Why would you claim this? From what I have read 5-Hydroxytryptophan seem like a widely accepted supplement for issues with Serotonin and/or depression and mood. The only articles that I have found that say it might not be of use are studies that simply say that 5-HTP is better than placebo but that we can't say more yet because of lack of researches. Edit: and possible heart valves issues if you do not take it correctly

"5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), also known as oxitriptan (INN), is a naturally occurring amino acid and chemical precursor as well as a metabolic intermediate in the biosynthesis of the neurotransmitters serotonin and melatonin from tryptophan." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-Hydroxytryptophan)

"Preliminary studies indicate that 5-HTP may work as well as certain antidepressant drugs to treat people with mild-to-moderate depression. Like the class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which includes fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft), 5-HTP increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. One study compared the effects of 5-HTP to fluvoxamine (Luvox) in 63 people and found that those who were given 5-HTP did just as well as those who received Luvox. They also had fewer side effects than the Luvox group. However, these studies were too small to say for sure if 5-HTP works. More research is needed." (https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/5hydroxytry...)

etc, etc, burden of proof to you...

https://scholar.google.ca/scholar?q=5-Hydroxytryptophan&hl=e...

Admittedly my doubts are solely based on the fact that I see the 5-HTP next to the fish oil pills and other non-FDA approved supplements at the pharmacy. It fits into the profiled of what I consider "alternative medicine," and generally I agree with the idea that if alternative medicine actually worked, it would be called medicine.

You've done more research than me though. I'll defer to your judgment here.

5-HTP and omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil pills) are not "alternative medicine" supplements. They're regular medicine supplements. It's believed most people are probably deficient in omega 3, unless they eat a lot of fish.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3415362/

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17392137

In my opinion, the "alternative medicine" label shouldn't be thrown around recklessly at substances that clearly have psychoactive properties and strong theoretical or proven mechanisms of action. They may be insufficiently researched regarding their potential treatment of specific conditions, but you shouldn't throw them in the same boat as homeopathy or acupuncture or reiki.

I think 5-HTP probably isn't a suitable supplement to treat depression in the long term (risk of downregulation and cardiac issues), but it's definitely one form of treatment for many people.

I'm not an alternative medicine fanatic, but neither am I someone who thinks that Big Pharma is nothing but an evil conspiracy, but I suspect at the end of the day, these things don't get a lot of attention because there's no "miracle drug" that can be patented and sold for billions.

They fall outside the jurisdiction of the FDA (whether they should or not is debatable), but I wouldn't write any of these items off just because they are marketed as supplements.

I think the best we can say is that we don't know enough about them and their effects. Look at how often the "eat X, it's good for you"/"don't eat X, it's bad for you"/"X has no significant effect" articles we see... often where X is the same thing in different categories.

It must depend on where you live and what kind of stores sell those supplements around you.

I purchased this bottle of 5-HTP at a pharmacy in the health supplements aisle next to vitamins and other products such as melatonin. At this pharmacy chain, this aisle is as important big and prominent as any regular medecine aisle. If you ask for over the counter medecine, there are chances the pharmacist will refer you to this very aisle (melatonin for sleep, etc.)

>Why would you claim this? From what I have read 5-Hydroxytryptophan seem like a widely accepted supplement for issues with Serotonin and/or depression and mood.

The problem is lots of the core science behind brain chemistry is sort of bogus, non reproducible stuff. And a lot of it is sponsored by pharma companies who have an extra motivation for getting (and showing) only the "good" results.

5HTP definitely works. In fact the ones you get in the health food shop (in the UK), seem to have too high a dose.

I seem to get sleepy from them, (but unable to sleep), + a very buzzy mood - similar to other things that can cause too much serotonin.

It did nothing for me - no noticable effect.

Did you take it daily for 2 weeks and/or are you certain you have issues with your Serotonin? Also, did you try taking it with green tea extracts to make sure most the 5-HTP is going to your brain and not your gut?

Personally, ever since it did have an effect and improved my mood, I can't notice any effects from it.

that's an unnecessarily mean way to make a reasonable point.