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Healthy Origins 5-HTP Review

By Razvan Radu, Senior Writer, Susanne Blake, MS, RDN (expert review) Susanne Blake is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with expertise in eating disorders, food reactions, & whole foods nutrition. She has worked with children and families, with elders and retirement communities, and has provided nutrition services to detention facilities, schools and recovery programs. Her media expertise is extensive and has included live television, as well as print publications.

2 User Comments

Healthy Origins 5-HTP is a standardized extract of Griffonia simplicifolia containing more than 99% pure 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP). The supplement is manufactured by Healthy Origins which does not mention any specific ailment or benefit claims for the product However, it does mention that 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin which supports healthy mood, appetite and sleep.

Healthy origins was founded in 1996 in Pittsburgh. Its mission is to provide consumers with top quality products, developed and manufactured with strict compliance to the FDA mandated cGMP guidelines. The company offers a wide range of condition specific formulations, from those aiming to assist with joint health to immune support formulas and antioxidants.

The supplement is designed for adult use only. Special precautions include people taking MAO inhibitors, sedatives or anti-depressants SSRI’s and pregnant and nursing, who are advised to consult a healthcare practitioner before taking Healthy Origins 5-HTP.

Healthy Origins 5-HTP Ingredients

Healthy Origins 5-HTP includes the following ingredients: 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) 100 mg (Griffonia simplicifolia Seed Extract), Gelatin Capsule (Gelatin and Water), Rice Flour, and Magnesium Stearate.

Product Features

Healthy Origins 5-HTP contains the naturally occurring substance 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) extracted from the seeds of the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. 5-HTP is a derivative of the amino acid Tryptophan, a chemical precursor in the synthesis of two key brain neurotransmitters, respectively Serotonin and Melatonin. Serotonin is involved in mood, emotion and behavior, sleep and appetite regulation processes, as well as in the mechanism of depression. Many people who suffer from depression were found having low levels of serotonin hence a large number of anti-depressants work to correct Serotonin imbalances .

The most important function of Melatonin is in regulating sleep cycles and is known to possess anti-oxidant properties. Its role in aging processes is currently the topic of many tests.

5-HTP has been researched as far as its anti-depressant, mod and sleep promoting properties go. Still, results for many of these tests are inconclusive or insufficient.

One of the biggest risks associated with 5-HTP supplements is eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome or EMS, a condition which can cause severe muscle pain and may also affect the blood, skin and other organs in the body. This may be due to a contaminant known as Peak X found in tryptophan and 5-HTP supplements.

The manufacturer recommends taking 1 or 2 capsules daily. The manufacturer warns that Healthy Origins 5-HTP may cause drowsiness. Few consumer reviews are available online.

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Advantages

Free of Peak X, a contaminant believed to cause eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome or EMS;
The formula is free of sugar, salt, yeast, wheat, gluten, corn, barley, soy, fish, shellfish, nuts, tree nuts, milk products, preservatives, artificial flavors or synthetic colors;
Affordable price (roughly $17 for a 2 months’ supply).

Disadvantages

Small number of consumer reviews available online;
Research is still conducted to prove some of the formula’s benefits;
Special precautions and side effect are associated to 5-HTP.

Conclusion

Healthy Origins 5-HTP although not explicitly advertised as such, supports healthy mood, appetite and promotes a good sleep. Research on 5-HTP has revealed the chemical directly affects Serotonin and Melatonin levels, which in turn regulate mood, sleep, appetite and a number of other functions. The manufacturer claims the supplement is free of the contaminant known as Peak X which may lead to serious health complications.

However, the product received very few consumer reviews, from which we cannot draw a conclusion towards its effectiveness or ineffectiveness.

Still, it should be mentioned that 5-HTP may interact with medication for specific conditions or may affect certain categories of patients. It is the manufacturers recommendation and our own that you consult a specialist before using 5-HTP supplements such as Healthy Origins 5-HTP.

Product	Star Rating	10yrs or More Proven Product	Less Than $6 Shipping	Testimonials
HCF Quality (4.8)	(4.8)
Healthy Origins 5-HTP (2.7)	(2.7)

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Review History

(Published on: December 18, 2013 3:30 pm)

Healthy Origins 5-HTP is a dietary supplement designed to support healthy mood, appetite and sleeping patterns through a proper supply of the herbal extract 5-HTP. The formulation is offered by an experienced manufacturer called Healthy Origins. It is based on the seed extract of the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant, and is marketed to contain at least 99% pure 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP).

The supplement is briefly described by the manufacturer, but there is a lot of information about the active ingredient available on various other online sources. It seems that 5-HTP is effective in reducing symptoms of depression and in providing potent weight-loss support. Scientific data resulted from various trials was also positive for the use of 5-HTP supplements in the treatment of these conditions. The formula is available in 2 concentrations: 50 and 100 mg active substance per capsule. The suggested dose is 1-2 capsules per day.

Is Healthy Origins 5-HTP Right For You?

