5-HTP Guide

✅ Reviewed by Jamieson's Science Team

Quick Answers

What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP, or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a compound involved in the body’s production of serotonin.¹

Where does supplemental 5-HTP come from?

5-HTP supplements may be made from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia or produced using other approved sources.¹

What is 5-HTP used for?

Health Canada recognizes 5-HTP for uses including healthy mood balance and relieving sleep disturbances associated with mood imbalance.¹

Can 5-HTP interact with medications?

Yes. 5-HTP can interact with medications and supplements that affect serotonin. Antidepressants should not be combined with 5-HTP.¹

What is 5-HTP?

5-HTP stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan, a compound the body produces as part of the pathway used to make serotonin.¹ 

Supplemental 5-HTP can come from the seeds of Griffonia simplicifolia, a common plant source in natural health products.¹ 

Unlike vitamins and minerals, 5-HTP doesn’t have a recommended daily intake. It occurs only in limited amounts in food and isn’t authorized by Health Canada as a supplemental food ingredient.² 

How does 5-HTP work in the body?

5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, meaning the body can use it to produce this neurotransmitter.¹ 

Health Canada recognizes 5-HTP for uses including healthy mood balance and relieving sleep disturbances associated with mood imbalance.¹ 

It also recognizes specific uses for fibromyalgia symptoms, migraine prevention, and weight management when combined with reduced calorie intake and increased physical activity.¹

Which health goals can 5-HTP support?

Mood Support

5-HTP is used to help promote healthy mood balance.¹

Sleep Support

5-HTP can help relieve sleep disturbances associated with mood imbalance.¹

Migraine Prevention

Under Health Canada’s conditions of use, 5-HTP may help reduce the severity and duration of migraine headaches when taken preventatively.¹

How can 5-HTP fit into your routine?

5-HTP is generally used for specific wellness needs rather than as an everyday nutrient. 

  • Mood support: It may be used when healthy mood balance is the goal.¹ 
  • Sleep concerns: It may help with sleep disturbances associated with mood imbalance.¹ 
  • Give it time: Health Canada notes some uses may require at least two weeks to see benefits.¹ 
  • Be medication-aware: 5-HTP shouldn’t be combined with antidepressants or other serotonin-affecting products without healthcare guidance.¹

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine. 

What should you look for in a 5-HTP supplement?

Start with what you need, then choose a product that fits your life. 

  • Know your goal: Check the product’s approved use, such as mood balance or sleep support.¹ 
  • Check the source: 5-HTP may come from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds or other permitted sources.¹ 
  • Check the amount: Compare the amount per serving and directions for the intended use.¹ 
  • Read the cautions: Review medication, pregnancy, health-condition, and drowsiness warnings.¹ 
  • Check other supplements: L-tryptophan, SAMe, St. John’s Wort, and other serotonin-related products may interact with 5-HTP.¹ 
  • Look for an NPN: Licensed natural health products in Canada carry an eight-digit NPN from Health Canada.³ 
  • Look for quality: Jamieson products are backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

For more than 100 years, Jamieson has combined scientific expertise with rigorous quality testing. Every product is backed by the Jamieson 360 Quality Promise. 

*It is important to consult your trusted healthcare practitioner before adding any new natural health supplement to your routine.  

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FAQs
Is 5-HTP the same as tryptophan?

No. They’re related compounds, but they aren’t the same. The body can convert the amino acid L-tryptophan into 5-HTP as part of the pathway used to produce serotonin.¹

Can you get 5-HTP from food?

5-HTP occurs naturally in foods only in limited amounts. Health Canada has not authorized 5-HTP for use as a supplemental ingredient added to foods.²

How long does 5-HTP take to work?

Health Canada recommends using 5-HTP for at least two weeks to see beneficial effects for approved uses including healthy mood balance, sleep disturbances, fibromyalgia symptoms, and migraine prevention.¹ Always follow the directions for the specific product you’re taking.

Sources
  1. Health Canada. 5-HTP Monograph. Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate.[Text Wrapping Break]https://webprod.hc-sc.gc.ca/nhpid-bdipsn/atReq?atid=5htp 

2. Health Canada. Decision on 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) as a Supplemental Ingredient in Foods.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/supplemented-foods/list-permitted-food-ingredients/information-ingredients-foods/decision-5-hydroxytryptophan.html 

3. Health Canada. About Natural Health Products.[Text Wrapping Break]https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/natural-non-prescription/regulation/about-products.html