includes the following ingredients: Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxyl-5-phosphate and pyridoxine HCI), 5-Hydroxytryptophan from Griffonia Seeds, Sorbitol, mannitol, Stearic acid (vegetarian), raspberry flavor, microcrystalline cellulose, silicon dioxide, Croscarmellose sodium, and Magnesium stearate (vegetarian).

3) Does Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite Work and it is Safe?

Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite contains Vitamin B6 and the naturally occurring chemical 5-HTP. 5-HTP is naturally produced by the body and used to synthesize Serotonin and Melatonin, important brain neurotransmitters. So far, research has focused on investigating the chemical’s benefits about these neurotransmitters. Low levels of Serotonin have been found in people suffering from depression and other mood disorders such as postpartum depression, or bipolar disorder. Research indicates supplementation with 5-HTP may benefit patients with these conditions. Additionally, the chemical has been associated to relieving symptoms of sleep disorders, including insomnia. There is a current debate on the 5-HTP safety as a dietary supplement; there is no recommended dosage for any condition on which it appears to have a positive effect.

Vitamin B6 is a water-soluble vitamin included in the B Vitamin Complex. P5P (Pyridoxal-5′-Phosphate), the active form of vitamin B6, has many beneficial effects, including reducing cardiovascular risk, alleviate symptoms of depression, nervousness, neuropathy, improves immune cells response, etc. P5P helps with Serotonin and GABA metabolism, hence potentially alleviating symptoms of anxiety disorders (obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder), pain perception or depression. Furthermore, it seems that P5P may help enhance long-term memory.

The manufacturer recommends taking one tablet 1 to 4 times a day. The number of reviews is rather limited; however, most of them report great results.

There are testimonials posted online about Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite. What is being said includes:

• The formula helps me with my depression and hunger sensation

• I am calmer and less frustrated

• Helps control symptoms of ADHD

• It made me nauseous

• Made me easily irritable

4) What Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite Does?

• 5-HTP has been clinically researched and proven effective
• The formula comes in the form of easy to administrate chewable tablets
• Positive consumer reviews, although in a limited number

5) Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite Warnings and Precautions

• Potential drug interactions of HTP
• Concern over contamination of 5-HTP products with Peak X
• Potential side effects in case of excessive use

6) Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite Cost

50 tablets of Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite have a list price of $35. That means 12 days of treatment at a maximum 4 tablets a day, or 50 days of treatment at a minimum dose of 1 daily tablet. The price of the formula is rather high, but similar to other formulas based on 5-HTP. Additionally, online retailers sometimes offer price discounts, making the formula available for $20 or less.

7) Suggested Use

There is a limited number of consumer reviews available on Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite. Most consumers claim this is effective, while some complain about the fact that the product made them extremely sleepy to the point where they had to stop the treatment. The manufacturer recommends taking 1 capsule 1-4 times a day.

8) Final Thoughts on Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite

5-HTP is a naturally occurring substance found in the Griffonia leaf or seed extract. Controversy exists around its safety, particularly regarding the existence of a contaminant called Peak X that may cause serious health damage. However, extensive research exists and proves its benefits in alleviating symptoms of mood disorders and sleep ailments. Carlson Healthy Mood 5-HTP Elite is advertised to support mood and healthy sleep patterns. There is a limited number of consumers reviewing the formula, which makes it difficult for us to objectively assess the formula. For cautionary reasons, we advise that you seek a physician’s support in deciding whether this is the right product for you or not.