Healthy Origins 5-HTP is a nutritional formula based on the chemical 5-Hydroxytryptophan designed to positively influence mood, sleep, appetite and the body’s response to stress. The manufacturer of the supplement was founded in 1996 and is located in Pittsburgh. The company has been delivering a wide range of nutritional solutions ever since. Their products aim to supply the proper nutrients for the prevention and treatment of a large variety of health claims affecting immunity, bones, nervous system, blood circulation, heart, joints, etc.

The producer offers little information about their formula. This is a single active ingredient supplement based on the extract of Griffonia Simplicifolia seed extract. The chemical is a precursor to the important neurotransmitter Serotonin with a complex action in the human body. A lot of information about the active compound can be consulted by accessing different online sources. The formula is guaranteed as free of peak x contaminants (found in a particular 5-HTP based product marketed in 1989 linked to a potentially fatal disease called EMS). However, particular proposers claim that there is no conclusive evidence of a link between this contaminant, 5-HTP and any disease.

Healthy Origins 5-HTP is also designed to suit the needs of vegetarians. It is offered as a natural support for adults (with some exceptions specified by the manufacturer) who are interested in achieving and maintaining healthy levels of Serotonin, optimal psychical balance and an overall sense of well-being.

Ingredients of Healthy Origins 5-HTP

Healthy Origins 5-HTP includes the following ingredients: 5-HTP (5-Hydrodroxytryptophan), rice flour, and vegetable capsule (HPMC, water).

Effectiveness of Healthy Origins 5-HTP

The supplement is based on a standardized herbal extract of the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant advertised to contain more than 99% pure 5-HTP. This is an amino-acid important due to its ability to convert into serotonin, one of the fundamental neurotransmitters for the human health. While the natural form is the byproduct of the L-tryptophan protein, the supplemental 5-HTP comes in the form of an herbal extract. The benefits of this formulation come from the fact that supplemental 5-HTP can cross the blood-brain barrier while oral administered Serotonin doesn’t (mainly because of the large dimensions of the molecules). 5-HTP is decarboxylated into Serotonin (5-HT) with the help of proper amounts of vitamin B6. While some amounts of the resulted Serotonin remain in the peripheral parts of the body, research has demonstrated that 5-HTP is also able to provide significant amounts of serotonin to the brain. Serotonin is further used by the body to produce Melatonin, an essential hormone responsible for regulating sleeping and waking cycles.

The most important benefits of 5-HTP include powerful anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects and weight loss support (influencing appetite and reducing cravings). Side effects associated with the oral use of 5-HTP are nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and drowsiness. Pregnant or nursing women, people who are known to suffer from any condition are forbidden to use such a product. Individuals who are under particular medication (SSRI’s, MAO Inhibitors, or sedatives) should consult a physician before using the formula. Most of the supplements include doses of 50 and 100 mg of this chemical. Gradual supplementation may sometimes be recommended, without exceeding 300 mg daily.

The suggested dose for Healthy Origins 5-HTP is one capsule once or twice per day, preferably on an empty stomach. While the majority of the testimonials are positive, some consumers accuse certain side effects (headaches, nausea, and sleepiness) or in Effectiveness.

Healthy Origins 5-HTP Price

Healthy Origins 5-HTP is offered in 2 different versions (classified by the amount of active substance) and two different quantities (60 or 120 capsules). The price for a monthly supply is affordable (for both versions). The producer offers some discounts for bigger orders (that increase with the number of items ordered). Shipping for US orders exceeding $100 is free. The US shipping taxes are relatively low. For international orders shipping, charges may vary depending on the preferences of the customer. These additional taxes are disclosed only after completing the ordering form.
The manufacturer does not offer a money-back guarantee or free trial samples. Online transactions are secured with specialized software.

Does Healthy Origins 5-HTP Work?

Healthy Origins 5-HTP formula is advertised as a high purity supplement designed to offer maximum amounts of an essential brain nutrient. The formula is not itself clinically researched, but the key ingredient is the subject of such studies. The research seems to support its benefits in alleviating symptoms of stress, anxiety, depression, and helping reduce body weight. Some warnings regarding the potentially harmful side effects of 5-HTP and Tryptophan based supplements have issued a lot of controversy throughout the years. These claims have led to recommendations of taking special precautionary measures before using such supplements.

The main recommendations are in paying increased attention to the quality of the formula and the manufacturer, the presence of any contaminants, consulting available testimonials, and extensive research for fully understanding the risks. The formula is marketed as free of potentially harmful contaminants, but this claim doesn’t seem to be based on scientific lab results. Healthcare’s professional consent is highly advised before using the supplement.

Product rating (4 / 2)

2 Reviews

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Johnny T.

Healthy Origins 5-HTP is a fast-working product. When I take it before bed time, I manage to instantly fall into a deep restful sleep. If I take a capsule during the day, my cravings disappear and my mood is considerably improved. And besides a mild stomach discomfort which I got rid of by taking the supplement with food, I have experienced no other side-effect. This product is great and I will definitely buy it again!

Liam A.

I have used this formula for 2 months now and I have seen excellent results. I am now able to rest properly, and I wake up in a good mood that seems to last all day. I love it! And so fat I did not experience any side effect.

United States