supplement usually taken to tackle issues such as depression, insomnia and anxiety. This is because it works in the brain and central nervous system by increasing the production of serotonin.
The chemical serotonin is known to affect things like appetite, sleep, temperature and pain sensation. However, when combined with certain medications it could have a negative impact on the body.
Speaking to Express. co. uk, nutritional therapist and supplement formulator for City Survivor - Daisy Connor - explained more.
She said: "5-HTP is renowned for helping insomnia and anxiety or depression. "It's sold in many over-the-counter sleep remedies. READ MORE: High cholesterol: Two signs on your face that increase risk of death at a 'younger age'"However, 5-HTP is not safe to take with antidepressant medications (SSRIs) - their similar function can cause a dangerous build up of serotonin in the body (known as serotonin syndrome). "It's for this reason that we don't use 5-HTP in our sleep supplement, favouring safe and gentle magnesium and calming amino acids instead. "According to WebMD, side effects of too much serotonin in the body include:5-HTP is a chemical byproduct of L-tryptophan, which is a protein building block.
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