5HTP Helps ADHD

5-HTP is used for treating many co-existing disorders of ADHD, such as sleep disorders, depression, anxiety, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) by increasing serotonin levels.

L-5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is the immediate precursor of serotonin (5 HT), a powerful neurotransmitter in your body. It  is a chemical that exists naturally in your body.  In fact, your body makes 5-HTP naturally from tryptophan, an amino acid, from protein that you ingest. It is then converted into serotonin, which can affect memory, learning, mood sleep, appetite, temperature, sexual behavior, and pain sensation.

Low serotonin level is associated with poor memory, low mood, sugar/sweets cravings, sleep disorder, anxiety and aggression.

Benefits of 5 HTP for ADHD

80-90% of your body’s serotonin is made in your intestines. But serotonin cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. So all the serotonin that your brain needs has to be made within the brain. This is where 5-HTP comes in…

5-HTP crosses the blood-brain barrier more readily than tryptophan. And is then converted into serotonin in the brain at a faster rate than from tryptophan.

5 HTP works by increasing the production of serotonin in the brain and the central nervous system.

A study in 2011 looked at 85 children with ADHD between the age of 4–18 years, who were treated with serotonin and dopamine amino acid precursor (5 HTP and L-tyrosine) protocol. In total, 67% of participants achieved significant improvement with only amino acid precursors of serotonin and dopamine at 3 weeks, and 77% improvement at 8 weeks.

How to Supplement 5 HTP for ADHD?

5 HTP supplements should be taken with L-tyrosine, the precursor to dopamine.

When you take 5-HTP alone, you are depleting dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. The conversion to serotonin from 5-HTP, and dopamine from L-DOPA is catalyzed by the same enzyme, L-aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AAAD).

When you supplement 5 HTP without L-tyrosine, your body will use up the AAAD enzyme to make serotonin and not enough to make dopamine and other catecholamines. Overtime, you’ll have a dopamine deficiency. Therefore, it’s best to supplement 5 HTP with L-tyrosine to avoid dopamine deficiency.

The starting dose used in the study above are as follows:

For children 16 years and younger: 75mg 5 HTP and 750mg L-tyrosine twice a day

For children/adult 17 and older: 150mg 5 HTP and 1,500mg L-tyrosine twice a day.

Is 5 HTP Supplement Safe?

5-HTP is a natural substance in our body, thus, it is generally safe to use for short-term up to 12 weeks.

5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid derived from seed pods of Griffonia simplicifolia, found in West and Central Africa. 5-HTP content in extracts of this plant varies from 2 – 20.83% (from seeds obtained in Ghana).

Make sure to look for pure 5-HTP or griffonia simplicifolia extract on the label.

Look for reputable brands and manufacturers.

Avoid any additives, fillers, or binders. There have been reports of impurities and contaminants in 5-HTP supplements that cause eosinophilia myalgia syndrome (EMS), which can be deadly. It is an acute illness that causes intense muscle soreness. The condition comes from impurities in some L-tryptophan or 5HTP supplements, but not the L-tryptophan or the 5-HTP themselves. 5-HTP is found in drug stores, health food stores and online.

Avoid taking 5-HTP if you’re already taking antidepressants

Taking 5HTP along with medications (such as an SSRI or MAOI) for depression might increase serotonin too much and cause serious side effects including heart problems, shivering, and anxiety.

Some of these medications for depression include fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), amitriptyline (Elavil), clomipramine (Anafranil), imipramine (Tofranil), and others. 

If you’re taking any of these medications and/or any medications that help with moods, anxiety, and/or depression, check with your prescribing doctor to see if 5 HTP is beneficial for you before starting.

Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

Ok, there you have it…

I hope you find this information helpful. Let me know what you think and comment below. 

 

Remember ADHD does not doom your child to a life of under-achievement. You know your child is bright, full of potential, and deserves the best. In fact, many of the world’s greatest discoveries and inventions were made by people with ADHD.

 

If you’re just starting out on this natural ADHD treatment journey and still in the research phase, check out my new book Eat to Focus. Inside this book, you’ll learn why your ADHD child is always hungry, why he or she seems addicted to milk and bread, the underlying causes of ADHD, and the most effective ADHD treatment that addresses all the causes to reduce hyperactivity, impulsiveness, and anxiety while improving focus and calmness in your ADHD child. 

 

Don’t forget to download your free gift 15 Quick & Simple ADHD-Friendly Breakfast Ideas before you leave.

This post may contain affiliate links.

 

***I am including links in this post for your convenience to review the products that I recommend. There is no obligation for you to purchase any product. Some of these links may contain an affiliate link, and I may get a small commission from the sale to help off set cost to keep this blog going. You know I only recommend products that I know works and trust. If you do make a purchase from one of these links, and I earn a small commission from it, I thank you for keeping this blog alive.***

The following two tabs change content below.

Anna

Clean Eating Officer (CEO) at Malama Wellness + Hypnotherapy
I'm Anna, a passionate dietitian and hypnotherapist dedicated to helping parents of kids with ADHD unlock the transformative potential of healthy eating and holistic approaches. With years of experience in pediatric nutrition and a focus on mind-body connection, I provide personalized guidance and practical tools to support positive behavioral changes and nurture your child's well-being.
I'm Anna, a passionate dietitian and hypnotherapist dedicated to helping parents of kids with ADHD unlock the transformative potential of healthy eating and holistic approaches. With years of experience in pediatric nutrition and a focus on mind-body connection, I provide personalized guidance and practical tools to support positive behavioral changes and nurture your child's well-being.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.