Roll Call

“5-HTP?”Here!5-hydroxytryptophan

Plant

Hasn’t appeared in a scanned product yet.

As a supplement

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Roll Call does not check drug interactions or assess personal safety.

A compound made from the amino acid tryptophan and sold as a supplement, typically derived from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia; it is a precursor the body uses to make serotonin.

Why it’s used

Taken to support mood and sleep.

What the evidence says

Evidence from clinical trials is limited and often methodologically weak. Some small studies suggest possible effects on mood or sleep, but results are inconsistent and larger, well-controlled trials are lacking.

Context

Studies have generally used doses in the range of a few hundred milligrams to around a gram per day over several weeks, with considerable variation in study design and quality.

Rumors

  1. 5-HTP improves sleep, helping you fall asleep faster and sleep longer.

    Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Studied in: older adults classified as poor sleepers (mean age ~66 years).

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Nature's Best — a brand: sells UK-made vitamin and mineral supplements
      How we know who this is
      • “At Nature’s Best, we revel in the exquisite harmony between science and nature in creating our supplements.” (their page)
      • “All our supplements are made to GMP standards using the highest grade raw materials to ensure quality, safety and efficacy.” (their page)

  2. 5-HTP supplements can cause eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (EMS) because of a contaminant called 'Peak X'.

    Unresolvedhealth and safety evidence

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • HealthUnlocked — a platform — posts are by its users: health communities social network; offers research and clinical trial participation opportunities
      How we know who this is
      • “HealthUnlocked brings together supportive communities, shared experiences, and opportunities to take part in health research.” (their page)

  3. 5-HTP suppresses appetite and helps with weight loss.

    Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Studied in: overweight non-insulin dependent diabetic patients.

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

    • Bulk Nutrients — a brand: makes and sells its own supplements
      How we know who this is
      • “Bulk Nutrients is an Australian owned company on a mission to help every body feel their best – whether that means more energy for the gym, better sleep, sharper thinking, or simply staying well day to day.” (their page)
      • “That’s why we make clean, effective supplements that are affordable, trustworthy, and made to the highest standards – right here in southern Tasmania.” (their page)

  4. 5-HTP is a natural antidepressant that treats depression and low mood.

    Supports — suggestivehealth and safety evidence

    Studied in: adults with unipolar depression or dysthymia.

    Measured as an outcome.

    Who’s saying this

  5. 5-HTP can cause serotonin syndrome when taken with other medications.

    Sources unreachable — that's our end, not a finding.

    What was measured is not yet noted.

    Who’s saying this

    • BuzzRx — a retailer: prescription discount cards/coupons via partner pharmacies
      How we know who this is
      • “BuzzRx | Prescription Discounts, Coupons & Prices - BuzzRx Prescription Prices That Won't Sting DOWNLOAD APP BLOG MEDICATIONS GIVING BACK Our Mission Make a Wish ASPCA National Kidney Foundation FOOD BANKS More How It Works GET A CARD PHARMACY LOCATOR Flu Vaccines HELP Discover big savings on your prescriptions!” (their page)
      • “We partner with trusted pharmacies and manufacturers to help you save up to 80% on prescription costs.” (their page)