2018's 10 Best
5-HTP SUPPLEMENTS

Do you want to increase your athletic performance as well as your overall health? If so, a 5-HTP supplement may be for you. You have undoubtedly heard of many supplements that tout amazing effects when taken in specific quantities. A number of scientific studies have been conducted on numerous enzymes and amino acids. Trying to understand all of this information can be difficult, even for those in the field. Luckily for you, this guide contains the information you need about the best 5-HTP supplements.

What is 5-HTP?

This natural amino acid goes by many names. Some refer to is as oxitriptan. Others prefer its more scientific name, 5-Hydroxytryptophan. You will mostly see it shortened to 5-HTP. The amino acid is created by your body when you eat foods that contain tryptophan. Foods like egg whites, soybeans, oats, milk, quinoa, and certain meats and cheeses all contain tryptophan in varying doses. When you eat these foods, your body breaks down the tryptophan to create 5-HTP.

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What are the Basic Benefits of 5-HTP?

There are multiple reasons to try 5-HTP as a supplement to a healthy regimen. This amino acid has been studied by scientists around the globe. The findings have been repeatedly positive in a number of areas.

HUNGER SUPPRESSION

One of the benefits most commonly associated with 5-HTP is appetite suppression. Studies have shown that 5-HTP increases the nervous system’s ability to produce serotonin levels. Serotonin slows hunger pangs. It helps you to feel full faster and less hungry more often. 5-HTP may even be used to treat obesity.

MOOD ELEVATION AND STRESS RELIEF

Serotonin is widely known as a mood stabilizing compound. Though it occurs naturally in the body, adding the best 5-HTP supplements allows more serotonin to enter the blood stream. This has been shown to be effective as an antidepressant. It can also be the ideal choice for relieving stress and anxiety.

NO MORE SLEEPLESS NIGHTS

5-HTP is also useful in helping to ease insomnia. Those who suffer from restless nights may find themselves suddenly sleeping more easily, deeply, and soundly when they start taking 5-HTP. Again, this is the body’s natural response to increased serotonin levels. A body that is able to gain more sleep is both mentally and physically healthier.

MIGRAINE PREVENTION

Scientists are not entirely sure what causes migraines. But some think that low serotonin levels may be the cause. One study involved supplementing with 5-HTP for six months. The results showed a prevention or significant reduction of migraines in 71% of the participants. Another study showed a 70% reduction in the frequency of headaches when supplementing with 5-HTP.

FIBROMYALGIA SYMPTOM RELIEF

Like migraines, scientists have not determined the cause of fibromyalgia. And like migraines, low serotonin levels are associated with the condition. More research is needed to make definitive conclusions on whether 5-HTP can help. But the early research is promising. Studies have shown a reduction of symptoms in sufferers who supplement with 5-HTP. These symptoms include muscle pain, sleep issues, anxiety and fatigue.

INCREASED ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE WITH 5-HTP

5-HTP is used by athletes all over the world to help with athletic performance. Research has shown that 5-HTP can aid with constipation, sports anxiety, and overall energy. Athletes know that a healthy gut, a good night’s sleep, and a clear mind are vital to performance. The best 5-HTP supplements help with all these issues.

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5-HTP Possible Side Effects

Possible side effects of 5-HTP may include gastrointestinal issues. Examples are stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting. Other minor side effects may include drowsiness and muscle issues. It is important to not take extremely large amounts of 5-HTP, as this may cause more serious side effects. Doses ranging between 6 and 10 grams per day have been associated with muscle spasms and more severe stomach issues.

What to Look for When Buying 5-HTP

The benefits of this natural supplement should not be overlooked by anyone who is serious about athletic performance and overall health. You may be asking yourself, now what? How do you know which are the best 5-HTP supplements and which should be avoided?

HIGH QUALITY 5-HTP SUPPLEMENTS

The best 5-HTP supplements are not necessarily the least or most expensive. And you should not just look at a price tag. After all, there is no price that you can on excellent health. Instead, make sure you are focused on high quality.

KNOW WHO MAKES THE PRODUCT

5-HTP supplements that are manufactured overseas may not have the strict guidelines offered by those manufactured in the United States. When in doubt, purchase domestic products. Another option is to do some of your own research on the manufacturer. You may find the perfect product is not from a domestic source but from a company that has a good reputation for offering excellent products.

If you buy 5-HTP supplements from unknown sources, you may be getting a diluted product. Worse, you may be taking a supplement with dangerous fillers or no 5-HTP at all.

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RESEARCH INGREDIENTS

What ingredients are in the 5-HTP supplement you have chosen? That will depend largely on how the supplement is marketed. Those supplements that focus on athletic performance may contain a multivitamin. You may see additional vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, folate, B12, or iron. Are you already taking a multivitamin with some of these ingredients? You may want to change your routine or choose a different supplement, if these are also showing up here.

Vegetarians should take special care to look at the ingredients in their 5-HTP supplement. Generally, any vitamins, minerals, or extracts are from non-animal sources. However, the pill itself may not be. Look for capsules that are made from vegetarian sources rather than gelatin.

Fillers can be a big no-no. Magnesium stearate may cause some people to become achy or develop cramps. Certain flours, like rice or corn flour, are common in supplements. This is because they aid the drug in reaching the bloodstream. However, if you are one of them any people with a corn allergy, you may find the supplement does more harm than good. Many people have adverse reactions to artificial colors. Unfortunately, there are 5-HTP supplements that use these ingredients. If you are one of those individuals who cannot stomach artificial ingredients, it is best to steer clear.

The 5-HTP itself should be in question as well. A supplement with a dosage that is too small will not give you the benefits you need. A supplement with a dosage that is too high may cause you to experience adverse side effects. About 200 mg of 5-HTP is the right dosage for adults who want to improve athletic performance. Those taking 5-HTP for stress or insomnia can get by with as little as 100 to 150 mg per day. However, the entire dosage is rarely taken at once. Most 5-HTP supplements have about 50 mg per dosage. These supplements are taken throughout the day for the best results.

KNOW WHICH ONLINE RESOURCES TO TRUST

Far too many consumers rely on random details to inform their decisions. While this might be fine with clothing or video games, it is not a good idea when deciding what to put inside your body. Do not rely on word-of-mouth. What may have worked well or poorly for one person, may not have the same results for you. That person may have used the supplement incorrectly. He or she might have combined the supplement with other pills or even alcohol.

Make sure that whatever website you use cites reputable sources. Niche magazines, blogs, and even Wikipedia are sites that can be useful. But they should be heavily relied upon. Look for information form sites that use scientific studies that are backed by universities. Reputable research institutes are also excellent sources. Places like the Mayo Clinic provide sound information. Government sources, like the FDA or the US National Library of Medicine, can be trusted as well. You can even look to sites like WebMD for solid information that is not meant to sway you in any particular direction.

TALK TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

You should always check with your physician before making any health decisions. He or she can help you to decide which dosage is best for the results you desire.

Best 5-HTP Supplements

Our top 10 list of 5-HTP supplements is organized to reflect what you most value in your supplements. First and foremost is quality. All of our top ten supplements meet high standards of quality and come from brands with a proven record in excellence and purity. Another important factor in deciding the top ten was cost. You don’t have to pay through the nose to get a high-quality 5-HTP supplement. In addition, all the companies represented on our list have stellar records with customer service and prompt shipping. This ensures that your supplement experience is enjoyable from the first click to your final dose.