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5-HTP Mood Enhancer Review – 8 Things You Should Consider
5-HTP Mood Enhancer is a drug free dietary supplement designed to promote a state of positive mood and to assist with appetite management. The formula manufactured by the popular company Natrol is based on the benefits of the plant-derived amino-acid 5-HTP. This amino acid has been thoroughly studied and proven to help balance levels of the neurotransmitter Serotonin, which plays a key role in regulating mood and in controlling appetite. This is why the product is advertised to help maintain a balanced, positively oriented mood while also supporting their diet goals.
Natrol is a U.S based company with a market experience of more than 30 years. Natrol is dedicated to developing nutritional supplements that meet the needs of their customers, products which embody the principles of both quality and innovation. The company goes to great lengths to ensure the quality of their products, undergoing numerous quality assurance and control tests.
5-HTP Mood Enhancer should be used by healthy adults over the age of 18. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid use however. The manufacturer also warns that people who use prescription drugs, depression medicine, or medicines that aim to treat migraines, Parkinson’s, and psychiatric disorders should consult a healthcare professional prior to use.

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1) Quick Overview
5-HTP Mood Enhancer contains a substance called 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP. This is a naturally derived substance 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 in decision making processes. Serotonin production declines with age, causing insomnia, anxiety, and depressed mood.
5-HTP prevents Serotonin depletion and intervenes in various forms of depression, insomnia and other sleep problems and some anxiety forms. Results of research conducted so far have been inconclusive or insufficient, hence further investigation is needed.
2) Ingredients of 5-HTP Mood Enhancer
5-HTP Mood Enhancer contains the following ingredients: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 100 mg (from Griffonia simplicifolia Seed), gelatin, water, rice, flour, magnesium stearate, and silica.
3) Does 5-HTP Mood Enhancer Work?
5-HTP Mood Enhancer contains 5-HTP, an amino acid derived from the seeds of the plant called Griffonia simplicifolia. Due to several cases involving the 5-HTP use and a severe condition affecting muscles that were documented in 1980, there are certain safety concerns regarding the use of 5-HTP supplements.
The substance works by stimulating the secretion of Serotonin, a brain neurotransmitter which controls several neurological functions. Serotonin, like all neurotransmitters, helps nerve cells communicate and contribute to the healthy functioning of neurological functions. Mainly, it plays a significant role in mood and sleep regulation and in the mechanisms that control appetite. Serotonin imbalances may appear for various reasons, from a hectic lifestyle and poor nutrition to age-related causes.
Several studies have established a clear connection between low levels of Serotonin and depression. 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 potentially narrower.
Other people who may benefit from 5-HTP are those who suffer from fibromyalgia, a neurological condition as well. Insomnia, Premenstrual Syndrome and Obesity may also be addressed with 5-HTP supplements.
Safety concerns refer to 5-HTP supplements potentially containing a contaminant called Peak X, which may cause eosinophilia-myalgia (EMS), a severe condition. Other side effects include nausea and possibly liver damage.
There are testimonials posted online about 5-HTP Mood Enhancer, many of which report good results. More than such 100 consumer reviews can be accessed online. What is being said includes the following:
- Better sleep at night, I feel rested during the day
- It really helped with my depression
- Positive mood after using this.
4) What 5-HTP Mood Enhancer Does?
- Large number of consumer reviews
- Drug-free formula
- The manufacturer is a reputable company, a guarantee to the formula’s superior quality
- Affordable price (approximately $20 for a month’s supply)
5) Precautions of 5-HTP Mood Enhancer Use
- The benefits of 5-HTP still have to be supported by scientific evidence
- Potential drug interactions
- Not suited for pregnant and nursing women, and people under the age of 18
6) 5-HTP Mood Enhancer Cost
5-HTP Mood Enhancer is available in bottles of 30 tablets bottles, enough for a one month supply. The price may vary from one retailer to another. Price discounts and offers may also be available. There is no mentioning of any money-back guarantees or return policies, however inquiries directly with the manufacturer are possible. The product can be purchased directly from the manufacture’s website and other online and offline retailers. People have the possibility of becoming members and benefit from various offers.
7) Suggested Use
5-HTP supplements may potentially cause EMS, a disease which affects the muscles causing pain. This mainly occurs due to a contaminant known as Peak X sometimes found in Tryptophan and 5-HTP products, hence you must make sure that your supplement is pure and free of Peak X. Rare 5-HTP Mood Enhancer side effects include nausea. There are numerous consumer testimonials posted online. Consumers report satisfactory levels of effectiveness with a variety of symptoms associated to mood.
8) Our Bottom Line
5-HTP Mood Enhancer features as core ingredient the amino-acid derived 5-HTP, an ingredient which has stirred numerous controversies. Although it appears that 5-HTP stimulates serotonin production, and hence stimulates mood and suppresses appetite, the whole spectrum of side effects and interactions is not know. The fact that there were several cases of EMS, a severe muscle condition, caused by 5-HTP supplements has largely contributed to its negative image proliferation. The product itself has received numerous positive reviews, though and appears to be effective. You should however consult a healthcare provider, just to be on the safe side of things.
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Things Customers Want to Know about 5-HTP Mood Enhancer
- Recent:
5-HTP Mood Enhancer includes the following ingredients: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 100 mg (from Griffonia simplicifolia Seed), Gelatin, water, rice, flour, magnesium stearate, and silica.
5-HTP Mood Enhancer is a plant-derived source of an amino-acid that is believed to increase body’s serotonin levels. Serotonin is the chemical directly responsive for emotions, appetite, behavior, thoughts, and sleep. Low levels of this compound are related to negative feelings such as sadness, anxiety, and depression.
The only active ingredient in this formulation is 5-HTP derived from Griffonia seeds. The supplement is 100% vegetarian and, according to the company, it offers a controlled delivery system that releases the core ingredient slowly and then steadily over a period of 12 hours.
5-HTP Mood Enhancer contains no yeast, corn, egg, wheat, milk, soy, artificial colors or flavors, glutens, added sugar, preservatives or starch.
Featuring a highly controversial ingredient, 5-HTP Mood Enhancer is a dietary supplement that promises to alleviate mood disorders, depression, and insomnia and to regulate appetite. The mechanism of action is straightforward and relies on 5-HTP's ability to stimulate the production of the key neurotransmitter Serotonin. Serotonin, in turn, promotes a balanced mood and helps manage appetite. The formula has received many positive testimonials, and a large overall number of reviews can be consulted online. However, you should also ask the opinion of a specialist before using the formula, due to potential side effects and drug interactions of the core ingredient.
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.
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.